Adult Hearing Evaluations

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining overall well-being, hearing health is just as important as physical health. Regular hearing evaluations are essential to catch any issues early and ensure that your hearing remains in top condition.

Taking care of your hearing is crucial for enjoying life to its fullest, especially as you age. Audiology Solutions, PC specializes in comprehensive hearing evaluations for adults, offering expert care and personalized solutions to meet your needs.

Overview of the Importance of Hearing Health for Adults

Hearing health is often overlooked, yet it's a key component of overall wellness. As we age, our hearing naturally declines, which can affect communication, social interaction, and even cognitive health. Regular hearing check-ups allow adults to monitor their hearing abilities and address any concerns before they impact their quality of life. By prioritizing hearing health, adults can stay engaged and connected, reducing the risk of isolation and cognitive decline.

Introduction to the Practice’s Expertise in Adult Hearing Evaluations

At Audiology Solutions, we specialize in comprehensive hearing evaluations tailored to adults. Our team of experienced audiologists uses state-of-the-art technology to accurately assess your hearing health. We understand that each patient is unique, and our personalized approach ensures that you receive the care and attention you deserve. Whether you're experiencing mild hearing loss or more significant issues, we're here to guide you through every step of the process.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can develop gradually, making it difficult to recognize at first. Hearing loss often begins with symptoms like difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments. You might find yourself asking others to repeat themselves or noticing that sounds seem muffled. Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears, is another common sign of hearing loss.. Over time, these symptoms can become more pronounced, affecting your ability to communicate and participate easily in social activities. Recognizing these signs early can lead to more effective treatment options and better overall health.

If you notice any signs of hearing loss, it's important to schedule a hearing evaluation as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms seem mild, early detection can prevent further deterioration of hearing and improve your quality of life. You should also consider a hearing evaluation if you're over the age of 50, as age-related hearing loss is common. If you are being followed for any major medical concerns like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney dialysis, etc., you should also consider having a hearing evaluation as these things often cause hearing to worsen. Hearing loss can be hereditary, so if you have family members who struggle to hear, you should consider an evaluation. Regular check-ups can help monitor changes in your hearing over time and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.

Your hearing history is a crucial part of the evaluation process. We'll discuss any past ear-related issues, such as infections or surgeries, and review your overall medical history. Understanding your medical background helps us identify any factors that might contribute to hearing loss. Additionally, we'll ask about any family history of hearing loss, as genetics can play a significant role. This comprehensive review ensures that we have a complete picture of your hearing health.

Take this short assessment to determine if a hearing test is recommended for you. If you aren’t quite ready to schedule a hearing assessment, consider taking this at-home screening on your phone or computer! One of our audiologists would be happy to schedule a time to discuss your results with you if desired.

Untreated hearing loss can have significant consequences on your overall well-being. It can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and depression as communication becomes more challenging. Social interactions may become stressful, causing you to withdraw from activities you once enjoyed. Additionally, untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Addressing hearing loss early with the right interventions can enhance your quality of life and keep you mentally sharp.

The Evaluation Process

Scheduling a hearing evaluation is as easy as calling us at 317-436-8306. You may also send us an email to [email protected]. Once your appointment is set, there are a few steps you can take to prepare. You will receive intake paperwork via email that you should fill out prior to your appointment. If you are unable to do so, please arrive 15-20 minutes early so you have time to complete this paperwork before your appointment is scheduled to begin. If you are filling out forms in person, it is helpful to bring a list of medications you're taking and a summary of your medical history. Also, think about specific hearing concerns or situations where you notice difficulty hearing. This information will help our audiologists tailor the evaluation to your needs.

Knowing what to expect during a hearing evaluation can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. The process is straightforward and designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of your hearing health.

During the evaluation, our audiologists will conduct a series of tests to assess your hearing abilities. The process typically begins with a discussion about your hearing and medical history as well as any symptoms you're experiencing. You will then undergo a series of hearing tests in a sound treated room, where you'll wear headphones or inserts and respond to various tones and speech stimuli. These tests are painless and provide valuable information about the type and degree of hearing loss you may have. Your audiologist will go over all results with you at the conclusion of the evaluation. The entire evaluation takes approximately one hour.

