Hearing Testing & Exams
Medical and Case History
When you arrive for your appointment at Kaw Valley Hearing, you will be asked to complete a medical and case history form. Once with the audiologist, the form will be thoroughly reviewed. At this time, your specific concerns will be discussed.
Otoscopy
During otoscopy, the audiologist will examine the outer ear, ear canal, and tympanic membrane - otherwise known as the ear drum. This exam is completed with an otoscope which utilizes a bright light and magnifies the area which is being examined.
The hearing healthcare provider may also utilize a video otoscope to review their findings. With a video otoscope we can capture a photograph of your outer ear and tympanic membrane so we can document our findings. This allows us to share the results with the patient and their primary care physician.
The hearing healthcare provider may also utilize a video otoscope to review their findings. With a video otoscope we can capture a photograph of your outer ear and tympanic membrane so we can document our findings. This allows us to share the results with the patient and their primary care physician.
Tympanometry, Acoustic Reflex & Otoacoustic Emissions
Tympanometry examines how the middle ear is functioning. The instrument puts a small amount of air into the ear canal and looks to see how the tympanic membrane (ear drum) reacts to the change in pressure. This is a very important examination which can provide detailed information about the status of the middle ear.
Otoacoustic emissions looks at the status of the cochlea, specifically, the function of the outer hair cells within the cochlea. This exam screens hearing (specifically in infants or in individuals who have difficulty providing responses through routine examination). This test also helps differentiate between sensory and neural components of sensorineural hearing loss.
Otoacoustic emissions looks at the status of the cochlea, specifically, the function of the outer hair cells within the cochlea. This exam screens hearing (specifically in infants or in individuals who have difficulty providing responses through routine examination). This test also helps differentiate between sensory and neural components of sensorineural hearing loss.
Audiogram
During this part of the hearing test, the audiologist will ask you to respond to a series of sounds which will be very quiet. You may be asked to wear headphones or insert earphones (much like those used with MP-3 players). Additionally, you may be asked to repeat various words presented to you.
Disorder Specific Testing
Various tests may be completed to help in the diagnosis and treatment of specific disorders such as: Ototoxic monitoring, Tinnitus, and Auditory Processing Disorders.
Once all of the results have been obtained our audiologist will discuss them with you. If a hearing loss is indicated and amplification is being prescribed, we want to ensure we have addressed all concerns you may have.
When making an informed buying decision you should expect to partner with your audiologist to choose the treatment plan ideally suited for your personal lifestyle, diagnosed hearing loss, cosmetic preferences, and budget. We take pride in our patient centered approach to hearing healthcare where you always come first!
Additionally, Kaw Valley Hearing feels physician correspondence is vital in the overall well being of our patients. The results are typically sent to your primary care provider within 24 hours of your exam.
Additionally, Kaw Valley Hearing feels physician correspondence is vital in the overall well being of our patients. The results are typically sent to your primary care provider within 24 hours of your exam.
