The Effects of Hearing Loss can be minimized if:

  • Your problem is correctly diagnosed;
  • You receive the right type of treatment; and
  • You and your hearing care team are committed to solving the problem

 

Step One: The Interview
Purpose: To help your audiologist determine the extent of your problem and uncover any specific areas requiring further attention.

Some Typical Questions:

  • Has anyone else in your family had hearing difficulty?
  • Have you had any illnesses or injuries that might have affected your hearing?
  • Have you taken any medications that might have affected your hearing?
  • Have you been exposed to loud noises in your job or leisure activities?

 

Step Two: The Examination
Purpose: To help your audiologist determine whether the Sound Voids you are experiencing could be caused by an obstruction or damage to the ear canal or ear drum. Your audiologist will use a special instrument called an otoscope or video otoscope to inspect the outer ear.

Step Three: The Testing
Purpose: To help the hearing care professional determine the nature of your Sound Voids. Tests, like the following, may be used depending on their assessment of your needs:

  • Audiometric pure tone evaluation to measure your hearing at different frequencies.
  • Speech evaluation to measure how well you hear and understand ordinary conversation at different volumes.
  • Immittance middle ear evaluation to measure how your ear drum and hearing react to varying degrees of air pressure.
  • If you are suffering from a hearing loss, your results will be documented on an audiogram.

 

Step Four: Treatment Options
Hearing Systems
Hearing systems come in a variety of designs, with a wide range of functions and features to address an individual’s specific needs. The most basic components include a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and (in the case of digital hearing systems) a small computer. The unprecedented effectiveness of modern digital systems comes from a powerful combination of professional expertise, software, and hardware.

Assistive Listening Devices
Specialized technologies that help people with all degrees of hearing loss. These devices can facilitate improved face-to-face communication, reception of electronic media, telephone reception, and reception of important warning sounds and situations.