Your hearing is an important ability you rely on to communicate with the world around you. Before a minor hearing issue becomes major, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with Better Hearing of Madison County. All tests are noninvasive and minimize the amount of time spent in the office. The information used from a hearing test is vital in getting the right treatment.
Hearing evaluation
A hearing evaluation includes a review of the patient’s full case history. This helps to determine the starting point for when the problems started. After discussing the current symptoms, there is enough information to make a decision on which tests are necessary. If the symptoms are severe, more tests may be required to get an accurate treatment plan. A hearing evaluation goes beyond the pass-fail system of a screening. Under the right circumstances, general hearing tests can be done in a short amount of time.
The main tests to expect from a hearing evaluation are speech, pure-tone or bone conduction. Conduction tests require identifying tones that come through headphones. The different pitches find which sounds are noticeable for a patient in an ideal environment. Speech testing and reception is about understanding spoken words in different environments. A combination of conduction and speech testing helps to build a hearing loss profile. With this information, it is easier to recommend a treatment with optimal results.
Industrial hearing screening
Noise exposure creates a lot of hurdles in a work environment. Professionals that have to deal with high levels of noise are usually required to wear protective equipment. But even with OSHA regulations intact, the protection still creates concern about the long-term hearing health of an individual. When noise exposure exceeds 85 dB, industrial hearing screenings become a necessity.
A mobile hearing evaluation unit tests an employee for the most notable hearing deficiencies. These screenings are usually state mandated and run by qualified hearing professionals. A screening is quick and allows workers to return to work within the hour.
Screenings are not the same as hearing tests. With a screening, users get insight into whether a full hearing test is necessary. The results are recorded, and the data serves as a useful case history when going in for an initial hearing appointment.