Otoacoustic Emissions and Loss of Hearing

In previous articles we have gone over the importance of having your newborn tested for hearing loss. This is because hearing health conditions affect the early development of speech and language in children. One of the tests recommended for early detection in a newborn child is the Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) test.

According to the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Otoacoustic emissions are sounds given off by the inner ear when sound reaches the cochlea. As ASHA expains “The sound can be measured with a small probe inserted into the ear canal. People with normal hearing produce emissions. Those with hearing loss greater than 25–30 decibels (dB) do not produce these very soft sounds.”

If you would like to learn more about the differing hearing tests available to help in the early detection of loss of hearing, contact your local Miami Hearing Center. An audiologist will be able to guide you in choosing the right hearing test, as well as help in the treatment of the condition.

Auditory Brainstem Response Hearing Health Test

There are a variety of hearing tests available that help in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing health. This article will go over the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test. This type of testing is done on children as well as newborns to identify loss of hearing.

After a visit to the audiologist, the professional determines if signs shown for hearing loss may or may not be connected to the brain. If there is suspicion an ABR test is performed. As the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) explains “The auditory brainstem response (ABR) test gives information about the inner ear (cochlea) and brain pathways for hearing.” The ABR records brain wave activity when a person is exposed to sound. The results are analyzed to determine hearing damage.

If you would like to learn more about the Auditory Brainstem Response hearing test, as well as information regarding hearing loss, contact your local New Generation Miami Hearing Center. An audiologist will diagnose and treat your hearing health condition.

Middle-Ear Hearing Tests

There are many types of hearing tests performed to identify a variety of hearing health conditions. There are those which are used to test the health of the middle ear.In this article we will go over hearing tests, providing information about how the middle ear functions. As the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) explains, these types of tests must be done in children between the ages of 3-5, as early detection helps prevent delays in speech development.

Some of these tests include: Tympanometry, which assists in detecting fluids in the middle ear, any type of perforation of the eardrum, as well as, wax that might be blocking the ear canal. Acoustic reflex measures aids in finding the location of the hearing problem. Lastly as ASHA states “Static acoustic impedance is useful in identifying a perforated eardrum or checking the openness of ventilation tubes.”

For more information about the different middle-ear hearing tests available visit your local Miami Hearing Center. An audiologist will not only give the proper diagnosis but also prescribe the best hearing aid, to improve your or your child’s quality of life.

Pure-Tone Hearing Helath Test

One of the first steps to take when noticing signs of hearing loss, is having your hearing health tested. This is because it allows for patients to receive the appropriate treatment, and be prescribed the most suitable hearing aid. In this article we will talk about Pure-Tone Hearing Test.

The American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states“A pure-tone air conduction hearing test determines the faintest tones a person can hear at selected pitches (frequencies), from low to high. During this test, earphones are worn so that information can be obtained for each ear.”

If a child being tested refuses to wear earphones, speakers are used inside a sound booth, known as “sound-field screening” to conduct the test. The results, which are recorded in an audiogram, may not be as accurate, since this type of test is not able to analyze information from each ear.

For more information about the different types of hearing tests available, to help diagnose loss of hearing, contact your local Miami Hearing Center. An audiologist such as Dr. Joseph Duran will help in the treatment and diagnosis of your hearing.

Information Gathered During A Visit To An Audiologist

There are many signs that indicate a person may suffer from loss of hearing. The signs include: having to raise the volume of your television, being asked to lower your voice, asking someone to repeat what they have said etc. It is important to pay attention to these signs and seek help to begin treatment as soon as possible.

It is important to visit an audiologist if you believe you or someone you know may suffer from hearing loss. The American-Speech-Language –Hearing Association (ASHA), goes over some questions asked by the expert, to help determine yours or your child’s hearing background.

The questions include:

· Have you noticed any pain in your ears or any discharge from your ears?

· Do you experience dizziness?

· Is there a family history of hearing loss?

· Do you have greater difficulty hearing women’s, men’s, or children’s voices?

· Do people comment on the volume setting of your television?

· Has someone said that you speak too loudly in conversation?

· Do you frequently have to ask people to repeat?

· Do you hear people speaking but can’t understand what is being said?

· Do you have any history of exposure to noise at home … at work … in recreational activities … in the military?

To find out more about the information discussed during a visit to the audiologist, as well as how you may help prevent hearing health issues, contact your local Miami hearing center.