This is an update to Dr. Erin Wright’s original post from 05/14/2014.
I had an interesting conversation the other day with a patient of mine who is a radiologist. We were talking about the importance of ‘base lining’. In his field, he is aware of the effects of unnecessary radiation exposure inherent in many important radiology tests. On the other hand, we agreed that a baseline hearing assessment is an easy and painless process with absolutely no downside.
What does “baseline” hearing test mean?
A baseline simply means it’s your first hearing test. The baseline provides a starting point for comparison in the future. Because hearing loss usually occurs over time, an Audiologist will refer to the baseline to see how your hearing has changed. At a minimum, a client will have results within the normal range on file.
I have also experienced many cases where a baseline “proof of normal” hearing helped my patient when they suffered hearing loss from an accident or work-related injury.
What does a hearing test measure?
We call a “hearing test” a Hearing Evaluation. That’s because in addition to the test measurements, we also ask you about health and lifestyle factors that may impact your hearing.
There is no pass or fail for the testing portion of the Hearing Evaluation. We test how you hear the sound that reaches your inner ear through the ear canal (air conduction) and sounds that are transmitted through the skull (bone conduction).
The value of a baseline
If you have an issue with your hearing health at any time, the baseline provides your Audiologist or physician with a valuable reference point to compare how you’re hearing today.
There are many reasons that your hearing can change such as:
- Aging
- Exposure to a loud noise
- Heredity (hearing loss in your family)
- Noise at work (Noise-induced Hearing Loss)
- Ototoxic medications (harmful to the ear)
- Illnesses (such as Meniere’s disease, meningitis, mumps, chickenpox)
What happens at a Hearing Evaluation?
We begin by taking your case history in which we ask you about your hearing, your general health, whether you have a history of noise exposure or any family history that may affect your hearing.
Then you proceed to the soundproof booth for the familiar ‘press the button when you hear the tone’ exercise as well as more in-depth tests which measure:
- Speech discrimination
- Hearing speech-in-noise
- Acoustic reflexes
- Eardrum health
- Eustachian tube function
Once a full assessment is done, your Audiologist will clearly explain the results. If hearing loss is present, you’ll be shown where it’s occurring in the ear.
With your permission, we will send the results to your physician and provide you with a copy.
What if the Hearing Evaluation indicates hearing loss?
If your Hearing Evaluation indicates that you can benefit from amplification your Audiologist will make recommendations for the most appropriate hearing aids for you. There are many models, styles and colours available so your Audiologist will help you navigate the options.
How often should you have your hearing evaluated?
A Hearing Evaluation should be part of your regular health check-up routine. If you’re over the age of 50 and have never had your hearing tested, or it has been 2 years since your last hearing test, then it’s time to see an Audiologist.
Many doctors don’t include a hearing in an annual physical, so it may be up to you to ask. A hearing test is an easy process that everyone should consider as part of a regular health check.
If you want to schedule a Hearing Evaluation with an Audiologist, please call: Broadmead Hearing Clinic: 250-479-2969 or Oak Bay Hearing Clinic: 250-479-2921. Or request an appointment online.