ads

Time For A Hearing Evaluation

By Rena Hudson


It's easy to take for granted the ability to hear when it's at it's full capacity. However, when there are problems with this particular sense, it can lead to major difficulties in normal daily life. Communication can become more difficult as can simply comprehending what is happening in the surroundings. Many of us typically associate such issues with those who are aging but problems of this type can occur at any age and should be addressed when they are noticed. When signs of problems are seen, it is time to have a hearing evaluation to start the process of correcting them.

When hearing loss does occur it is not always immediately noticeable when the onset is gradual, especially to the person who is undergoing the changes. At times other people are more likely to recognize the signs that a problem is developing.

Changes in behavior are the most easily recognized signs. One example is when one begins to attend fewer social events. It may be that difficulty with hearing is causing it to be difficult to be at such gatherings and they would rather avoid being in an uncomfortable situation. Another classic sign is when the person has the volume on the radio or TV noticeably louder than they previously would have. This is an example of something that might be occur slowly over time and be hard to notice. Complaints by others of the person not listening to what they are saying is a common sign as well.

When signs occur and it is suspected that there is a significant issue, a visit to the doctor is in order. The physician may in turn refer the patient to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation.

There are different ways of evaluating hearing. An audiometer test is administered with the patient sitting in a soundproof and wearing a special set of earphones. These are connected to the audiometer, which produces tones in range of volumes and frequencies to determine the ones at which there are deficiencies. A chart known as an audiogram is produced during the test so that the audiologist can evaluate the results.

Another test is to use a tuning fork. The vibrating tuning fork is placed in the middle of the patient's forehead and they identify whether the sound is louder in either ear or equal in both ears. If it appears to be louder in one ear then this can help to determine the type of hearing loss that is occurring.

The audiologist may also perform a test to evaluate the patient's ability to hear and understand words above other noises. First the patient will need to repeat sentences that are played with no competing noise, then they will have to do the same with noise being directed at them from from varying angles and different volumes.

After the hearing evaluation has been performed and the results analyzed, the health care team can then determine the appropriate course of action. They will employ the means that they feel are most likely to help the person to be able to hear normally and fully enjoy their life.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment