DIAGNOSTIC AUDIOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
A Diagnostic audiological evaluation determines if hearing loss is present or not. If a hearing loss is present the series of testing will differentiate type, severity, and configuration of each individual’s impairment. Conductive hearing losses are caused by outer or middle ear dysfunction while sensorineural hearing loss is due to permanent cochlear damage (inner ear) or processing problems in the brain.
A diagnostic evaluation also provides a better understanding of the cause of the hearing loss; as well as the appropriate treatment options for each patient based on the results of the evaluation. Sometimes hearing aids are the treatment method, but there are many medical conditions that can cause hearing deficits, and diagnostic audiological evaluations are able to differentiate what the best treatment options are.