Audiology
It’s hard to know who to turn to if you start noticing changes in your hearing. An audiologist is a licensed professional who is extensively trained to recognize and address problems with hearing and balance. An audiologist may help with safe removal of earwax, diagnosis of hearing loss, and selection and fitting of hearing aids. They can also help with balance problems, like dizziness. Balance is related to the vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear and can be linked to your hearing. When you see an audiologist, they can test your hearing range and show you the exact frequencies and volumes that you may have difficulties picking up. This can help you visualize your own range, and see if you could benefit from a hearing aid.
If you have concerns related to your hearing, an audiologist can help provide guidance and solutions for your hearing health needs. Remember, you have nothing to lose by having your hearing checked!
Audiogram
An audiogram is a graph that displays a person’s hearing abilities. This graph is generated by conducting a hearing test which measures the softest sound a person can hear to volume and frequency. Volume, or loudness, is measured along the vertical axis; with the softest sounds at the top and the loudest sounds near the bottom. Frequency, also known as tone or pitch, is illustrated horizontally with lower frequencies on the left and higher frequencies on the right.
During a hearing test, a variety of tones are played that represent everyday sounds. As an example, for the left side of the graph, the sound of a dripping faucet tests a soft, low frequency, while the sound of a barking dog tests a loud, low frequency. Moving to the right side of the graph, a motorcycle may represent a loud, high frequency sound, while chirping birds are an example of a soft, high frequency sound. Conversation sounds such as vowels and consonants are also represented on the graph. As you can see, most vowel sounds have lower frequencies and louder volumes than most consonants. A hearing specialist will record the results of your test on the audiogram. A blue X is used to mark the hearing level for your left ear and a red O is used to denote the hearing ability of your right ear. The closer the marks are to the top of the graph, the softer the sounds that can be heard.
Once your hearing test is complete, a hearing specialist will review the audiogram along with any other tests that were performed to determine the quality of your hearing.
What to Expect in a Hearing Test
If you are experiencing signs of hearing loss, getting a hearing evaluation is a discreet and easy step to a safer, fuller life.
First, your doctor or audiologist will determine whether your hearing difficulty is being caused by a blockage in your ears or other medical issue. If no blockages or other conditions are found, you’ll undergo a hearing evaluation.
During the appointment, your audiologist will ask some questions about your symptoms and perform a series of non-invasive tests. In one of these called an audiometry test, different pitches and volumes play into each ear through headphones, and you will be instructed to respond when you hear a sound. This will help determine the highest and lowest pitches and loudest and softest volumes that you can hear in each ear, which will be charted on an audiogram. Your audiologist will also ask you to perform a speech test, where you will be asked to repeat certain words you hear under different conditions. This test analyzes the way your brain processes speech at varying volumes and environmental conditions. Using the information from these tests, your audiologist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you—the most common of which is hearing aids. If hearing aids are prescribed to you, it is crucial that you return for the fitting so that they are customized to fit you and your hearing needs.
Don’t miss another word. Take the first step and schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation today!