Hearing Test
For those individuals who suspect they may be experiencing hearing loss, we offer comprehensive evaluation services to determine the type, degree and cause of the hearing loss as well as a variety of treatment options. A hearing evaluation can precisely define the nature of your hearing loss and establish a treatment program appropriate for you.
After the evaluation is completed, Dr. Stakiw will review the results with you and answer any questions you or your significant other may have. At that time, recommendations will be made for managing your hearing loss. These recommendations will vary depending on your hearing loss and individual communication needs.
Rocky Mountain Audiology also performs Otoacoustic emission. This test does not require the patient to perform any task to obtain reliable and accurate hearing results. Hearing evaluations are available for all ages.
How The Test Works
The first thing Dr. Stakiw will do is take a look in your ear with an otoscope. This is done to examine the ear canal- the tunnel that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum. Inspection of the ear can provide a lot of information about your ear drum and the health and function of the middle ear.
Dr. Stakiw will test your middle ear function by using a tympanometer. Slight pressure will be put into the ear canal to determine the function of the ear drum, middle ear bones and Eustachian Tube.
The easiest test you will ever take!
A hearing test is quick, simple and painless! In most cases, the results are instant – you will learn immediately if you have a hearing problem and what steps you should take to improve your hearing. There are different testing methods, but most start with a health questionnaire about the health of your ear, general heath and your lifestyle. These questions will determine the cause and nature of your possible hearing loss.
Remember that you are in the hands of a professional, who wants to help improve your life. Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Stakiw any questions or concerns you may have.
Step By Step Hearing Test
A hearing test evaluates your hearing sensitivity and is performed using an audiometer, which determines hearing at different frequencies or pitches.
These questions will determine the cause and type of your possible hearing loss.
- You will step inside a sound booth and put on a set of head phones. Your headphones are connected to the audiometer. The audiometer is calibrated to measure your hearing with precision.
- The audiometer will send various tones at multiple frequencies to one ear at a time, while Dr. Stakiw plots the loudness in decibels on the audiogram or graph.
- While you are listening to different tones, you will use the push button to signal when you hear the tone – no matter how quiet it is. Dr. Stakiw is looking for the softest levels at which you can hear the tones important for understanding speech. You may hear the same tone many times. Don’t worry- this is part of the test and ensures accurate results.
- Over the course of the test, Dr. Stakiw plots points on the graph that will explain your hearing in comparison to the normal range of hearing.
- The test will produce results in the form of a graph that shows your hearing loss in pitch and loudness. The results are referred to as your 'threshold'. Normal hearing for adults is being able to hear sounds that are 20 dB or softer.
- Your evaluation will also include other tests such as speech audiometry. Dr. Stakiw will read lists of words to you through the headphones, and you will do your best to try and repeat the words. Do not worry if you miss any of the words. Just do the best you can.
Do not wait until you notice a hearing loss to start protecting yourself from harmful noise. After noise-related damage to the ear is done, it cannot be reversed. But if you already have some noise-related hearing loss, it is not too late to prevent further damage and preserve the hearing that you still have.
Take Action!
Hearing loss impacts all aspects of your life - Get your hearing tested. It’s easy!
Hearing plays a major role in our quality of life, from our emotional well-being and physical health to our careers and leisure activities.
Yet millions of people who have hearing loss let it go untreated, despite research showing links between untreated hearing loss and increased risk of falls, depression, anxiety, hospitalizations and even dementia.
Contact Us!
To see if you're experiencing hearing loss, and find out about our treatment options, please call Rocky Mountain Audiology at one of our two convenient Colorado locations: Edwards, Colorado at (970) 926-6660 or our Glenwood Springs location at (970) 945-7575. You may also Schedule an Appointment to meet with one of our hearing loss specialists.