In this episode of the Flex Audiology Show, I’m going to be discussing hearing assessments and why they are paramount to your overall diagnosis.
It helps us to understand what hearing loss you suffer from, as well as indicate whether hearing technology is going to be appropriate.
More importantly, we can eliminate any potential medical issues or concerns, such as BBPV or diabetes. In some cases, it might be a result of a buildup of earwax which can be safely removed in our office.
Later in the episode, I talk about a local restaurant that provides a conversation starter for all.
Firstly, an initial hearing evaluation looks like this:
#1 – Case History
This involves an extensive case history looking into your lifestyle, background, and medical history.
Your profession and occupational history are particularly important, as it helps us to work out whether you have been exposed to dangerous noise levels.
It’s also important to know whether you are a regular shooter or hunter and whether you are right-handed or left-handed. The information provided dictates the next step in your assessment.
#2 – Testing
There are a lot of diagnostics we can run through, but a common test is a tympanometry.
This assesses how well your eardrum moves and the test is performed with the assistance of a flexible rubber tip that is placed in the ear canal.
This helps us to check for bone damage or fluid, which results in damage to the middle ear.
#3 – Soundproof Booth
To assess your hearing, we will then present some tones to you in a sound-proofed booth. You will then be required to press a button to measure what sounds you can hear at what frequency.
Since you hear with your brain and not your ears, we perform this test in both a quiet and a noisy environment.
#4 – Treatment Options
After evaluating the results, we then work on finding a solution that’s best for you. This will take into account the following factors:
- Lifestyle – are you a musician or a construction worker?
- Job
- Listening preferences
- Ultimate goals
The following steps allow us to find a solution that is specific to your individual lifestyle and concerns, ensuring treatment provides an adequate solution.
Part 2 – J. Miller Steak house – Love for Local
It wouldn’t be the Flex Audiology Show without a local business highlight, and this month I’m super excited to share my experience with a local restaurant, J. Miller Steak House.
They are a family-owned and operated business that is located on the scenic route 56 in south-eastern Indiana.
It’s a historic building that provides a breath-taking experience as soon as you walk through the door. With memorabilia mounted on the walls, it immediately creates a conversation starter for all guests.
Guests are encouraged to go up to Tiffany’s Salon, which has been conserved with low ceilings and glossy benches – it’s an experience for everyone to enjoy!
For food, we ordered a baked potato and a salad, which also came with bread and butter.
Altogether, it came to around $69, which is a small price to pay for the historical memorabilia and atmosphere you get to experience.
I’d encourage anyone to visit. The staff is so friendly and welcoming – you will immediately feel at home.
If you got this far, thanks for reading! Stay tuned for the next episode of the Flex Audiology Show.
