Hello to all readers of Dr. Juan Olmo, Dr. Tinnitus! Today, I would like to share valuable information with you on an important topic for our auditory health: audiometry. As an experienced audiologist with thirty years of expertise in ear care and tinnitus treatment, I believe it is crucial for you to understand what is detected during this type of test.
Audiometry is a key tool for evaluating our hearing capacity. Through this examination, we can identify and measure any type of hearing loss we may be experiencing. This process is painless, non-invasive, and usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Its primary goal is to provide us with accurate information about the health of our ears.
During an audiometry test, special headphones are placed on the patient's ears. These headphones emit tones of different frequencies and volumes, and our task is to indicate if we can hear them and at what intensity. It is also common to be asked to repeat words or phrases to evaluate our ability to understand spoken language.
By conducting an audiometry, the specialized audiologist can detect several crucial aspects regarding our hearing:
Hearing Level: The test allows us to determine the amount of sound we can detect at different frequencies. This is represented in a graph called an "audiogram" and helps us understand if our hearing falls within normal parameters or if there is any hearing loss.
Type of Hearing Loss: Depending on the results obtained, it is possible to identify if there is conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs due to problems in the outer or middle ear, while sensorineural hearing loss is related to the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Degree of Hearing Loss: In addition to identifying the type of hearing loss, audiometry enables us to determine its degree. This is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound, depending on the amount of sound we cannot hear.
Configuration of Hearing Loss: Audiometry also helps determine the configuration of hearing loss, i.e., whether it affects all frequencies equally or if there are specific frequencies more affected than others. This is important for customizing treatment and hearing assistance devices such as hearing aids.
Tinnitus Evaluation: Lastly, audiometry can also help assess the presence and degree of tinnitus or ringing in the ears. The specialized audiologist can perform specific tests to evaluate the intensity and frequency of tinnitus, which is essential for providing appropriate treatment.
In summary, audiometry is an essential test for evaluating our hearing and detecting potential problems. It provides valuable information about the level, type, and degree of hearing loss, as well as the configuration and tinnitus. With these results, the specialized audiologist can offer an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. Audiometry services are available in all provinces of Costa Rica (San José, Cartago, Puntarenas, Alajuela, Limón, Heredia, and Guanacaste).
If you have any doubts or concerns about your hearing, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a specialized audiologist at our Auditory Center, WhatsApp 87230197. Remember that taking care of our ears is essential for maintaining a good quality of life.
Until next time!
Dr. Juan Olmo, Dr. Tinnitus
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