Hearing problems can stem from a variety of causes with different parts of the ear. Our tests can help determine the cause for hearing difficulties and help to decide on the best way to address them.
Otoacoustic Emissions Test
This test measures the response of the inner ear to a sound. This test can be used to evaluate newborns and other patients who can’t respond to other hearing tests. A tiny probe is inserted into the ear canal, and then tones or clicks are produced. The echo response is recorded and measured.
Pure Tone Testing
For this test, the patient wears earphones. Sounds are played at various volumes, from low to high-pitched sounds, to one ear at a time. The patient raises one hand to indicate that he or she heard a sound on that side. The results of this test are recorded on an audiogram and show what types of sounds are difficult for the patient to hear. Often, for example, a patient can hear sounds more easily at low frequencies than at higher pitches.
Tympanometry
This is a procedure that shows whether the eardrum responds normally to sound or pressure. It can help find problems with the middle ear, such as fluid accumulation.
Speech Discrimination Testing
This test measures how well a person can understand spoken words. The audiologist plays short words at a volume the patient can easily hear, and asks the patient to repeat the word he or she heard.
Acoustic reflex measures
This test measures the response of a tiny muscle in the middle ear to sounds. The volume at which this reflex occurs, or an absence of the reflex, can help indicate the type of hearing loss.