Hearing tests must be carried out by a fully trained and qualified Hearing Aid Dispenser (R.H.A.D.), to determine whether a hearing loss is present. The hearing test measures the degree of the hearing loss in each ear and with these results along with your case history, our Hearing Aid Dispenser will explain the results and discuss the best options that are available to you.
The equipment used for testing called an Audiometer and many are often surprised that the equipment is portable, some audiometers and are integrated with our Hearing Aid Dispenser’s laptops. Under H.P.C. regulations all testing equipment must be calibrated yearly to ensure accuracy of results.
Before a hearing test can be carried out our Dispensers will examine your ears internally using an otoscope. This is to check the general health of the ears and also to make sure that wax is not causing the problem. Some of our Hearing Aid Dispensers have a Video Otoscope so both the Hearing Aid Dispenser and the client can see the inside of the ears.
The Pure Tone Method is used to carry out a hearing test, where the threshold or quietest sounds at various tones are measured will allows a hearing aid dispenser to see what sounds are heard at low, mid or high pitches within the normal ranges of speech sounds only. These results are then compared to normal hearing thresholds which then shows the degree of loss present in each ear.
Speech tests are sometimes carried out either when quiet or in noise, to help assess what is being heard and what is not.
Tuning fork tests are also sometimes carried out to back up the audiometric results. One of these tests is called the Weber test where the Dispenser strikes the tuning fork and places the tuning fork in the middle of your forehead. This test shows if your residual hearing is equally balanced. The second test is known as the Rinne test and is carried out by placing the vibrating tuning fork on the bone behind the ear (mastoid process) and is then brought to the outside of the ear (pinna) to establish which one is louder. This test will help to show whether the hearing loss is potentially a conductive or sensory neural hearing loss.
Some companies conduct a hearing test whist the client is in a sound proof booth or room. When the hearing test is conducted in your own home the appointment should be arranged at a convenient time for you so there are no distractions like phones or other people walking around.
All Hearing Aid Dispensers who work with Hearing Aids At Trade are fully qualified, and are registered with the H.P.C. and all hearing tests are carried out to strict guidelines.
For further in formation call us today free on 0800 0304 542
