Diagnostic tests and check-ups
During the first consultation, free full diagnostic tests will be performed to check the state of the ear canal and the eardrum, measure the level of hearing, establish the type and degree of possible hearing loss, the level of sensitivity to loud sounds and assess the level of speech comprehension.
Pure-tone Audiometry
Checking the level of hearing
Measurement of the level and degree of hearing in each ear. This measurement will be carried out in a properly soundproofed audiometric booth. The air conduction (by listening to sounds of different intensity and frequency through the ear canal of each ear) and the bone conduction (listening to sounds of different intensity and frequency through the mastoid of the temporal bone on the side to be examined) will be evaluated. These tests will determine the type of hearing loss (conductive if the external and middle structures of the ear are affected; or sensorineural if the internal structures of the ear are affected), which will determine the client’s subsequent therapeutic approach.
Speech audiometry
Assessment of the level of language comprehension
Evaluation of the maximum level of speech understanding that each person can achieve according to their hearing level. This test is essential for the subsequent fitting of hearing aids, as it will determine the level of speech understanding that the client will achieve with their hearing aids and how this will be reflected in their everyday life. For this purpose, different words are repeated in the sound-proof booth at different increasing intensities.
Videotoscopy
Video observation of ear canals
Using live images, you will be able to see and know the state of your ear canals. They can check for wax, the width or narrowing of the walls of the ear canals and the condition of the eardrums (if they are the right colour or if there is any rupture in them). Photographs of the eardrums can be taken at the same time.
Impedance Audiometry
Evaluation of the eardrum function
This test shows whether the eardrum has adequate mobility, whether there is mucus behind the eardrum or if the ventilation of the duct is adequate. This will rule out possible medical or surgical treatment and lead to an improvement in the use of hearing aids.
Hyperacusis testing
Measurement of pain threshold
This test establishes the maximum thresholds of tolerance to loud sounds at different frequencies and thus provides information on the maximum possible amplification that can be achieved with hearing aids, in order to avoid overamplification and damage to the auditory nerve.
