Audiological Evaluation of Adults
Audiological Evaluations
A comprehensive audiological evaluation may consist
of the following components:
-
Otoscopic inspection of the ear canals in order to rule out the need for
cerumen (wax) removal or further medical treatment for external or middle
ear infections.
-
Tympanometry in order to assess the mobility and pressure characteristics
of the middle ear system.
-
Acoustic reflex testing to confirm normal responses from the 8th (auditory)
and 7th (facial) cranial nerves in response to acoustic stimulation.
-
Speech reception thresholds for simple two syllable words at quiet levels.
-
Word recognition ability measures a patient's ability to understand speech
at comfortable loudness levels and determine uncomfortable levels when
needed.
-
Pure-tone air and bone conduction thresholds to determine the quietest
tones that a patient can hear and the nature of the hearing loss.
Otoacoustic Emissions
This procedure measures otoacoustic emissions-sound that is produced by
the inner ear in response to auditory stimulation. A tiny microphone
is placed in the ear canal and the sounds are analyzed by a computer. The
test can help in identifying subtle or "early" hearing loss. OAE
testing does not require any active participation and usually takes about
15 minutes. This test is an important part of the audiological test
battery for those patients with a history of tinnitus, noise-exposure,
difficulty understanding speech in noise, exposure to chemotherapy or powerful
antibioticsor those with a sudden hearing loss.
Vestibular Evaluation
The vestibular system is part of the inner ear and provides us with our
sense of balance. It can be affected by some of the same problems that
cause hearing loss. A vestibular evaluation may help confirm the cause
of the hearing loss, and can provide information about the health of the
inner ear. There are several tests that could possibly be recommended;
all of them stimulate the vestibular system in some way and measure its
responses either by skilled observation or by computer.
Medical Evaluations
Other referrals could be made based on results from these evaluations.
These might include Ear, Nose and Throat Physician or neurology. If you have questions or concerns, or would
like additional information about any of the evaluations described here,
contact us at (850) 584-3277 or email us at JDRussell@gtcom.net