Audiology Testing

Audiology testing can help determine the reason for your hearing loss. At Texas Ear Clinic in Fort Worth, Texas, otolaryngologist and neurotologist Ricardo Cristobal, MD, PhD, FACS, provides the latest in technology when it comes to audiology testing. The practice welcomes patients of all ages. Call today or use the online tool to book an appointment. 

Who benefits from audiology testing?

If you or a loved one is showing signs of hearing loss, it’s a good idea to get tested. Signs of hearing loss include:

• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
• Needing to turn up the volume on the television or stereo
• Ringing in the ears
• Trouble hearing in crowded places or loud environments

Children who fail a hearing screening should also undergo audiology testing. 

What’s included in a comprehensive audiological evaluation? 

During a 30-minute audiological evaluation, you get attention from a trained audiologist who can determine the extent and possible cause of hearing loss. 

The test involves listening to tones and words in each ear through earphones in a sound-treated booth. During the test, your provider also checks your middle ear system and the function of your ear drum.

Following a comprehensive audiological evaluation, Dr. Cristobal can diagnose any middle ear or nerve hearing loss. You’ll learn what kind of follow-up is necessary and if you’ll benefit from hearing aids. 

What other types of audiology testing do we offer?

Audiology tests can also test different functions in the ear. Other tests include:

Otoacoustic emissions

Otoacoustic emissions test the function of the inner ear system, or cochlear function. You listen to tones in each ear through an earphone.

Otoacoustic emission testing helps assess damage to the inner ear caused by chemotherapy, long-term use of certain medications, or radiation. If you have ringing in the ears, Dr. Cristobal may recommend otoacoustic emissions testing. 

The testing is also helpful for children who are not old enough to undergo a standard hearing test. 

Auditory brainstem response

This audiology test assesses the inner ear hearing nerve and its connection to the brain. During the test, your provider places wires around your head and ears and places ear plugs. As you relax and listen to different sounds, the test records your nerve responses. 

Electrocochleography

This test evaluates the fluid levels and pressure in the inner ear. You’ll relax, listening to a clicking sound. The test records your responses. 

Electroneurography

Electroneurography tests facial nerve function. Because the facial nerve is close to the auditory nerve in the brain, the test may reveal any relationship to inner ear problems. Your provider places wires around the head and records the facial nerve response to a small electrical stimulation.

Facial nerve electromyogram

This test assesses the function of the facial nerve on each side as the patient attemps to move different facial muscles.  It does not require external electrical stimulation of the facial nerve.

Call Texas Ear Clinic or use this website to schedule your audiology testing today.