If you are frustrated with trying to carrying on a normal conversation or are tired of having to ask someone to repeat what they're saying it might be time for a visit to your doctor for a hearing test. Auditory deficits are something people can experience for a variety of reasons, and it is definitely nothing to be ashamed of. Audiometric testing usually requires little or no out-of-pocket cost, and can be performed in no time at all. The whole process begins by a person answering some general questions about their medical history, lifestyle, and whether or not the changes they are experiencing happened very suddenly or gradually over a period of time. Your physician will perform a thorough examination of both ears, to make sure there are no obvious medical concerns. Various types of antibiotics can be the cause of an auditory deficit, as can a cold or an ear infection. Once any medical concerns have been dismissed or treated, your doctor may recommend a hearing test. There are different types of audiometric tests that a doctor can perform. One type is commonly called a threshold exam which identifies any type of difficulty a person may have with certain frequencies or decibels. Speech recognition exams explore problems involving communication and conversation, and these provide a baseline for doctors to compare to when they are trying to customize a person's auditory correction plan. What surprises many people about these procedures is that they can be performed in various locations, and they do not require any type of anesthetic or sedation. They can be performed by a doctor right in their office, in a laboratory by an audiologist, or by nurses at a school or in a corporate environment. Many professionals including speech pathologists or psychologists might also perform these types of procedures if they believe they are medically necessary. These exams do not cause any side effects, and thankfully do not subject the patient to any type of pain. There are times when these procedures may be more difficult to perform, especially if young kids or people with any type of mental or physical disabilities are the patients. Other factors can cause difficulties, including recent ear infections, sinus infections, or colds. Any exposure to extremely loud noises prior to the exam can also cause potential problems. A hearing test can come in a variety of forms. There are exams that measure a person's ability to understand conversation and hear normally. These are most commonly known as word recognition and speech exams. Otoacoustic emissions or OAE exams are routinely used to screen newborn babies. Exams that measure a person's sensorineural deficits are commonly called ABR or auditory brain stem response exams. Some of the most common exams include the whispered speech and the pure tone audiometry. People who are experiencing any type of auditory deficit should schedule a consult with their physician as soon as possible. It is best to investigate a problem when it is first noticed, not after it has been going on for any great length of time. With the advances in modern technology the ability to deal with an auditory deficit has become a much more manageable task. Be sure to ask your doctor to perform a hearing test so that you can get whatever services you need. Scheduling a Greenville, SC hearing test is a smart move. Contact Miracle-Ear Greenville-Spartanburg right away and browse the available services and products at http://www.miracle-ear-greenville.com.
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