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How A Yearly Hearing Evaluation Can Change Your Life

Issue 26.12

Did you know that a comprehensive hearing evaluation should be completed every year after the age of 50? These evaluations are used to measure how well a person understands others; whether at home, work, church, or even in noise.  Comprehensive yearly evaluations are also used as early predictors of health matters such as Alzheimer’s, Cardiovascular Disease, Depression, and Cancer within or on the ear.

Hearing evaluations are non-threatening and simple to complete. When you arrive for your exam, you will be greeted by the front office staff and asked to fill out a few forms, including those that record your personal information, medical history and verify your insurance.

During the evaluation a case history is taken to help describe your general health and specific information concerning your hearing history. Then, a physical examination of the ear with a miniature camera (Video Otoscope) determines if there are anatomical problems, concerns, or wax blockage. Next, a group of routine tests is used to check your hearing, ability to understand in noise, and functionality of the middle ear processes.

As your evaluation begins, your provider will review your personal information with you and will ask you some questions that are designed to discover the specific types of environments in which you may be experiencing some difficulty in hearing or understanding.

The first test that is conducted is the pure tone hearing test. This is conducted in a quiet environment, such as a sound-proof room or booth. The provider will place inserts that are connected to an audiometer into your ears. The audiometer transmits a series of tones at a variety of volumes into your ears to determine the exact point or “threshold” at which you can hear various frequencies of sounds. When you hear a sound, you will be asked to press a patient response button or raise your hand.

Next is speech testing, you will listen to a series of one and two syllable words at different volumes and be asked to repeat them. This will determine the level at which you can not only detect, but understand speech. Another test that will be conducted is a speech in noise test. This test will determine how well you hear and understand sentences in a noisy environment.

The results of your evaluation will be recorded on a form called an audiogram, which the provider will review with you and provide a copy for your records. The audiogram reflects your hearing loss in terms of frequencies and decibels. You will be shown the type, pattern and degree of hearing loss, as well as the percentage of normal conversational speech that you are still able to hear. The hearing evaluation and subsequent consultation will take about 60 minutes to complete. The next step, if you have a hearing loss, is to consider treatment solutions and options available for your specific situation.

Why should I get a hearing evaluation?

Without the effective use of your sensory systems, you may become isolated and your quality of life will be compromised. If you are age 50 or better contact a provider for your FREE Annual Evaluation. The provider will administer painless tests that measure your hearing, understanding, ear functionality, and evaluation results can be used to improve your life.

To schedule your FREE Hearing Evaluation ($150 value) call 435-628-3192 today. We have several offices throughout the Southern Utah area. Visit us online at www.NilssonHearingOnline.com or call 435-628-3192.

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