A diagnostic hearing evaluation is the first step in determining your hearing ability. The purpose of this test is to assess the amount of hearing loss and its location along the hearing pathway.

Bringing a family member or friend to the evaluation a vital part of the evaluation.

We want to bridge communication and support.

  • Hearing evaluation consists of a variety of tests to determine the unique aspects of your hearing loss, as well as the level at which you can detect and understand speech.

    This evaluation can be conducted on people of any age, from newborn infants to seniors.

  • Bringing a family member with you to the evaluation appointment is recommended. Most audiologists agree that hearing loss is a family issue.

    It helps to have support at the appointment to help you understand the information and recommendations.

  • Obtaining a baseline hearing evaluation should be considered a necessary part of your overall health screening once you reach 50.

    Early detection will thus improve your chance of successful treatment.

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation include the following tests:

Pure-tone Air and Bone Conduction Testing – Pure-tone air conduction testing determines the quietest tones that a person can hear at different frequencies. Bone conduction testing is similar to pure-tone air conduction testing. The results help the audiologist determine if the hearing loss is originates from the outer/middle ear or from the inner ear.

Speech Testing – Speech testing is used to measure your speech reception and word recognition abilities. During this test, you are asked to repeat words and phrases delivered at normal conversational levels. Testing may be performed in quiet or noisy backgrounds.

Speech-in-Noise Test - Provides insight on how well one can understand speech in the presence of background noise. This information is valuable for programming and adjusting advanced hearing aid features. The Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT) test uses modulated noise signals to determine how much of a “contrast” a client needs to hear the difference between sounds.

Tympanometry Testing– A technique that measures immittance of the middle ear at various levels of air pressure; helpful in the diagnosis of middle ear effusion, Eustachian tube function and otitis media.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing – A probe containing a microphone and speaker is inserted into the ear canal and sound is generated. This stimulates the cochlea and causes tiny hair cells to vibrate in response, producing their own faint sound known as an otoacoustic emission. When hearing loss exceeds 25-30 decibels (dB), no sound will be produced. OAE testing is commonly used in newborn hearing screening.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing – Small electrodes are attached to your head, scalp and earlobes and you are given headphones to wear. A series of clicking noises is sent through the headphones and the electrodes measure your brainwave activity in response to these sounds. It is a reliable indicator of sensorineural hearing loss and is often used in newborn hearing screening programs.