Hearing Assessment & Diagnosis

Hearing plays a crucial role in communication, relationships, and overall well-being. If you are experiencing difficulty in hearing, getting a hearing assessment and diagnosis is essential to identify the problem and find the right solution.

What is a Hearing Assessment?

A hearing assessment is a detailed evaluation of your ability to hear different sounds, tones, and speech. It is a painless, non-invasive procedure performed by an audiologist to determine the type and severity of hearing loss. This test helps diagnose underlying conditions such as sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

When Should You Get a Hearing Test?

Hearing issues often develop gradually, making them difficult to notice. You should consider a hearing test if you:

• Struggle to hear conversations clearly, especially in noisy environments
• Frequently ask people to repeat themselves
• Experience ringing, buzzing, or other unusual sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
• Feel like sounds are muffled or distant
• Have difficulty hearing phone calls or television at normal volumes
• Experience dizziness or balance issues related to ear health

Early diagnosis can prevent further hearing deterioration and improve daily interactions.

Types of Hearing Tests

A comprehensive hearing assessment includes several diagnostic tests:

• Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) – Measures the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies.
• Speech Audiometry – Evaluates speech recognition and understanding in various listening conditions.
• Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflexes) – Assesses middle ear function, fluid buildup, and eardrum mobility.
• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) – Tests the inner ear (cochlea) response to sound, commonly used for newborn hearing screenings.
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR/BERA) – Evaluates neural pathways from the ear to the brain, often used for infants and neurological conditions.