What Testing Does An Audiologist Perform?

By Author: Mike Walker
Total Articles: 4
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Audiologists are hearing healthcare providers who test, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance related disorders. Holding either a masters or doctorate level degree in the field of audiology or communication science disorders, these professionals are well-equipped to help you with your hearing and balance. If you suspect you have decreased hearing sensitivity, changing hearing sensitivity, ringing or sound in the ear, dizziness or imbalance, make an appointment as soon as possible.

Your provider will probably have you complete a written questionnaire about your hearing, balance, and overall health that they will discuss with you. Be as honest as possible when discussing this. Your medical history may help to diagnose the issues you are having with your hearing or balance and can aid your provider in determining what testing is necessary to complete this diagnosis. A wide variety of evaluations can and may be completed determined by your needs.

Hearing tests may include:

Visual inspection of the outer ear and ear canal (otoscopy)

Middle ear pressure evaluation (tympanometry)

Objective evaluation ...
... of the cochlea (otoacoustic emissions)

Behavioral evaluation of hearing (pure-tone audiometry)

-Objective evaluations of the auditory pathways (evoked potential evaluations)

Balance tests may include:

-Objective evaluations of the auditory pathways (evoked potential evaluations)

Other vestibular (balance) evaluations

• Electronystagmography (ENG) or Video Nystagmography (VNG)

• Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) evaluation

• Rotational chair evaluation

• Electrocochleography (ECochG)

• Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)

Your hearing healthcare provider will also provide management for hearing loss and hearing related disorders. This may include prescription, orientation, and fitting of hearing aids and accessories, cochlear implant mapping and therapies, monitoring, conservation, and therapy. Therapy or recommendations for medical treatment of balance disorders will also be provided. Some issues may require further medical management outside the realm of audiology.

Audiologists are specially trained to not only evaluate, diagnose, and help you manage your hearing and balance issues, but to also listen and help you understand your options. It is important for you to understand your impairment. Do not be afraid to ask questions during and after your evaluations. You should never leave feeling as though you do not have a good grasp on the situation. Feel free to also share your feelings about the situation at hand. Your opinions and needs matter!

If you suspect that you or a family member are having hearing or balance difficulties, contact your provider today! You could be hearing and feeling better in no time. Why would you wait? Call now! Get the answers you are seeking today. Your audiologist will help you through this process of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment!

The Hearing Center has served the Fort Collins, Colorado area and its surrounding communities for several years. For up-to-date hearing aid information visit The Hearing Center blog.