A number of tests are available to determine the degree of Hearing Loss Baltimore a patient may be experiencing. These tests measure the patient’s ability to hear varying sounds in a number of situations as well as the function of the bones within the ear and the amount of pressure being placed on the tympanic membrane.
One common evaluation is the audiometer hearing test. During this test, the patient is placed in a soundproof booth wearing a set of headphones or small foam inserts resembling ear buds. The audiometer produces sounds of differing volumes and frequencies, alternating between the right and left ears. The person being tested is instructed to raise a hand or press a button each time a sound is heard while the audiologist plots this feedback on a graph. After the test is completed, the audiologist is able to determine if the patient is experiencing any hearing loss.
Another frequently used test is the Hearing In Noise Test, or HINT. This test measures the patient’s ability to hear sounds through varying levels of background noise. The patient hears sentences spoken during complete silence, sentences through noise directly in front of him and sentences presented to the right and left of him. Test results are based on the volume at which the sentences need to be heard to enable the patient to repeat at least half of them correctly.
Internal tests for Hearing Loss Baltimore are also performed. With a tympanogram, a probe is placed within the ear that produces varying pressure within the ear canal. This test helps the audiologist determine if the the tiny bones inside the ear and the ear drum are responding accurately and if the ear drum may have been punctured. A tympanogram also measures the amount of excess fluid that may be present.
Small probes are also utilized to confirm if the stapedius muscle is providing accurate protection against loud noises. Called an acoustic reflex test, the probe produces loud tones and measures the response of stapedius muscle. If the muscle produces little or no response to the tones, this could be an indication of damage.
The results of each Hearing Test are combined to determine if the patient would benefit from the use of a hearing aid. If so, the hearing aid will be designed to address each patient’s specific hearing issues.
