Hearing tests are available for all ages at Brentwood Hearing Center. The type and extent of hearing loss can be found through these multiple tests, along with any other associated conditions. Advanced equipment and recognition techniques are used to keep the tests painless. Most hearing tests remain some of the most non-invasive appointments in the audiology field.
Diagnostic hearing evaluation
A diagnostic hearing evaluation will determine if hearing loss is a real concern. Once the information is gathered, the type and severity of hearing loss are recorded. Treatment recommendations depend on the results of diagnostic hearing evaluations, so accuracy is important.
Live speech mapping
During a hearing aid fitting, accuracy is needed to sync the device with patients. Inaccurate results led to subpar hearing device operation, and eventually another trip to the doctor. Live speech mapping is an advanced new way of syncing hearing aids. During the fitting, audiologists can now see what the patient is hearing on a screen in real time.
Industrial hearing screenings
Industrial hearing screenings point out the long-term effects of hazardous noise exposure. When working in environments where the sound level is above the maximum, there is a good chance that hearing will be affected. Hearing loss caused by workplace noise is fully preventable with the right tools and worker mindset. Even if hearing loss is present, it is never too late to get screened with OSHA-backed procedures.
Newborn hearing screenings
Hearing screenings for newborns are required to rule out any degree of hearing loss. Without these screenings, there is no way to detect developmental defects later on in life. Risk factors are low if hearing problems are detected early. The methods used for treatment follow the early intervention program created for helping newborns. This AAP-approved program is safe and highly recommended.
Hearing evaluations for children
Children receive evaluations similar to adults, but catered to their current development. Undiagnosed hearing loss in children can vastly affect their cognitive development and even lead to social or emotional problems. Past medical history is used when looking at the outer, middle and inner ear.
OAEs
Otoacoustic emissions are sounds that come from the cochlea. They are used as the basic building blocks for the Otoacoustic emissions test. OAEs remains an important test to detect hearing loss on newborn babies. The test is not painful and does not require infants to be awake during the process. The four types of sounds checked during testing are spontaneous acoustic emissions, transient otoacoustic emissions, distortion product otoacoustic emissions and sustained frequency otoacoustic emissions.
Audiometry
Before an audiometry test, patients will be required to fill out a short questionnaire. This non-invasive test measures a patient’s ability to hear frequencies, pitches and sounds. By pushing specific sounds to the ear, doctors can stimulate the inner ear nerves. A combination of dB and hertz is used to test the intensity and tone of sound.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is important to the diagnostic hearing valuation. It gives audiologists a full visual of how the tympanic membrane reacts to air pressure in the ear canal. A flexible probe is placed in the ear to send the air pressure for testing. The results are shown in real time to help with deciding on a treatment plan.