hearing assessment

Hearing Assessment

Hearing is a complex process and to assess it comprehensively, our audiologists use a sequence of tests to diagnose any possible hearing problems and to help determine effective treatments.

What tests will be performed?

All assessments begin with a comprehensive history taking. This ensures our audiologists to gain a full medical picture of your hearing health. This also helps to establish a timeline so all concerns are met and you are directed to the correct treatment pathway.

During a standard hearing assessment, the following tests are performed to ensure the appropriate treatment will be delivered:

Otoscopy

Otoscopic examination is performed:

• To examine the external auditory canal for any abnormalities and blockages due to the presence of a foreign object or wax build-up
• To evaluate the middle ear through the eardrum for any signs of rupture, puncture, and infection

Pure Tone Audiometry

Pure tone audiometry, commonly referred to as “hearing test”, is used to identify hearing threshold levels of an individual in order to determine the degree, type, and configuration of a hearing loss.

For this test, you will listen to a range of beeps and whistles and indicate when you can hear them. The loudness of each tone is reduced until you can just hear the tone. The softest sounds you can hear are your hearing thresholds.

Tympanometry

This is an automatic examination which is used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane). This helps to identify any possible middle-ear issues. It is helpful in detecting middle ear effusion, Eustachian tube dysfunction, tympanic membrane perforation, disruption of the ossicles, and otosclerosis.