At CSHC we recognize the impact communication difficulties can have on you and your family and will take the time to understand your needs.
Our hearing department promises to give you optimized care led by our board-certified Doctor of Audiology as well as access to the latest advances in technology.
We have a full suite of diagnostic audiological equipment that can assess a wide range of hearing disorders for individuals of all ages. An audiological evaluation consists of a number of different tests to accurately determine the presence, severity and type of a hearing disorder, these tests are described below.
Air Conduction
This test is completed in an acoustically controlled room. The patient sits with earphones on while the tester presents tones at different frequencies and different intensity levels to find the softest sounds the person can hear. This tests the entire auditory system (outer ear canal, middle ear, and inner ear).
Bone Conduction
This test uses a bone oscillator placed behind the ear to stimulate the inner ear and bypass the middle ear. The same tones are presented to determine the softest sounds the person can hear. This test is used to determine if there is a problem specifically with the middle ear
Speech Testing
We perform various speech tests including Speech Threshold testing to determine the softest speech you can understand. We also determine what you as the individual deem as “Comfortable Speech” and what you consider “Uncomfortably Loud Speech”. These three tests give us a range of volume that will be helpful in our hearing aid fitting methods. We also provide Speech In Noise Testing. This test will provide us a quick reference to determine how well you will understand speech in noisy situations (Restaurants, Family gatherings).
Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflexes
A tympanogram is performed to help determine the health of the middle ear. This test can help determine if there is fluid present in the middle ear, which is common with young children. The acoustic reflex is an automatic response of the ear to loud sounds and helps protect the ear from damage when loud sounds are present
Otoacoustic Emissions
This process evaluates the status of the inner ear. This test is often performed on a person when either a reliable hearing test cannot be obtained or to confirm results from a hearing test. The test gives a simple, fast, and reliable measurement of the cochlear (inner ear) function. A probe tip is placed in the ear canal, the person sits quietly while they hear different tones, and the results are displayed on the computer screen. The test does not require a response from the person.
Pediatric Audiological Evaluation
At our center we are equipped to test children as young as one year old. The same tests that are used for adults are also used for children. The presentation of the test is adjusted to the child’s own ability. Many of the tests are made into a game to keep the child’s attention while still obtaining information to diagnose hearing loss.