Schedule Your Appointment

Types of

Hearing Tests

Hearing evaluations involve several different tests to provide a comprehensive assessment of your hearing ability. Each test is designed to measure specific aspects of your hearing health.

Pure-tone audiometry is one of the most common tests used in hearing evaluations. It measures your ability to hear a range of tones at different frequencies and volumes. During the test, you'll listen to tones through headphones or inserts as well as a bone oscillator. You will indicate when you hear each tone by pressing a button or raising your hand every time you hear it. The results are plotted on an audiogram, which is a chart that shows the softest level of sound you are able to hear at each frequency. This test helps determine the degree and configuration of hearing loss you may have, providing a baseline for further testing and treatment.

Pure-tone Audiometry

Speech audiometry evaluates how well you can hear and understand speech at different volumes. You'll be asked to repeat words or phrases spoken at various levels to assess your speech recognition ability. You may be asked to do this test in quiet, and possibly again with some background noise. This test is important because hearing loss often affects speech understanding, especially in noisy environments. The results can help audiologists determine the best treatment options and technological features that will help improve your ability to communicate effectively in everyday situations.

Speech Audiometry

Tympanometry is a test that assesses the condition of your middle ear and eardrum. It measures how your eardrum responds to changes in air pressure, and can indicate issues like middle ear fluid, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or eardrum perforations. During the test, a small probe is placed in your ear canal and you may sense a slight pressure change for 2-3 seconds as the test is conducted. Tympanometry is a quick and painless test that provides valuable information about the health of your middle ear, which is crucial for accurate hearing.

Tympanometry

Acoustic reflex testing measures the reflexes of the muscles in your middle ear in response to loud sounds. This test helps assess the function of your auditory pathways and can detect issues related to the nerve pathways between the ear and the brain. During the test, you'll hear a few loud tones through a small probe placed in the ear canal. The audiologist will measure your ear's reflexive response. Acoustic reflex testing provides information that is particularly useful in diagnosing certain types of hearing loss and neurological disorders.

Acoustic Reflex Testing

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds generated by the inner ear in response to auditory stimulation. This test measures the function of the outer hair cells in the cochlea, which play a key role in hearing. During the test, a small probe is placed in your ear canal, and you'll hear a series of tones or clicks. The probe records the sounds produced by your inner ear in response. OAEs are often used to screen for hearing loss in newborns, but they can also be part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation for adults.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing evaluates the function of the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways. This test is particularly helpful for diagnosing hearing loss in infants, young children, or individuals who may not be able to participate in traditional hearing tests. During ABR testing, electrodes are placed on the head and connected to a computer that records brainwave activity in response to sounds played through earphones. This non-invasive test helps audiologists detect issues with the auditory nerve and pathways, as well as assess neurological function. ABR is essential for identifying hearing or neurological issues that might otherwise go undetected.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

Interpreting Results

Understanding the results of your hearing evaluation is crucial for making informed decisions about your hearing health. We'll guide you through the interpretation process and explain what your results mean for your daily life.

An audiogram is a visual representation of your hearing test results. It shows the softest level of sound you can hear at different frequencies, with lower frequencies on the left and higher frequencies on the right. The audiogram helps us determine the type and degree of hearing loss you have, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. We'll walk you through your audiogram and explain how it relates to your hearing experience, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your hearing health.

Hearing loss can be classified into three different types: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Type of hearing loss relates to where the issue lies in the ear. Degree of hearing loss ranges from mild to profound and is determined by the softest level of sounds you can hear. Identifying the type and degree of your hearing loss allows us to tailor treatment options to your specific needs. Whether you need hearing aids, medical intervention, or other solutions, understanding these details is key to managing your hearing health effectively.

Your lifestyle plays a significant role in determining the best hearing solutions for you. We'll talk about your daily activities, work environment, and social interactions to understand where you encounter the most hearing challenges. For example, if you frequently attend meetings or social gatherings, you might benefit from hearing aids with advanced noise-reduction features. By understanding your unique hearing needs, we can recommend solutions that enhance your ability to hear in the situations that matter most to you.

Treatment Recommendations

Once your hearing evaluation is complete, we'll discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs. Our goal is to provide solutions that improve your hearing and enhance your overall quality of life.

