Otoscopic exam
An otoscopic exam is a visual check of the ears to determine the condition of the ear canal and ear drum.
Pure tone threshold testing
A pure tone threshold testing is conducted in a sound-treated room with earphones or headphones. The listener is instructed to give a response when a given tone is heard even at the faintest level.
Speech testing
Speech tests may include repeating words to determine the softest level at which you can understand them, or listening to sentences to determine your most comfortable listening level.
Understanding audiograms
The results from a hearing test are plotted on a graph called an audiogram. An audiogram is arranged with the frequencies across the top. They are labeled in Hertz (Hz), with low (bass) pitches on the left and high (treble) pitches on the right. The intensity (loudness) is arranged down the left side in decibels (dB) on a scale from –10 dB to 110 dB. The further down the scale, the more intense (the louder) the signal/tone must be to be heard.
Finding a solution
Selecting hearing aids with the appropriate features will depend on many factors. A hearing healthcare professional will offer recommendations and advice to help you choose the hearing aid that is best for your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget.
Remember that no hearing aid style is better than another: It is simply a matter of choosing the one that’s right for you.