With a number of ways to identify hearing loss, each hearing test is executed for different people and various reasons. With a hearing test, you can determine the type and degree of your hearing loss. The middle ear can be affected, which then impacts the various hearing abilities. The ear in general has three parts consisting of the outer, the middle, and the inner ear. Making it hard for sounds to go from your outer ear to your inner ear and then the brain, an issue with the middle air can be a debilitating problem. There are a few hearing tests that are designed for the middle ear that we at Fyzical Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center of Salt Lake City would like to discuss the basics of today. These include tympanometry, acoustic reflex measures and static acoustic measures. Though applicable for any age, middle ear testing is especially important in children ages 3 to 5. Due to middle ear problems, such as ear infections, young children are more likely to have hearing loss due to middle ear problems.
Tympanometry
How well your eardrum moves is tested with tympanometry. Using a small probe, which looks like an earphone, is what the audiologist places into each ear. The probe will push air into your ear from a small device it is attached to. Known as a tympanogram, the person testing you will see a graph on the device. All the patient does is sit still until the test is completed. The audiologist can tell much about how your eardrum moves through the shape of the graph. If your eardrum moves the correct way, if the ear is stiff, moves too much, or is affected by a hole in it, the tympanometry can identify these issues. In the event a child has an ear infection, the test can help find it.
Acoustic Reflex Measures
When you hear a loud sound, a tiny muscle in the middle ear tightens. Happening without you knowing it is occurring, this is an acoustic reflex. Very telling about your hearing, the loud volume of the sound needs to be before this reflex happens. The acoustic reflex measurement test is much like the tympanometry test. Through a probe in your ear, the sound will come, and a device will record your reflex.
Static Acoustic Impedance
How much air is in the ear canal is measured with this test. If there is a hole in the eardrum, the test can help identify it. To help stop ear infections and hearing problems, some people have tubes put in their eardrums. Should your tubes be open or blocked, the test can detect the issue. If you have fluid behind your eardrum, it can also be recognized with this test.
Audiology, Balance Therapy & More
No matter what you need middle ear tests for, our medical experts can help diagnose the problem and recommend ideal treatment. Call Fyzical Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center of Salt Lake City and let our licensed specialists help you remedy any middle ear problems once they are identified.