A patient receives an Audiometry Exam from a House Ear Clinic Hearing Professional

Sounds vary according to their intensity (volume or loudness) and their tone (the speed of sound wave vibrations). A hearing evaluation uses various methods to test the ability to hear sounds. A hearing evaluation (also called an audiology exam, hearing test or hearing exam) is performed by one of House Ear Clinic's specially trained hearing care professionals. An initial hearing screening may take about 5 to 10 minutes. Detailed hearing evaluations take about an hour to complete and are simple and painless.

INITIAL SCREENING

The first steps in a hearing evaluation are collectively called the "initial screening" and are used to estimate the need for a detailed hearing evaluation. Specific initial screening procedures may vary, but they generally involve blocking one ear at a time and checking for the ability to hear whispers, then spoken words or the sound of a ticking watch.

DETAILED HEARING EVALUATION

A detailed hearing evaluation may involve the use of many specialized instruments designed to verify how effectively each of your ears process different types of sounds.

Tuning Fork
A tuning fork may be tapped and held in the air on each side of the head to test the ability to hear by air conduction. It is tapped and placed against the mastoid bone behind each ear to test bone conduction.

Audiometer/Audiogram
Audiometry provides a more precise measurement of hearing. Air conduction is tested by having you wear earphones attached to the audiometer. Pure tones of controlled intensity are delivered to one ear at a time. You are asked to raise a hand, press a button, or otherwise indicate when you hear a sound. The minimum intensity (volume) required to hear each tone is graphed, and the results are called an audiogram. An attachment called a bone oscillator is placed against the bone behind each ear (mastoid bone) to test bone conduction.

To ensure that the only sounds you hear during an audiometry exam are the ones produced by the audiometer, the exam takes place with the patient sitting in a comfortable, sound-proof room (often called a "sound booth") that is similar to those used by radio and television stations. The hearing care professional will sit on the outside of the sound booth and be visible to you via a large window. You will communicate with your hearing care professional by the use of headphones and speakers.

Tympanometer
Tympanometry is a test used to detect disorders of the middle air. Air pressure in the ear canal is varied to test the condition and mobility (movement) of the ear drum (tympanic membrane). This test determines the functionality of the tympanic membrane by observing its response to waves of pressure and by measuring the pressure of the middle ear.

Initially, your health care provider will examine your ear canal with an otoscope to ensure there is a clear path to your ear drum. Then, a device is inserted in your ear that will change the pressure in your ear, produce a pure tone and measure your body's responses to the sound and different pressures.

There may be some discomfort while the probe is in the ear--some patients remark that it feels a bit awkward-- but no harm will result. You will hear a loud tone as the measurements are taken.

If your hearing evaluation reveals that you may benefit from the use of hearing aids, your House Ear Clinic hearing care professional will provide you with a no-obligation hearing aid consultation.

HEARING AID CONSULTATION

The selection of the proper hearing aid for you involves consideration of many factors, some of which include:

• degree and type of hearing loss
  
• shape of the ear canal
  
• manual dexterity
  
• cosmetic concerns
  
• lifestyle (activities you participate in and their physical environments)
  
• telephone use
  
• listening environments (theaters or music halls, large family gatherings)
  
• the tendency for skin or moisture problems in the ear canal

The purpose of the hearing aid consultation is to determine your potential to benefit from using hearing aids and to determine which style or design will best meet your needs. Your consultation is performed by a licensed hearing care professional and takes about one hour. In addition to evaluating your hearing, your hearing care professional will help you understand hearing devices and what is needed for optimal hearing results. The hearing care professional may also explain and demonstrate Assistive Listening Devices (discussed in another section) that can benefit your hearing experience.

After the consultation is complete, a detailed prescription for hearing aids may be made—it is possible you may not need hearing aids at all! If you decide to purchase hearing aids, it is common to expect at least two or more visits for fitting, follow-up measurements, counseling and possible design changes as determined by your hearing care professional. If you live a great distance from the clinic and cannot easily return, we will give you a prescription after the consultation so that you may take it to a reputable dispenser in your area.