If you or your child will be having a diagnostic audiologic evaluation, it means that hearing needs to be examined. The diagnostic hearing evaluation consists of a variety of tests to determine the unique aspects of your hearing. This evaluation can be conducted on people of any age, but the individual tests will vary by age.

What Tests Will Be Done?

The specific tests done during the evaluation will depend on the patient’s age, and what is known already about their hearing status.

A diagnostic hearing evaluation may include the following tests:

Air conduction testing
Bone conduction testing
Speech testing
Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing
Tympanometry or acoustic immittance testing

The diagnostic hearing evaluation is covered by most health insurance policies, though you may need a referral from your primary care physician to qualify for coverage. If you’re unsure, contact us and we will be able to help you.

For older children to adults, a typical diagnostic audiologic evaluation includes pure-tone testing, bone-conduction testing, and speech testing. Prior to performing these tests, otoscopy (examining the ear canal) and tympanometry (test of the middle ear) is performed to determine the health of the ear canal and the middle ear.

What Can I Expect During a Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation?

After the evaluation, you will have some time for discussion to review test results and ask questions. If the determination is made for hearing aids, time will be taken to discuss options.

If your hearing is being evaluated, it is recommended that you bring a family member with you to the appointment. Hearing is very much a family issue. It helps to have another supportive person at the appointment to help you understand the information and recommendations.

Prior to the evaluation, any hearing concerns or challenges will be discussed. A medical history will also be completed. It is helpful to have a list of any medications and supplements you are taking.

Above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will want to be clear on any information you receive so that you can be an active participant in finding hearing solutions that work best for you and your lifestyle.