Hearing Tests

 Using a tool called an otoscope (or in our Case we also have Video Otoscopy).

We will begin your hearing evaluation  By examining your outer ear. In order to be able to hear clearly, our ear canals must be free from blockages and our eardrums must be intact. 

We are also able to perform video otoscopy so you can see inside of your own ears! Alan also specialize in earwax removal using all of the most advanced earwax removal technology and techniques. 

 Tympanometry is a test to evaluate a variety of outer and middle ear conditions To perform this test, air will be pushed into your ear canal to measure the movement of your eardrum.  

If there is a difference between your Air Conduction and Bone Conduction thresholds, this test will help you audiologist determine why. 

 The next step in your hearing evaluation will take place in a sound proof booth with either headphones or insert earphones.  

Air Conduction testing uses audible “beep” sounds to determine your hearing thresholds, which are the softest level of sounds that you can barely hear, at different frequency ranges.  These are indicated on an Audiogram by the Blue X’s and Red O’s. 

 Bone conduction testing is performed using a bone osscilator on your mastoid bone behind your ear.  This sends the vibration of sound directly through your skull into your inner ear, bypassing your outer and middle ear, to determine your Bone Conduction Thresholds.

If there is a difference between your Air Conduction Thresholds and your Bone Conduction Thresholds, then it can indicate a specific type of hearing loss that may require medical treatment. 

 The next step in a comprehensive hearing evaluation is speech testing starting with Speech Reception Thresholds (SRTs). This is when you are presented with a series of 2 syllable words that decrease in volume.  The goal is to identify the softest level of speech, in decibels, that you can barely understand.  

After SRTs are determined, Word Recogntion Testing is completed.  Using recorded words, not live speech, you are presented with 1 syllable words at a fully audible level to determine your percentage of speech understanding.  The higher these percentages are, the better you are at comprehending speech, and the better you are expected to perform with hearing aids.

 Speech-in-Noise Testing is a commonly overlooked Best Practice test.  Your ability to understand speech in background noise, with and without hearing treatment, is something that can be measured.  SIN tests like the Quick-SIN is a terrific way to identify how much separation of speech is needed above the background noise before you can understand what someone is saying.  For your audiologist to optimize your ability to hear in backround noise, understanding your Speech-in-Noise score is critical. 

Auditory Contrast Testing (ACT) is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate how well a person can distinguish between different sounds in challenging listening environments, such as speech in noise. Unlike pure tone audiometry, which tests hearing sensitivity, ACT assesses the brain’s auditory processing abilities—specifically, the ability to detect subtle changes in frequency, timing, and intensity between sounds.

ACT is designed to detect central auditory processing deficits and can be particularly useful for individuals who:

• Report hearing difficulties despite normal audiograms
   
• Struggle with background noise
   
• Have suspected auditory neuropathy or cognitive decline

 Following testing, your audiologist will discuss your treatment options where you will jointly decide the best treatment option that suits your unique hearing loss and your hearing priorities.

If you have never been treated for Hearing loss before we prefer to write a letter to your GP with a detailed report of our findings and recommendations and strongly encourage you to make an appointment to see your GP so you and your primary care physician can discuss whether taking the next steps such as conducting Hearing Aid trials or perhaps you ma need to be referred to a specialist such as an ENT.

This way YOU and your GP make an informed decision about YOUR Hearing treatment journey.

At AIM Hearing; being an Independent clinic we prefer the client have a hand firmly on the steering wheel when they make a Final decision on what Hearing aid works best for them.

We prefer to do at a Minimum 2x 7-day trials so you can test the different brands back to back so you make an informed decision of which hearing ais best worked for you in your living situation as everyone has different hearing loss and live different lives so what one Hearing aid brand works great for one person may not work for another. This way you compare apples to apples in real time as Hearing aid companies have very good marketing campaigns to convince you that there is no other alternative.

Many hearing clinics are actually owned by the Manufacturer themselves so they will always only recommend that particular brand and convince you that the other brands are inferior. Always ask your Hearing care clinic if they are owned by a Manufacturer

Don't be fooled, make a choice of the hearing aid you feel is the best choice for you.