Pure Tone Audiometry:- To rule out the types and Degree of the Hg.loss

Types

1.Conductive Hg loss - Disorder of the outer/or Middle ear which results in difficulties in hearing. This is commonly  treated Medically or through ear surgery

2.Sensorineural Hg loss - (commonly called nerve deafness)
Disorder of the inner ear, such hearing loss is irreversible. Tremendous

Causes of Hg.loss

It can happen at any age and can be due to 

• Natural ageing process

• Exposure to loud or constant noise

• Illness or complications at birth

• Heredity/ Congenital

• Toxic Medication

• Ear infection

• Trauma. Injury. Tumour

Who should be tested

Every child should have hearing Assessment as soon after birth as possible. Early identification and intervention is crucial for language development.

Every adult who is consistently exposed to  high noise levels should have regular hearing assessment.

Every body should undergo a hearing assessment to detect, intervene and help preserve communication and listening skills.

Symptoms of Hg.loss

Misunderstanding conversation, Missing the punch lines of jokes, Loss of confidence
Avoiding group meetings, social occasions or family gatherings where listening may be difficult
Asking others to repeat themselves
Difficulty hearing TV/ radio (used to increase volume  ) and telephone
Difficulty hearing in public gatherings, concerts, halls -distant sound sources

Causes of  sensor neural  Hg. loss

• Ageing 

• Alcohol

• Stress

• Constant noise at work 

• Loud music, rock concerts, radio headphones

• Hobbies like shooting

• Ototoxic Medication

• Degeneration of the nerves leading from the inner ear to the brain

Warning 

If you cannot carry a normal conversation in the pressure of noise, the noise is too loud for your ears and can potentially cause hearing loss

Testing for Hearing loss

If you suspect you have a  Hearing loss, make an appointment with an Audiologist to have a hearing test

After the age of 50, a regular hearing test should be part of your yearly Physical check-up

Hearing test is easy, comfortable and safe

Your ability to hear the volume of each tone (Frequency), Produces a unique pattern which is record as an Audiogram

The Audiogram is used to determine the type and degree of the Hg.loss. The results determine if the Hg.loss is best treated Medical or with hearing instruments.