Audiologic testing is just another term for a hearing test. This is a type of exam is performed by an audiologist, often in conjunction with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) evaluation. Hearing loss can be caused by many different things, and audiologic testing in Lancaster, PA is a key step in diagnosing and resolving the problem.
The ear is composed of three major parts: the outer ear, which includes the visible ear, the ear canal, and the ear drum; the middle ear, which is an air-filled compartment; and the inner ear, where the cochlea and the vestibular system are located. Hearing loss could be caused by a problem anywhere in the ear. The following are some common causes.
* Conductive hearing loss results from a problem in the ear canal or middle ear that prevents sound from reaching the inner ear.
* A buildup of fluid in the middle ear is a common cause of hearing loss in children.
* People of all ages can have hearing problems due to excessive ear wax in the canal.
* A ruptured ear-drum and damage to the cochlea, or hearing-nerve, can also result in the significant hearing loss.
Audiologic testing in Lancaster PA can involve different methods depending on the patient’s circumstances. In particular, infants, young children, and adults are tested differently.
* Infants, for example, can’t communicate to the doctor about their hearing perception, so audiologists may use an otoacoustic emissions test. This involves sending a sound into the ear and measuring the sounds, or otoacoustic emissions, made by the cochlear in response.
* Young children are tested with visual recognition methods. When they turn their head to the location of a sound played on a speaker, they are rewarded with some feedback, like flashing lights.
* For older children and adults, the preferred testing method is called pure tone audiometry. The patient listens to and responds to tones played through headphones that vary in volume and pitch. The audiologist controls the volume or pitch of the tone to find the point where it is no longer audible to the patient.
If you are having trouble with your hearing, don’t hesitate to contact a Lancaster ENT. You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for a hearing evaluation, but if you have a buildup of ear wax, your ENT will most likely remove it before starting the test.
