If you are struggling to hear or suspect that you may not be hearing as well as you used to, Virginia Ear Nose and Throat is here to help with comprehensive hearing care, including our hearing evaluations. Our in-office audiologists diagnose and treat hearing problems in children and adults of all ages. We know that any kind of hearing loss can be scary and frustrating, which is why we prioritize patient support before hearing evaluations and after diagnosis.
Types of Hearing Screenings
A hearing screening is a quick and simple test that gives our audiologists a general idea of your hearing ability. You’ll receive either a pass (hearing within normal limits) or fail (hearing outside normal limits). While screenings can detect hearing loss, they do not measure how severe it is.
At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, we offer the following types of hearing screenings:
Pure Tone Screening
During this test, you’ll wear headphones while a series of tones at different pitches and volumes are played. You’ll raise your hand each time you hear a sound. If you miss certain tones, it may indicate some degree of hearing loss.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Screening
While you relax, a small probe is placed in your ear to measure how your inner ear responds to sound. If your hearing loss is greater than 30 decibels, the inner ear won’t produce a response. Because no active participation is needed, this test is often used for newborn and infant hearing screenings.
Types of Diagnostic Hearing Tests
Unlike screenings, diagnostic tests provide detailed information about the type and severity of hearing loss. These tests help our audiologists identify the exact cause and determine the best treatment options.
Otoscopy
Your audiologist examines the ear canal using an otoscope, a small device with a light and magnifier, to check for blockages, infections, or structural issues.
Tympanometry
This test measures how well your eardrum moves in response to slight air pressure changes. It helps detect middle ear problems such as fluid buildup, perforation, or eustachian tube dysfunction.
Pure Tone Audiometry
You’ll listen to tones across a range of frequencies and volumes to determine the quietest sounds you can hear at each pitch. This test helps define your hearing threshold in each ear.
Speech Testing
This assessment evaluates how well you understand speech at different volumes.
Find the Hearing Aid Style for Your Needs in Richmond, VA
At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, we understand that every patient’s hearing needs are unique. Our expert audiologists take the time to evaluate your hearing, discuss your lifestyle, and recommend the hearing aid style and technology that best fits you. Whether you’re looking for discreet in-ear options or advanced Bluetooth-enabled devices, we’ll help you find a comfortable, effective solution designed to enhance your hearing and quality of life.
Call us today at (804) 484-3700 to schedule your hearing consultation and take the first step toward better hearing and clearer communication.