CHARD HEARING TESTS

The test begins with a thorough case history, which provides us with specific health information that may provide insight into hearing loss causes and whether there is a medical referral issue which may be corrected by medical intervention.

Following the case history, we will examine your ear canals and eardrums with a computerised, video light called a video otoscope. The results are clearly displayed on a high resolution flat screen, so you can see exactly what is happening in your ear.

If we need to refer you to an Ear Nose and Throat Consultant, we can organise any necessary information to be communicated.

Next, the levels of hearing in each of your ears are measured. During this test, a series of tones of different pitches, as well as speech signals are presented to each ear through headphones. You will be asked to respond to the signals by either pushing a button, raising your hand or in the case of speech signals, repeating what you hear. You will be asked to respond to the lowest level that you can hear which determines your hearing thresholds.

Once the headphone tests are over, a bone conduction test is carried out through a bone conductor worn like a headband, and you will be asked to respond as before. Your thresholds for each pitch and are plotted on a graph called an audiogram.

These results will then be uploaded into your computer file to help build a picture of your issues.

Once uploaded, these results will be displayed on the screen and a full lifestyle profile is taken to try and ascertain exactly where we need to place the technology specification to satisfy your individual need.

Following this we can discuss the results with you and my provide further recommendations, including treatment options, like hearing aids.