There are various treatment options available depending on the type and degree of your hearing loss. These may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or medical and surgical interventions. We'll review each option with you and explain the benefits and potential outcomes. Our focus is on providing you with the most effective solution that fits your lifestyle and hearing needs. Whether you need simple amplification or more advanced technology, we'll ensure you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Hearing aids are often the most effective treatment for hearing loss, especially for those with sensorineural hearing loss. Modern hearing aids come with a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, and rechargeable batteries. Assistive listening devices, such as TV amplifiers or personal amplifiers, can also help in specific situations. We'll discuss the different options with you and help you choose the devices that best meet your needs. Our goal is to enhance your hearing experience and make everyday sounds clearer and more enjoyable.

In some cases, hearing loss may be due to a medical condition that requires pharmaceutical or surgical intervention. Conditions such as acute ear infections or swimmer’s ear, for example, require treatment with medication. Conditions like otosclerosis or chronic ear infections may benefit from surgery. If we identify a medical issue during your evaluation, we'll refer you to a specialist who can provide the appropriate treatment. We work closely with otolaryngologists and other medical professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive care. Surgery is typically recommended when it offers the best chance of restoring hearing, ending chronic infection, or preventing further loss.

There are a number of treatment options available that strive to help minimize the effects of tinnitus on your life. Audiology Solutions, PC believes in a program called Tinnitus Activities Treatment, created and developed by renowned research and clinical audiologist, Dr. Richard Tyler, from the University of Iowa. This comprehensive program focuses on the whole person and provides treatment based on your specific needs. Approaches similar to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are a large part of this program which empowers you with knowledge, useful strategies, and newfound control over how your brain responds to tinnitus. Four main areas of life are outlined that have been found to be most affected by tinnitus: thoughts and emotions, hearing and communication, sleep, and concentration. Tinnitus Activities Treatment addresses and helps you find improvement in the area or areas of life which are of most concern to you and your quality of life. In addition, sound therapy is an important component of our tinnitus treatment program and involves finding ways to use sound to minimize the effects of tinnitus on your life. Many times a combination of therapy strategies is most helpful.

Audiology Solutions, PC offers Auditory Processing Evaluations. We believe in and utilize the Buffalo Model as the core of our evaluations. The Buffalo Model has been used for more than 50 years to evaluate auditory processing. Questionnaires combined with a battery of 3 tests are utilized to determine deficits in different areas of auditory processing, such as differentiating between sounds, understanding speech in noise, short term auditory memory ability, organization of auditory information, and putting sounds together. The Buffalo Model allows for testing to be completed in less time than typical evaluations done at other clinics. In general, there are two separate appointments of approximately 45 minutes each, as opposed to other testing protocols which can involve a single session lasting 3 hours.

Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids and personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are low-cost options that can help you hear better. These devices are best able to aid individuals with mild hearing loss and are not prescriptively fit. These devices are typically available online at stores like Amazon and Walmart, and even at your local drug store. Many times these devices can be a good, low-cost option when getting started in your journey to better hearing.

Follow-Up Care

Ongoing follow-up care is essential to maintaining your hearing health. We'll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Consistent follow-up care helps keep your hearing sharp and ensures that any changes in your hearing are addressed promptly.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Your hearing needs may change over time, so ongoing monitoring is essential. During follow-up visits, we'll assess how well your hearing aids or other devices are working for you. We'll also provide support and guidance on how to care for your devices and maximize their performance. If any issues arise between appointments, we're always here to help. Our goal is to provide you with continuous support to maintain your hearing health and quality of life.

Adjustments and Fine-tuning of Hearing Aids or Devices

Hearing aids require adjustments over time to ensure they provide the best possible sound quality as your hearing needs change. During your follow-up visits, we'll fine-tune your devices based on your feedback and any changes in your hearing. This might include adjusting the volume, changing the settings, or reprogramming the devices to better suit your listening environments. Fine-tuning is an ongoing process, and we're committed to making sure your hearing aids perform optimally in all situations.

8202 Clearvista Pkwy
Suite 8B
Indianapolis, IN 46256

Monday: 9am - 5pm
Tuesday: 9am - 6pm
Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 6pm
Friday: 9am - 2pm
Evening and weekend hours available upon request.