Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
If you have noticed changes in your hearing or if a family member or friend has noticed that you aren’t hearing well, take the time to have an evaluation at Ken-Ton Hearing. Our office is equipped with three state-of-the-art suites using the latest technology for evaluating your hearing abilities.
At Ken-Ton Hearing, one of our four licensed Audiologists begin your visit with a thorough patient interview. We will discuss your concerns and any medical history relating to your hearing problem. The information collected is a helpful tool to determine possible causes of your hearing loss and to understand the socio-emotional impact of your hearing difficulties.
Upon collecting this information, our Doctor of Audiology will begin a comprehensive hearing evaluation to determine if a hearing loss exists, its type and its severity.
- Video otoscopic evaluation. An easy and comfortable examination, the screening process involves insertion of a small camera into the ear canal. A real-time video will be displayed on a monitor, allowing your audiologist to complete a detailed inspection of the ear canal and ear drum. Physical abnormalities such as wax, infection or foreign bodies are easily identifiable as a possible contributing factor to your symptoms of hearing loss.
- Immittance test: A probe in the ear canal records movement of the eardrum and reflexes of the middle ear muscles.
- Audiologic evaluation. Consists of the following examinations in a soundproof booth:
- Pure-tone audiometry: Audiologist will insert earbuds into the ear canals that are connected to an audiometer. The audiometer transmits a series of tones at a variety of volumes into your ears to determine the softest levels at which you can begin to hear the sounds. When you hear a sound, you will be asked to raise your hand.
- Speech discrimination test: This determines how well you can distinguish words at a certain loudness level. The audiologist will ask you to listen to a series of one and two syllable words at different volumes and then ask you to repeat them. This will determine the level at which you can detect and understand speech.
- Speech in Noise Testing: This test will determine how well you understand conversations in a noisy environment.
The results of your tests will be recorded on a form called an audiogram, which the Audiologist will review with you. The audiogram reflects your hearing loss in frequencies and decibels. You will be shown the type, pattern and degree of hearing loss. Your Audiologist will then relate these results to your concerns about your hearing and make any necessary referrals and/or recommendations.