Our Charlotte audiologists can administer a variety of hearing tests to measure hearing for frequency-specific tones and speech. Various techniques may be used in this process depending on the age of the patient and their response to the testing. By using highly-calibrated state of the art equipment, our audiologists are able to determine the type and severity of a person’s hearing loss.
Why do you need a hearing test?
Most hearing loss can be helped through medication, surgery or amplification. An ear hearing test or hearing evaluation is critical in maintaining effective communication, ear and balance health and overall well-being. Early identification of hearing loss or hearing disorders minimizes adverse effects.
Only 29 percent of adults between the ages of 20-69 have had their hearing tested within the last five years. Bilateral hearing loss affects one in three adults over 65 years of age. Only arthritis and hypertension are more common chronic conditions for this age group.
Who should have a hearing test?
There are tests available to allow ear hearing testing at any age. You should have a baseline audiogram completed if it’s been more than five years since your most recent hearing test or screening, or if you suspect recent change in your hearing or balance.
How often should I have a hearing test?
Have your hearing tested as soon as possible if you experience sudden onset hearing loss. If you have a known hearing loss or past ear surgery, have your hearing tested every 1-2 years. Typically, most adults should have a hearing test every 2-5 years.
To schedule a hearing test with one of our Charlotte audiologists, call 704-295-3300.
What types of hearing tests do you perform?
CEENTA’s audiology department offers a variety of hearing tests and screenings, depending on the patient. If you are concerned about child hearing loss, please see our page on hearing tests for children. Here are a few of the more common hearing tests we employ:
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR Test)
Auditory Brainstem Response testing is useful in demonstrating the softest mid to high pitched sounds the hearing system can respond to. The test takes approximately one hour. Four electrodes are attached to the scalp and headphones placed in the ears. Clicking sounds are presented at various loudness levels and a response is measured on a computer. The response allows the audiologist to determine how efficiently sound is moving through the hearing system.
Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR Test)
Performed in a similar manner as ABR, ASSR testing can be recorded in newborns and children. They are evoked by frequency-specific tonal stimuli, can be detected objectively using statistical algorithms, have thresholds that are highly correlated with behavioral audiometric thresholds and can be used to estimate the behavioral audiogram.
Otoacoustic Emission (OAE Test)
Otoacoustic emission testing evaluation is an evaluation of cochlear function (the sensory organ of hearing). OAE is a fairly new but very reliable test. A normal cochlea will emit an echo when a sound is presented. Earphones are placed in the ear canal and a clicking sound is presented in the ear. A computer monitors the ear for a response which enables the audiologist to determine if the cochlea is functioning normally. An OAE evaluation takes approximately 30 minutes.
Cochlear Implant Evaluations & Rehabilitation
Cochlear implants are electronic devices surgically implanted in individuals who are deaf and can no longer benefit from conventional hearing aid technology. A thorough examination by both an audiologist and physician can help to determine if a person is a qualified candidate for this type of procedure.
