AUDIOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

• Puretone Audiometry testing for individuals from approximately age 4.5 to an adult using a traditional method.
  A. Air Conduction testing is presented through headphones to test hearing ability at certain frequencies.
  
  B. Bone Conduction testing is presented through a bone conduction device placed behind the ear on the mastoid bone to test the inner ear hearing ability at certain frequencies.
  
  
• Speech Audiometery testing for individuals from approximately age 6 months to an adult.
  A. Word Recognition tests the individuals ability to repeat one syllable words presented at a comfortable hearing level in each ear. For ages 4 years and older.
  
  B. Speech Reception Thresholds measure the softest level at which the individual is able to repeat back, or point to a picture representing the two-syllable word presented to each ear. For ages 3 years and older.
  
  C. Speech Awareness Thresholds measure the softest level the individual is able to respond to the sound presented. Typically for ages 6 months to about 3 years of age.
  
  
• Impedence Measurements test the individual's status of middle-ear function. For 4 months and older.
  A. Tympanometry measures the individual's eardrum movement in relation to pressure presented to the eardrum and the status of the middle ear system. Example: if an individual has fluid in his/her middle-ear, the eardrum will have limited movement on the test.
  
  B. Acoustic Reflex Screening measures the status of the protective muscles in the middle ear in relation to a louder sound presented to the ear.
  
  
• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry puretone testing for individuals at the developmental ages of approximately 6 months to 3 years tests hearing ability. It is generally done with speakers in a soundproof booth. The child will turn his/her head toward the speaker from which the sound was presented when he/she hears it and is rewarded with a visual reinforcer.
  
  
• Conditioned Play Audiometry puretone testing for individuals at the developmental ages of approximately 3 years to 4.5 years tests hearing ability. The child wears headphones and puts a block in a bucket when he/she hears the sound in his/her ear.
  
  
• Auditory Processing Evaluation for individuals at the developmental age of 5 years or older. This includes a series of tests that evaluate the individual's ability to process auditory information presented in various ways. Generally a verbal response is required, as the child has to repeat back what he/she heard.