Audiologists perform hearing tests and diagnose hearing disorders. In some cases, tinnitus may affect the results of a hearing test. If you are experiencing hearing loss or perhaps hearing problems, schedule yourself for a hearing test, and let your audiologist know. They can take this into account when interpreting the test results. There is nothing to be embarrassed about; it may be something small affecting this.
What Can Make a Hearing Test Tricky?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present, it can be a ringing, buzzing, or whooshing noise and can be intermittent or constant. Tinnitus causes many causes, including hearing loss, ear wax buildup, middle ear infections, and medications. Tinnitus can also be a symptom of other health conditions such as Meniere’s disease or thyroid problems. While tinnitus itself isn’t a hearing loss, it can make it challenging to hear external sounds. This can cause hearing tests to be tricky for people with tinnitus.
Techniques Used to Establish Hearing Loss
An audiologist can establish hearing loss or hearing problems in a few different ways. The most common way is through a hearing test, which can be conducted using either pure-tone audiometry or speech audiometry. Pure-tone audiometry involves testing the ability to hear tones of different frequencies, while speech audiometry assesses the ability to listen to and understand speech. Other methods of establishing hearing loss include tympanometry (a test of the middle ear) and otoacoustic emissions testing (an examination of the inner ear).
In some cases, hearing loss may be obvious, even without any formal testing. For example, if someone has difficulty hearing conversations or often asks people to repeat themselves, it’s likely that they have hearing loss. However, hearing loss can also be more subtle, and many people don’t realize they have a problem until they get a hearing test.
Solutions for Hearing Loss
If hearing loss is identified, there are a few different options for treatment. In some cases, hearing aids may be recommended. Hearing aids amplify sound and can make it easier to hear conversations and other sounds. Sometimes, hearing loss may be temporary and resolved without treatment. For example, if hearing loss is due to an earwax buildup, removal of the earwax can often improve hearing.
Different styles for hearing aids
Hearing aids come in a variety of different styles, which can be broadly classified as behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC), invisible in canal (IIC) and completely in canal (CIC) hearing aids.
BTE hearing aids are the largest type of hearing aid and are worn behind the ear. These devices are suitable for individuals with mild-to-profound hearing loss. ITE hearing aids are typically medium-sized and fit inside the bowl-shaped area of the outer ear. These devices can be worn by individuals with mild-to-moderately severe hearing loss. The three canal-worn devices are all located in the canal and provide the most discreet look. These devices are usually recommended for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
The hearing aid that is best for each individual will depend on a number of factors, including the severity and type of hearing loss, the size and shape of the ear, and personal preferences. As a result, many people try out different types of hearing aids before settling on one that works best for them.
Talking to the Audiologist
When having your hearing tested, there will be a number of different things you will talk about. Your audiologist will want to know what kind of symptoms you are experiencing, as well as information regarding your medical history. This will enable them to paint a clearer picture of what could be causing your hearing problems and the best ways they can be resolved.
If you already have diagnosed tinnitus, your audiologist may discuss the need for treatment. Many times, tinnitus is present with hearing loss, and since both can be treated by hearing aids, this will be one of the most common solutions recommended. Hearing aids can be equipped with masking features to help block out the unwanted sounds. They may also talk to you about tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), which helps your brain learn how to ignore the sounds. TRT is often used in tandem with traditional therapy, as it helps you understand other ways to cope with underlying conditions like anxiety that may be worsened because of the unwanted noise.
If you are looking for more information on hearing loss, tinnitus or how to seek relief from either, consult with an audiologist about your options. The team at GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC would be happy to help you and can be reached at (402) 463-2431.
