Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic Services

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Complete Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations - Audiometric tests obtained in a sound-treated booth to determine the nature and extent of hearing loss.

Puretone Air Conduction - For this test procedure the patient is asked to listen to a series of very soft beeps while wearing headphones. The test is done in a sound-treated booth. The patient is instructed to respond either by pushing a button, raising a hand, saying yes, or by nodding the head when the beep is heard. This test evaluates how well the parts of the ear work together to hear.

Bone Conduction Testing - This is another test of tones, performed similarly to air conduction testing, except that a different type of headphone is used. It is placed behind the ear on the mastoid bone. This evaluates how the inner ear and hearing nerve are functioning.

Speech Reception Threshold - The Speech Reception test consists of a series of two-syllable words, called spondees, which are given to the patient under headphones. The words are typically given at very soft levels, and the patient is asked to repeat the words. This test confirms the accuracy of the pure tone air conduction test.

Speech recognition testing involves a series of one - syllable words that are given at a reasonably comfortable listening level. The patient is again asked to repeat the words. This test allows us to determine how well a person can distinguish words.

Tympanometry - This is a test of eardrum movement. A small rubber tip is placed into the ear canal in an airtight seal, and the pressure is varied. It is painless and very fast. This test can help determine if there is fluid behind the eardrum or middle ear space.

Stapedial Reflex - This is a very small muscle in the middle ear space that contracts in response to loud sound. It is the ears own natural way of protecting itself when exposed to loud sounds. This test measures that contraction. A loud beep is administered through a headphone or through the rubber tip that is used for tympanometry, and the presence or absence of a response is recorded. This test is also quick and painless, and the sounds used are not loud enough to cause hearing damage. It is usually performed in conjunction with tympanometry. This test can tell us if a person is hyperactive to sound, and can help to determine the type and severity of a hearing loss.

Acoustic Reflex Decay - This tests how long the stapedial reflex can be sustained. The tone is presented for 10 seconds, and the muscle response is recorded. This test also gives helpful information on the location of hearing problems.
*Not everyone needs Stapedial Reflex testing and Acoustic Reflex Decay testing. The decision to perform these tests is based on the patients medical and hearing history, and upon physician recommendations.

Play Audiometry - is a way to test young children’s hearing. We use a variety of games and tasks associated with tones or speech to obtain information about hearing.

Eustachian Tube Function Testing - The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. The Eustachian tube normally allows air to circulate through the middle ear, and allows mucus to drain from the middle ear in to the throat. When the Eustachian Tube is not working correctly the patient may experience symptoms of fullness or pressure in their ears, difficulty popping ears, intermittent sharp ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and dysequilibrium. This test evaluates how well the Eustachian tube opens and closes while the patient swallows and pressure is gently varied in the ear canal.

Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Screening - using a sensitive microphone placed in the ear, echoes produced by the tiny nerve endings in the inner ear are measured. This test is used to determine outer hair cell function in the inner ear. Audiologists can also use this test with infants and difficult to test children, such as those with special needs who would not be able to respond reliably to normal hearing test procedures.

Sound Field Testing - This is performed through speakers and consists of tones and speech tests. This would be used with individuals unable to tolerate headphones, very young children, and to test hearing aid performance.