What Makes a Good Hearing Test?

When seeking a hearing test, the qualifications of the person performing your evaluation make a significant difference in the depth and accuracy of results. A diagnostic hearing evaluation by an audiologist includes careful analysis of how your entire auditory system functions, not just measuring basic hearing levels. Many people are surprised to learn that hearing tests performed at big box stores or through online programs miss crucial diagnostic information that only an audiologist's evaluation can reveal. Professional hearing evaluations catch early warning signs of medical conditions that could be missed by basic screenings, making them an essential first step in protecting your hearing health.

A comprehensive hearing evaluation provides much more than just a simple hearing screening. At Silicon Valley Hearing, we follow a thorough diagnostic process that helps us understand not only how well you hear, but how your ears and auditory system function as a whole.

The Value of Bringing a Companion

We always encourage patients to bring a spouse, family member, or friend to their hearing evaluation. This companion can provide valuable insights about your communication challenges and help remember the information discussed during the appointment. Having support during this process often leads to better outcomes, as hearing loss affects not just the individual but their entire family.

Medical History Review

Before beginning the actual testing, we carefully review your medical history and current medications. Many factors can impact hearing, including:

• Previous noise exposure
• Family history of hearing loss
• Certain medications
• Medical conditions
• Previous ear surgeries or trauma
• Balance problems
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Understanding your complete health picture helps us provide more accurate and effective recommendations for your hearing care.

The Testing Environment

Our testing takes place in a specially designed sound-treated booth that meets strict professional standards for ambient noise levels. This controlled environment ensures accurate results by eliminating outside noise interference. While some might find the booth initially intimidating, our audiologist makes sure you're comfortable and clearly understand all instructions before testing begins.

Components of Our Diagnostic Evaluation

Pure Tone Testing

Using specialized headphones, we present tones at different pitches (frequencies) and volumes (intensities) to determine the softest sounds you can hear. This creates your audiogram - a graph showing your hearing levels across different frequencies. We test both ears individually to understand how each ear functions.

Speech Testing

Understanding speech involves more than just hearing tones. We perform several speech-related tests:

• Speech recognition threshold: Finding the softest level at which you can repeat simple words
• Word recognition: Testing your ability to understand speech at a comfortable volume
• Speech-in-noise testing: Evaluating how well you understand speech with background noise present

Quick Speech-in-Noise Test (QuickSIN)

This specialized test helps us understand your ability to hear in noisy environments - a common challenge for many people with hearing loss. The results help guide our technology recommendations if hearing aids become necessary.

Middle Ear Testing

We evaluate your middle ear system through tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing. These tests:

• Check eardrum movement
• Assess middle ear pressure
• Evaluate the function of tiny middle ear muscles
• Help identify potential medical conditions requiring referral to an ENT physician

Otoacoustic Emissions

This test checks the function of your cochlea's outer hair cells - tiny sensory cells crucial for normal hearing. The test is painless and provides valuable information about your hearing health.

Most Comfortable and Uncomfortable Loudness Levels

Understanding your comfort range for different sounds helps us:

• Determine appropriate amplification levels if hearing aids are needed
• Identify potential sound sensitivity issues
• Ensure any recommended devices are programmed to keep sounds comfortable

Real-World Communication Assessment

Beyond the technical measurements, we discuss your daily communication challenges:

• Specific situations where hearing is difficult
• Impact on work and social activities
• Communication strategies currently being used
• Goals for improved hearing

This information helps us develop recommendations tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools When Needed

For some patients, additional specialized testing may be beneficial:

• Extended high-frequency testing
• Detailed tinnitus evaluation
• Central auditory processing assessment
• Custom hearing protection evaluation

Our comprehensive diagnostic equipment allows us to perform these additional tests when necessary.

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

Pediatric Testing (Age 5 and older)

We adapt our testing approach for younger patients to maintain engagement and ensure accurate results. Games and visual reinforcement help make the process more engaging for children.

Adult Testing

For working adults, we pay special attention to occupational hearing needs and communication demands in professional settings.

Senior Testing

We take extra time with older adults to ensure comfort and understanding throughout the process. We also screen for cognitive factors that might impact hearing aid success.

Understanding Your Test Results

After completing your evaluation, we take time to explain your results using clear, straightforward language. Your audiogram - the graph showing your hearing levels - tells a detailed story about your hearing health. The pattern and degree of hearing loss can indicate various underlying causes, from noise exposure to natural aging processes.

Types of hearing loss we identify include:

Conductive Hearing Loss

• Involves the outer or middle ear
• Often related to medical conditions like ear infections or wax blockage
• May be temporary and medically treatable

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

• Affects the inner ear or hearing nerve
• Common causes include aging, noise exposure, and certain medications
• Usually permanent but manageable with proper treatment

Mixed Hearing Loss

• Combines both conductive and sensorineural components
• Requires careful analysis to determine appropriate treatment approach

During your results review, we examine:

• Type and degree of any hearing loss present
• How your hearing affects speech understanding, particularly in noise
• Whether medical referral to an ENT specialist is needed
• Treatment recommendations based on your lifestyle and communication needs

Speech understanding scores play a crucial role in treatment planning. While two people might have similar-looking audiograms, their ability to process and understand speech can differ significantly. We analyze both your ability to hear soft sounds and your capacity to understand speech clearly, especially in challenging listening environments.

If hearing aids become part of your treatment plan, we use Real Ear Measurement - the gold standard in hearing aid fitting. This verification process measures the actual sound output of hearing aids while they're in your ears, ensuring you receive the precise amplification needed for your specific hearing loss. This step-by-step process helps:

• Verify appropriate amplification across all frequencies
• Ensure comfortable listening levels
• Optimize speech clarity
• Reduce return visits for adjustments

Understanding your hearing test results guides every aspect of your treatment plan. We consider factors like your daily activities, work environment, and social needs when making recommendations. This comprehensive approach leads to better outcomes and higher satisfaction with your hearing care.

Schedule Your Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation

A proper hearing test is the foundation for all hearing healthcare decisions. At Silicon Valley Hearing, Dr. Marni Novick combines years of experience with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to provide accurate, comprehensive evaluations. Our Los Gatos office offers convenient appointment times Monday through Friday. Contact us at (408) 540-7128 to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward better hearing health.