Comprehensive Hearing Assessments

A Comprehensive Hearing Assessment Is Your First Step on The Journey to Better Hearing

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a doubling of hearing loss cases over the next 30 years, which means regular hearing assessments should become a critical part of monitoring your health. As your hearing experts across southern Connecticut, with clinic locations in Hamden, Branford and Norwalk, we are perfectly positioned to help you start your journey to better hearing.

Early detection of hearing loss allows for the most effective treatment as you start to re-engage with the sounds of your world.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

• Aging
• Birth defects
• Ongoing exposure to loud noise (work, music in your headphones)
• Head injuries
• Various types of illnesses and diseases
• Ototoxic medications

What Happens During Your Hearing Assessment?

There are four main parts included in a hearing assessment, which is the first step on your journey to better hearing.

An Initial Conversation About You

Along with having a genuine interest in our patients as individuals, we have this initial conversation to address any concerns or questions you might have about hearing loss, including any early signs you experienced prior to your visit, such as difficulty communicating with others, a ringing sound in your ears, a feeling of stuffiness or fullness in your ears and other issues.

We will ask some questions about your medical history, medications you are taking, work and social activities in which you participate, experiences with hearing loss in your family, previous or existing balance-related issues and if you are experiencing difficulty tolerating any environmental sounds.

A Physical Examination of Your Ears

Next, your audiologist will physically examine your ears to look for damage to the structures of the ear or blockages in the ear canal.

Many patients who are experiencing hearing challenges discover that their condition is not permanent but caused by an obstruction in the ear canal, such as inflammation, a growth, a bug, earwax or a bit of fluff—all of which are easily corrected, resolving your hearing difficulties.

Hearing Tests

Typical hearing tests include presenting a series of tones and speech tests that measure your ability to understand words in quiet and in noise, which involves seating you in a soundproof booth with headphones over your ears. Your audiologist will measure your response to the tones or spoken words at different frequencies (pitches) and volume levels to establish what you can and cannot hear.

We will also carry out a bone-conduction test, which uses a different type of headset to bypass the conductive structures of the hearing pathway and stimulate a response in the inner ear. This test helps determine whether your hearing loss is conductive (middle ear-related) or sensorineural (inner ear-related).

To measure how the structures of the middle ear and the eardrum respond to sound, your audiologist may also conduct a tympanometry test. The results from this test will identify hearing loss associated with damage to these components.

Additional tests to further pinpoint the source and severity of your hearing loss may be called for in some cases.

A Review of Your Results

Our results are available as soon as we complete your hearing test, allowing us to review them during the same office visit.

Because we believe in educating our patients rather than just ordering a service, your hearing expert will place your printed test results in front of you and explain what your results mean.

If further support is necessary, your audiologist will discuss the various options, which may include prescription hearing aids, surgical procedures, adjustments to medication, monitoring for ototoxic medications, tinnitus management or other suitable options.

The Importance of Scheduling a Hearing Assessment

Because it is the first step in identifying the type and severity of hearing loss to customize a treatment plan or preventive measures, scheduling a hearing assessment is a critical step in receiving better hearing care. Even when a measurable hearing loss is not detected during a hearing assessment, the results establish a baseline against which future deterioration can be measured.

Take the first step on the journey to better hearing and a healthier life by scheduling a hearing assessment today.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hearing Loss Treatment Plans

If you’re exploring your options for hearing loss management, you probably have questions about what treatment might involve. This section answers the most common concerns.

What is a hearing loss treatment plan?

A hearing loss treatment plan is a personalized approach to managing and improving your hearing health. It includes a combination of therapies, hearing devices, lifestyle adjustments, and strategies to improve communication.

Why is a personalized treatment plan important for addressing hearing loss?

A personalized treatment plan is essential because hearing loss affects everyone differently. By tailoring the treatment to your specific needs and lifestyle, we can ensure the most effective strategies are used to improve your hearing and communication abilities.

How do I know if I need a hearing loss treatment plan?

If you have noticed changes in your hearing, it’s important to schedule a hearing assessment. If the assessment confirms hearing loss, our hearing specialists will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What are the components of a comprehensive hearing loss treatment plan?

A comprehensive treatment plan can include a combination of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, auditory training, tinnitus management, lifestyle changes, and communication strategies. The components vary based on individual needs.

How long does a hearing loss treatment plan typically last?

The duration of a treatment plan varies widely depending on the severity and type of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your personal hearing goals. Our hearing specialists will work with you to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments over time.