Hearing Center - Audiological Services

The next time your visit a hearing center, look around and you will probably see a variety of different people looking for a variety of different services. While most people are there to receive some type of assessment or testing, there are other products and services available. From checking for brainstem response to helping with assisted living devices, audiological professionals are available to provide the necessary assistance. Auditory Testing The most common service provided at the hearing center is testing and assessment. Both adults and children come in for diagnosis and to talk to a specialist about their concerns. A person is taken back to a soundproof booth and a series of sounds and noises are created while a person responds showing whether he or she was able to hear them. This test does not take long and if it is inconclusive, there are other forms of assessments. Other Tests It is possible to test the function of the middle ear with tympanometry. It checks the acoustic reflexes to see if there is any decay and to see if there are any lesions. An auditory brainstem response test measures what a conventional test cannot. Central auditory processing checks both adults and children to check for auditory deficits. This can help parents and teachers determine what course of action should be taken to assist in a child's education and learning. Equipment Listening devices are also administered at a hearing center. People come in and with the help of a professional, choose the right equipment for the severity of their loss as well as their lifestyle. Some aides are programmable, some are available for special needs, and others offer state-of-the-art technology. Aside from the aides, there are assistive listening devices that help reduce background noise. Earmolds can be custom made for swimmers, musicians, and even those that participate in hobbies with loud noises. Specific Services Depending on the hearing center, there may be services that include speech reading, lip reading, and even auditory training. Usually there is one-on-one assistance available for those looking to learn more about the new equipment and how to use it. If a person has questions about his or her tests, equipment or ability to hear in general, a hearing center has the answers. Whether you believe you may have some loss in your ability to hear or you think everything is going well, consider making an appointment at your local facility. With the help of an expert you can learn what options are available to you and learn more about the severity of the situation. Don't put off an appointment. Call today and request a complementary assessment.