Hearing diagnostics: How is the examination carried out?, common mistakes and how to prepare
Hearing loss is a common problem, which can develop gradually and remain undetected for years. That is why hearing diagnostics is an important procedure, helping to identify changes in time and prevent serious consequences.
Modern research methods make it possible to accurately determine the condition of the hearing aid., choose treatment or hearing aid.
A hearing examination is usually performed by an audiologist or otolaryngologist in a specially equipped office.. The procedure consists of several stages:
- Ear review (otoscopy). Doctor checking ear canal, tympanic membrane, presence of sulfur plug, inflammation or anatomical features.
- Audiometry. Basic method of hearing assessment, carried out using an audiometer. The patient wearing headphones hears sounds of different volumes and frequencies and signals, when he perceives them.
- Impedance measurement (tympanometry). Study of the mobility of the eardrum and the condition of the middle ear.
- Speech audiometry. Checks, How clearly does he understand words at different volume levels?.
- Objective methods (for children or patients, who cannot actively participate): otoacoustic emissions (United Arab Emirates) or audiological evoked potentials.
- The results are presented in the form of an audiogram - graph, showing, what frequencies are perceived normally, and what reductions. Professional hearing diagnostics are carried out at the Simerex Hearing Center.
Typical mistakes when diagnosing hearing
Even with modern equipment, errors can occur due to improper preparation or execution of the procedure.. The most common ones:
- external noise in the room - affects the accuracy of measurements
- presence of wax plug or inflammation, temporarily reducing hearing
- Patient fatigue or distraction during the test
- incorrectly selected headphones or incorrect equipment settings
- self-administered online tests, which cannot replace professional diagnostics.
To avoid such errors, You should contact only qualified specialists and undergo research in a soundproof room using certified equipment.
To ensure the results are as accurate as possible, Avoid loud noises the day before the test and do not use headphones. Clean your ear canals, but without using cotton swabs it’s better, if the doctor does it.
Do not take ototoxic drugs (if a doctor is not appointed). Rest before the procedure, as fatigue or stress can affect the perception of sound.
