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Middle ear analysisAudiologists are primary health care providers who diagnose, treat and manage people with hearing loss, tinnitus (noises in the ears) and balance problems. To diagnose these problems, audiologists perform hearing evaluations.
Prior to any evaluation the patient completes a case history form. The audiologist will review and discuss the information with the patient.
A hearing evaluation is done in a sound-treated booth designed to eliminate everyday sounds. The audiologist tests the patient's ability to hear tones and speech clearly. The condition of the eardrum and middle ear are then evaluated for abnormalities such as an eardrum perforation or fluid build-up behind the eardrum. The audiologist may use special diagnostic equipment to analyze the function of the delicate hair cells of the inner ear.
Infants and children under the age of three or four require different methods of testing. Specific behavioral responses are measured with filtered noise and warbled tones presented through speakers. Eardrum, middle ear and inner ear hair cell function are also assessed.
It usually takes 30 minutes to administer the hearing tests and to discuss the results and recommendations. -
VideonystagmographyWhen a patient is seen for noises in the ears (tinnitus) or balance problems the audiologist will administer special diagnostic tests. These tests can take up to 90 minutes or more.
The tests for tinnitus analyze the nature of the noise disturbance and measure the hearing sensitivity of extremely high frequency tones. The information is used to recommend the course of treatment.
Vestibular or balance evaluations help to determine the cause of a patient's dizziness or balance problem. The audiologist will measure involuntary patterns of eye movements, using video imaging technology and hi-tech video goggles with infrared cameras, as the patient looks or lies in different positions. The diagnostic information is used by an otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist, to recommend appropriate treatment. -
Discussing treatment optionsAbout 90 percent of patients with hearing loss cannot be treated with medication or surgery. These patients are counseled about their options to improve their hearing with hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
The audiologist will fit the patient with hearing aids, then see them several times for adjustments and help them learn how to hear again. The audiologist may implement an auditory training program to improve the patient's listening skills with the hearing aids.
When patients are seen for tinnitus treatment, the audiologist will determine the most effective treatment program. This may involve cognitive behavior therapy, tinnitus maskers, hearing aids or other tinnitus therapy programs. -
Hearing aid modelsAudiologists who provide hearing aid services will spend time during the day to see patients for adjustments, counseling, repairs and professional maintenance and cleaning. New hearing aids need to be checked and programmed. Factory repaired hearing aids will be analyzed to make sure the repairs were done satisfactorily. -
As it is in any health profession, audiologists must document all of the information and recommendations for each office visit. Letters and reports are written to the referring physician. Phone calls are made and messages returned.
