Hearing Evaluation Specialist

What happens during a hearing evaluation?

A hearing evaluation is an office visit that's designed to evaluate symptoms of hearing loss as well as try to determine their causes and identify potential treatment options. During the evaluation, the structure of the ear will be evaluated for anatomical or structural defects that could be interfering with normal hearing. The external portion of the ear will be visually examined, and the interior portions will be evaluated using an otoscope, a special lighted instrument that looks at the structures of the middle ear and inner ear. Once the visual exam of the ear is complete, you'll have painless hearing tests to evaluate how well you hear different types of noises and different levels of loudness. Sounds are transmitted to your ears via headphones. You may also have another test that uses tiny puffs of air to measure how your eardrum reacts to pressure and to look for signs of fluid buildup behind your eardrum.

How can I tell if I need a hearing assessment?

Nearly everyone experiences some degree of hearing loss as they age, and even some younger people have some hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Any time you believe you're experiencing a loss of hearing, either in your ability to hear certain levels of sound or your ability to hear sounds clearly, you should have an exam.

What if my exam shows a problem with my hearing?

If your exam reveals a hearing problem, you'll learn about all the options that are available to help resolve the issue causing hearing loss. Some hearing loss may be due to more minor issues like earwax buildup or an undiagnosed sinus infection, but others may reflect more serious issues that require prompt attention to prevent permanent loss of hearing or to prevent hearing loss from progressing.