Have you ever wondered how prioritising your hearing health contributes to your well-being? Or what are the benefits of regular check-ups and understanding different hearing test types in Robina for early detection and treatment?
In this blog post, we’ll delve into two main types of tests that you might encounter at audiology clinics: Hearing Assessment and Tympanometry.
What is a Hearing Assessment?
A hearing assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing conducted by an audiologist. The goal of this assessment is to measure the level of your hearing sensitivity and your ability to understand speech. It involves you listening to tones at different pitches and volumes, and may include tests such as Pure Tone Audiometry and Speech Audiometry.
Pure Tone Audiometry measures the quietest sound you can hear at different frequencies, while Speech Audiometry assesses your ability to understand speech. Regular testing can help you quickly diagnose and prevent any Sensorineural, Conductive, or Mixed Hearing Loss.
You might experience hearing loss for multiple reasons, such as exposure to loud noises, getting older, suffering head trauma, contracting a virus or disease, and others. A hearing assessment typically generates an audiogram to better understand your hearing levels across different frequencies, visually displaying your hearing thresholds.
It’s important to note that needing a hearing test does not necessarily mean you need a hearing aid. A hearing test can discover more than just hearing loss.
What is Tympanometry?
Tympanometry is an assessment that gauges the movement of your eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane and the pressure in your middle ear. This test detects problems in the middle ear that could be causing hearing impairment, balance problems, and other related issues.
Tympanometry measures the eardrum’s response to different pressures by changing the pressure in the ear. This test helps diagnose problems in the middle ear, such as fluid buildup, a hole in the eardrum, or a tumour.
The tympanogram displays the state of your middle ear and eardrum, visually depicting the test results. You don’t need to prepare anything special for this fast and simple test, which assesses the state of your middle ear.
The Difference Between Hearing Assessment and Tympanometry
Hearing specialists often use a Hearing Assessment and Tympanometry together to assess your hearing health. These tests focus on different aspects of hearing, with a Hearing Assessment measuring hearing sensitivity and speech comprehension, while Tympanometry is used to diagnose middle ear issues. Together, they provide a more complete picture of your hearing health, aiding in early detection and treatment.
Take The First Step Toward Better Hearing Today!
Our audiologists are committed to providing outstanding care for your hearing health. We encourage you to book your hearing test in Robina with us today. It is important to prioritise your hearing health and not overlook signs of hearing loss.