Union Audiology Centre provides various forms of audiological screening and assessments for individuals in need. Once a hearing loss is diagnosed, they will be referred to the otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) department for further investigation and treatment. Our audiologist will also recommend suitable rehabilitation options based on the severity of the hearing loss, such as using hearing aids or cochlear implant as assistive listening devices.
A) BEHAVIORAL MEASURES
Pure Tone Audiometry(PTA)
To measure a patient's hearing sensitivity. The patient demonstrates a specific response (such as hand-raising or button pushing) to an acoustic stimulus.
Age:
6 years old or above
Procedure:
Patient is asked to respond (by raising hands or pressing a button) whenever a sound is heard.
Results:
To determine the minimal hearing level in each ear.
To define the nature and degree of hearing impairment.
Speech Audiometry(SA)
To access a patient's speech detection and discrimination. The patient repeats words they heard from headphone.
Age:
8 years old or above
Procedure:
Word stimuli are presented through headphones and patient is asked to give repeat the words.
Results:
Scores are given on phoneme basis.
For normal hearing people, the maximum discrimination score is 100%.
B) OBJECTIVE MEASURES
Immittance Audiometry (TYMP/IA/AR)
To assess the status of the middle ear system.
Age:
All ages, including infants
Procedure:
A probe is placed in the ear canal for measurement.
Probe tones and varying pressure are being introduced into the ear.
Results:
Provide information about the status of the tympanic membrane and middle ear system. (i.e., middle ear pathology/effusion. Negative pressure possibly indicating Eustachian tube dysfunction).
Eustachian Tube Function Test (ETF)
To access the pressure changes in the middle ear before and after swallowing.
Age:
Appropriate for adults
Procedure:
A probe tone is introduced into the ear with pressure building up.
The patient is required to follow instructions and swallow to determine if the Eustachian tube can equalize the pressure.
Results:
Indicate the functionality of the Eustachian tube
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
To assess auditory functionality from cochlea up to the brainstem level.
Age:
All ages, including infants
Procedure:
The auditory system is stimulated by a brief acoustic signal via air or bone conduction. The resulting oto-neurological activity is recorded by surface electrodes placed on the head and behind the ears.
The response is assessed based on the identification of component waves, their shape and response time compared to normative data.
The measurement process will not incur any pain or discomfort.
Duration:
Around one hour
Results:
Provides ear-specific information and some frequency-specific information about hearing acuity within 5-10 dB of behavioral thresholds
Can also detect oto-neurological lesions, such as acoustic neuroma.
*Remark: Due to the subtle responses, excessive noise may interfere the measurement process. Individuals are required to be in relax or sleep state. Some infants and unable-to-cooperate individuals may be required to take sedation in form of chloral hydrate prescribed by the doctor prior to the testing.
