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Hearing Loss questionnaire
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Do you have Hearing Loss?
Who to call when hearing loss is in question
By Dr. Brewer, Audiology Associates
If you answered
“Yes” to two or
more of these
questions, you
might have a hearing loss.
Who to call when hearing loss is
in question?
An audiologist is a professional
who is trained in evaluating and treating individuals with hearing loss and
dizziness. Many diagnostic tests are
performed to determine the exact
nature of an individual’s hearing problem. Depending on the hearing loss
and causation, if it is able to be determined, the treatment process can vary.
Options for treatment include amplification, personal listening devices
and more. In addition to hearing loss,
audiologists can evaluate dizziness and
provide rehabilitation services when
appropriate.
Training for audiologists includes
prevention, assessment, identification
and treatment options. Following
education and training courses, audiologists are required to complete a
full-time externship for one year prior
to completing their Doctorate of
Audiology. Because of this extensive
training, audiologists are the most
qualified professionals to perform
diagnostic hearing evaluations, refer
patients for medical treatment and provide hearing rehabilitation services.
The Evaluation Process
To begin the hearing evaluation process, it is necessary to take a complete
history of the patient. History questions will focus on potential impacts
on hearing, exposure to noise, medications, family history of hearing loss and
overall health history.
Following the history, the audiologist will visually inspect the outer ear
and eardrum. This allows the audiologist to observe the condition of the ear
and ensure there are no foreign objects
or excessive ear wax present.
An audiologic evaluation will follow.
This testing is comprised of multiple
components that allow the audiologist
to have a full picture of an individual’s
hearing ability. Testing may include but
are not limited to:
• Tympanometry – a pressure test
that provides information regarding the status of the middle ear.
• Pure Tone Testing – helps the
audiologist map the sensory mechanism of hearing to determine
where the problem is and potentially what might have caused it.
• Speech Understanding – helps the
audiologist better determine how
much a patient understands with
Do you feel embarrassed when meeting new
people because of a hearing problem?
YES NO
Do you feel frustrated when talking to
members of your family because of a
hearing problem?
YES NO
Do you have difficulty hearing when
someone speaks in a whisper?
YES NO
Do you feel handicapped by a
hearing problem?
YES NO
Do you have difficulty hearing when friends,
relatives or neighbors visit?
YES NO
Do you have arguments with family
because you have trouble hearing?
YES NO
Do you have difficulty listening to the
television or radio?
YES NO
Do you feel your hearing limits your
personal or social life?
YES NO
Do you have difficulty hearing relatives or
friends when you're at a restaurant?
YES NO
and without background noise
present.
Special tests, including otoacoustic
emissions, auditory brainstem testing
or balance testing, may be completed
based on results of the above testing.
How to F [