HEARING EVALUATION
Our In-Depth Hearing Evaluation
Your comprehensive hearing evaluation will help us detect any issues you may have with your hearing. This can include anything from an obstruction due to earwax to permanent hearing damage.
Case History
Before we begin any testing, we take time to understand you. Your hearing journey is unique, and learning about your background helps us provide the most personalized care possible.
Here’s what we’ll ask about during your visit:
- Your Hearing Experience: When did you first notice changes? Are certain situations—like noisy restaurants or phone calls—especially challenging?
- Medical History: Have you had ear infections, surgeries, or taken medications that might affect your hearing?
- Family Background: Is there a history of hearing loss or related conditions in your family?
- Lifestyle & Environment: What’s your daily routine like? Do you work in noisy settings or enjoy hobbies that involve sound?
- Impact on Daily Life: How is hearing loss affecting your relationships, work, or overall well-being?
Physical Exam & Video Otoscope
Video otoscopy allows us to examine both the outer and inner ear using advanced imaging. Before this, we perform a physical ear exam. By visualizing the ear canal and eardrum, we can better identify conditions and recommend appropriate treatment.
Air Conduction
Air conduction testing assesses auditory sensitivity and is the first step in evaluating subjective hearing loss. It transmits sound vibrations to the eardrum to detect obstructions in the outer, middle, and inner ear, helping determine the degree of hearing loss.
Bone Conduction
Does the phrase "Bone Conduction" intimidate you? Not to worry. Bone conduction is quick, painless, and helps pinpoint the source of hearing loss—so we can tailor the best treatment plan for you.
Speech Testing
Speech Testing Overview Speech testing evaluates how well you hear and understand spoken words at various volume levels. It includes:
- Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT): Measures the quietest level at which you can recognize speech.
- Most Comfortable Listening Level (MCL): Identifies your preferred volume for everyday sounds like music or conversation.
- Most Uncomfortable Listening Level (UCL): Determines the loudest sound you can tolerate without discomfort.
- Word Recognition Test: Assesses your ability to repeat familiar one-syllable words presented at your MCL.
SPEECH-IN-NOISE (QUICKSIN) TEST
The QuickSIN test evaluates how well a person can understand speech in noisy environments—a common challenge for individuals with hearing loss. It measures the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) loss, which reflects the difference between the volume of speech and the background noise needed for someone to accurately recognize spoken words.
cognitive screening
At Solutions Hearing Aid Center we strive to provide the best care to our patients, which is why we are excited to announce that we now offer cognitive screenings with Cognivue Thrive!
What is it?
In order to assess cognitive function, Cognivue Thrive uses FDA-cleared technology that is used by neurologists and other physicians. We perform free cognitive screenings in conjunction with your free hearing evaluation so that we can understand how hearing loss may affect your cognition and track your progress after your fitting.
How does it work?
Cognivue Thrive assists in determining the cognitive health of an individual by assessing three key domains: memory, visuospatial, and executive function. These are all considered integral facets of a person’s overall performance, no matter what age. The tool additionally measures two speed performance parameters: reaction time and speed processing. Thanks to this thorough analysis, we can discover any potential impairments quickly and take active steps towards improving our patients’ lives. Additionally, the results can be used to monitor progress over time and make sure we are moving in the right direction.