Audiology 3

 Who, What & Why of Audiology

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Most people find these tests extremely interesting as they find out more about the inner workings of their body and how it relates to the world around them.

Tests are painless, and often entertaining, but provide Dr. Major valuable knowledge for diagnosing the cause of your hearing loss or balance problem.

Comprehensive evaluations will begin with a thorough hearing test where you will be placed in a sound booth and wear headphones. Dr. Major will have you repeat words and listen for tones. We will discover if you have hearing loss, and if so, where the problem stems from. You may have additional tests that evaluate your eardrum, middle ear, and cochlea for any problems. This portion of the exam takes about a half hour.

If you have tinnitus, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Electrocochleography (EcoG) tests will be conducted to evaluate your 8^th nerve function. During these tests you will lie comfortably on a table with earphones and listen to sounds. This portion of the exam also takes about a half hour.

If you suffer from imbalance or dizziness issues, you will have an examination called videonystagmography (VNG). This is the only test that specifically evaluates all of the different parts of the vestibular, or  balance system. You will wear infrared goggles that record your eye movements. You will be asked to follow lights on the wall, similar to an eye exam. Dr. Major will have you assume some simple body positions to determine if these make you dizzy.

The last portion of the VNG involves the introduction of cool and warm air into your ear. This air stimulates your balance system and allows us to determine how this system is working. The test sometimes makes patients feel slightly dizzy, but it lasts only minutes and will subside quickly. In its entirety, the VNG examination takes about an hour.

Upon completion of your testing, Dr. Major will review her findings with you. You will learn about your hearing and balance and if there are any problems. She also may make additional recommendations for referrals, if needed, or other services that may help you.

More Topics

• Why An Audiologist?
• Why Cape Coral Audiology?

• Who Needs Evaluations and When?
• Understanding Hearing Loss