Understanding How Audiologists Diagnose Hearing Loss

1. Understanding How Audiologists Diagnose Hearing Loss • www.empowerhearing.com.au

2. Introduction • Understanding your hearing loss and guiding you towards better hearing are central roles of an audiologist. However, not many people know how they perform a hearing test. Check out this blog to gain a deeper understanding! • Audiologists follow a strategic and results-oriented process to not only understand the intensity of hearing loss but also to determine what’s actually causing it. • The diagnosis doesn’t just rely on one procedure, but on various methods, including otoscopy, tympanometry, speech recognition, and others. • Check out this blog post to understand how an audiologist conducts a hearing test to diagnose hearing loss. So, let’s start! • www.empowerhearing.com.au

3. How Audiologists Diagnose Hearing Loss? • Initial Consultation to Understand the Problems You’re Facing • The process begins with a consultation, during which the audiologist asks you about the problems you’re experiencing. For example, if you’re struggling to hear conversations, experiencing ringing in the ears, or you frequently need to turn your phone’s or television’s volume up! The questions might also be related to the medical history, lifestyle, and exposure to loud sounds. • Video Otoscopy for Visual Examination • Otoscopy is one of the first physical checks. The audiologists use a specialised instrument to examine your ear canal and eardrum. This is primarily used to determine the underlying problem, including wax buildup, fluid, or structural abnormalities that can result in hearing difficulties. • www.empowerhearing.com.au

4. Tympanometry to Understand If There Are Blockages • Tympanometry is a test that measures how your middle ear and eardrum respond to changes in pressure. It is done to find out if there’s fluid behind the eardrum, blockages in the Eustachian tube, some issues with middle ear bones(ossicles), etc. Through this, the audiologist determines if the hearing loss is due to a conductive issue or nerve damage. • Audiometric Testing to Understand the Nature of Hearing Loss • Audiometric testing is performed to determine the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as how sound travels through different parts of the ear. It typically includes air conduction testing and bone conduction testing.

5. Audiometric Testing to Understand the Nature of Hearing Loss • Audiometric testing is performed to determine the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as how sound travels through different parts of the ear. It typically includes air conduction testing and bone conduction testing. • Air conduction testing measures how sound waves pass through the outer and middle ear before reaching the inner ear. During this test, you’ll wear headphones, and various tones will be played at different volumes and frequencies to evaluate how well you hear through the normal auditory pathway. • Bone conduction testing, on the other hand, bypasses the outer and middle ear entirely. A small device is placed behind your ear to send sound vibrations directly to the inner ear (cochlea). This allows the audiologist to understand how well your inner ear is functioning without the influence of the outer or middle ear. • Understanding both gives your audiologist a clear idea of the nature of the hearing loss you’re having. If you hear significantly better through bone conduction than air conduction, it indicates a conductive hearing loss, often related to problems in the outer or middle ear. However, if both bone and air conduction results are similarly poor, it suggests a sensorineural hearing loss, typically linked to issues in the inner ear or auditory nerve. • www.empowerhearing.com.au

6. Speech Audiometry to Understand Words at Different Volumes • Beyond tones and vibrations, audiologists check your ability to hear and understand spoken words through speech audiometry. • In this test, words are played at different volumes and in quiet or noisy conditions. This helps assess how clearly you can distinguish speech, something pure tone tests alone cannot capture. • This stage is crucial for tailoring hearing aid services, since hearing aids are programmed not only to amplify sounds but also to improve speech clarity. • Summarisation of the Whole Scenario • After running through all these tests, the audiologist compiles the results into a clear picture of your hearing health. They explain: • The type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed) • The severity (mild, moderate, severe, or profound) • The recommended next steps may include medical treatment, further specialist referrals, or personalised hearing aid services. • www.empowerhearing.com.au

7. What happens when hearing loss is detected? • Temporary or Reversible Issues • If hearing problems are due to earwax buildup or middle-ear pressure, audiologists address them first through in-clinic microsuction or a GP referral before considering long-term options. • Medical Concerns • For more serious conditions such as sudden hearing loss, ear disease, or unusual asymmetry, audiologists provide a referral letter to your GP or ENT, including full audiological details for accurate care. • Permanent Hearing Loss (Sensorineural) • When permanent loss is identified, audiologists guide you through hearing aid options tailored to your lifestyle and communication needs.

8. The Empower Hearing Advantage At Empower Hearing, our team understands that caring for your ears goes beyond just running a test. That’s why every assessment includes professional, lifestyle-focused guidance tailored to your personal hearing needs and goals. We design practical communication strategies to make your everyday interactions easier, especially in busy or noisy settings. Our care also extends to your family, providing guidance and support to help everyone adapt to hearing changes with confidence. • www.empowerhearing.com.au

9. Conclusion A hearing test is more than checking for loss; it’s a complete pathway to better hearing. With Empower Hearing, you can access personalised solutions for hearing aids, tinnitus management, and more, helping you protect your hearing and improve the way you connect with others. Canberra’s trusted audiologists are here for you. Book your comprehensive hearing assessment today. At our clinic, eligible pensioners, veterans, and concession cardholders may access free services through the Government-Backed Hearing Services Program.

10. Contact Us • (02) 61898424 • info@empowerhearing.com.au • www.empowerhearing.com.au