Hearing Test in Corpus Christi, TX
A comprehensive hearing evaluation is the essential first step in addressing any concern about hearing health. Whether you have noticed difficulty following conversations, are concerned about a child’s hearing development, or have been referred by your primary care physician, Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy provides thorough audiological testing and medical evaluation to accurately characterize your hearing and guide your treatment plan.
Why Get a Hearing Test?
- You frequently ask others to repeat themselves or turn up the television volume
- You struggle to follow conversations in restaurants or crowded rooms
- You have noticed ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears
- You have a history of noise exposure, ear infections, or ear surgery
- A newborn hearing screening detected a refer result
- Your child is showing signs of speech or language delay
- You are a hearing aid user due for a re-evaluation
- Your physician has recommended baseline audiometric testing
Our Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
Pure-Tone Audiometry
Pure-tone audiometry measures the softest level at which you can detect tones across a range of frequencies (pitches) through headphones (air conduction) and a bone vibrator placed behind the ear (bone conduction). The results are plotted on an audiogram, which reveals the type (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), degree (mild, moderate, severe, or profound), and configuration (flat, sloping, notched) of hearing loss.
Speech Audiometry
Speech audiometry assesses your ability to hear and understand speech at various volume levels. Tests include the Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) the lowest level at which you can identify 50 percent of two-syllable words and Word Recognition Score (WRS) the percentage of one-syllable words correctly repeated at a comfortable listening level. These measures predict real-world hearing performance and guide treatment decisions.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is an objective test of middle ear function. A small probe is placed in the ear canal, and the compliance of the eardrum is measured across a range of air pressures. The resulting tympanogram identifies conditions such as middle ear effusion, Eustachian tube dysfunction, ossicular fixation, or eardrum perforation.
Acoustic Reflex Testing
The acoustic reflex is an involuntary contraction of the stapedius muscle in the middle ear in response to loud sound. The presence, absence, and threshold of this reflex provide important information about the integrity of the middle ear, cochlea, and auditory brainstem pathways.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
OAE testing measures sounds generated by the outer hair cells of the cochlea in response to acoustic stimulation. This test is used in newborn hearing screening and, in conjunction with ABR, to diagnose auditory neuropathy. It can be performed in uncooperative or pre-verbal patients.
Interpreting Your Results
Following testing, Dr. Weiss reviews your audiological results in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and examination findings. You will receive a clear explanation of your hearing levels, what they mean for your day-to-day communication, and the recommended next steps whether that involves medical management, surgical evaluation, hearing aid consultation, or monitoring.
How Often Should You Have Your Hearing Tested?
Adults over age 50 should have a baseline hearing evaluation and follow-up testing every one to three years, or sooner if symptoms arise. Individuals with known hearing loss should be re-evaluated annually or as directed by their physician. Children who fail a newborn hearing screening should have a comprehensive evaluation within three months of birth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, a comprehensive hearing test is the place to start. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule your evaluation.