It’s completely normal to feel unsure of what to expect during your first audiology appointment.
Seeing an audiologist is not like seeing a regular doctor. Audiologists are highly trained professionals who specialise in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing issues related to hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders.
Audiologists use a complete range and variety of tests and procedures to fully evaluate the hearing ability and/or any balance issues of each individual.
Audiologists do three main types of tests:
- Otoscopy: The audiologist will look in your ear canal with an ‘otoscope’ and magnifying pen light. He will be checking for ear wax, blockages, or any problems with your ear canal or ear drum.
- Tympanometry: This will test your middle ear function. The audiologist will be looking to see how well your ear drum responds to light pressure. The test can detect anything that would inhibit motion of the eardrum like fluid, infection, or eustachian tube dysfunction.
- Audiometry: This test really consists of two types of tests: air conduction and bone conduction testing. You will be in a soundproof booth or room and will be asked to raise your hand or push a button when you hear sounds.
Air conduction determines the softest sound you can hear through earphones at several different pitches. Bone conduction determines the softest sound you can hear by stimulating the inner ear directly.
None of these tests should be too uncomfortable and they shouldn’t be painful at all. Depending on your audiologists finding, he may make referrals to other specialists. He may also refer you to a hearing aid specialist to fit you for more standard hearing aids or devices.
Welcome to Senti2 Moraira to get your hearing tested by our audiologist and hearing aid specialist for free!