We are dedicated to improving quality of life through better hearing. We work to achieve this goal by offering the following services: Diagnostic assessments:At Galway Hearing Care, we offer a wide range of hearing assessments aimed at identifying different types of hearing problems and an adequate management of them. Our services are available from highly qualify clinicians with extensive experience with local Gp's and ENT Consultants in the Galway Clinic and UHG.
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA):- Speech Audiometry
- Loudness Discomfort Levels
- Tinnitus Matching/Masking
- Tympanometry
- Eustachian Tube Function Test
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA):The aim of pure tone audiometry is to establish hearing threshold sensitivity across the range of audible frequencies important for communication. Threshold sensitivity is usually measured for a series of discrete sinusoids or pure tones. The object of pure tone audiometry is to determine the lowest intensity of such a pure-tone signal that the listener can “just barely hear”. This is a key hearing test used to determine the degree, type and configuration of your hearing loss. Speech Audiometry: Speech audiometry is a key component of audiological assessment. Because it uses the kind of auditory signals present in everyday communication, speech audiometry can tell us, in a more realist manner than with pure tones, how an auditory disorder might impact communication in daily living. Also, the influence of disorder on speech processing can be detected at virtually every level of the auditory system. Speech measures can thus be used diagnostically to examine processing ability and the manner in which it is affected by disorders of the middle ear, cochlea, auditory nerve, brainstem pathways, and auditory centers in the cortex. In addition, there is a predictable relation between a person’s hearing for pure tones and hearing for speech. Thus, speech audiometric testing can serve as a cross-check of the validity of the pure tone audiogram. Loudness Discomfort Levels:This is an essential test for patients undergoing hearing aid assessment and fitting in order to calibrate the device appropriately. The test is used to determine the minimum loudness level of a sound that you judge to be uncomfortably loud. Loudness discomfort level is the intensity at which sound, particularly speech, causes discomfort. Hypersensitivity hearing is most commonly associated with hearing loss. Loudness discomfort is typically a problem for people who suffer from sensorineural hearing loss, whereas it is not a problem for people who suffer from conductive hearing loss. Tinnitus Matching / Masking:The test is performed to assess the character of your tinnitus and its subjective loudness above threshold. A second part of the test measures the sound input required to mask out the tinnitus so that it cannot be heard. This information is useful in evaluating annoyance, disability and response to treatment. Tympanometry:This is a test of your middle ear function and is useful for determining whether:- There is any fluid or congestion in your middle ear
- There is a perforation (hole) in your eardrum
- The eardrum is flaccid and weak
- There is loss of continuity of the ossicles (middle ear bones) by disease or trauma
- A grommet is blocked
- Changing pressure in the ear canal causes dizziness indicating a fistula (defect) in the bone surrounding the labyrinth (balance organ)
Eustachian Tube Function Test:The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear with the back of the throat and the nose and this test is to ensure that it is functioning properly. The normal opening and closing of the Eustachian tube maintains equilibrium between ambient or atmospheric pressure and the pressure in the middle ear space. Eustachian tube obstruction is often a precursor of middle ear disease, such as otitis media.
To arrange an appointment email us or contact us on 091 567 888. |