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Hearing loss: how an audiometry exam from Clinica Diaz Caparros can help prevent problems and find solutions
The sooner we take action and have our hearing tested, the greater the chance of treatment
Hearing loss is a problem that can occur to varying degrees and more severe symptoms can greatly inhibit our ability to communicate, lead to social isolation and even mental health difficulties if left undiagnosed. Thankfully, many hearing impairments can be detected early, and effectively treated, with the use of an audiometry exam.
What is audiometry?
We hear the noises around us through sound waves that stimulate the nerves of the inner ear via the ear canal, eardrum and bones. From here, the sound travels along the nerve pathway directly to the brain.
An audiometry exam tests the range and sensitivity of a person’s hearing, as well as the level of language understanding.
Sounds vary according to the volume or force (intensity) and the speed of vibration of the sound waves (pitch, frequency or tone).
The human ear is capable of perceiving sounds of between 20 and 20,000 Hertz (Hz), while many animals can actually hear up to 50,000 Hz. This represents the pitch, or tone, of the sounds we are hearing.
On the other hand, the intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB) and extremely loud noises can damage our hearing quite quickly. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring more than 85 dB can result in hearing loss. To put this into perspective, a whisper is around 20 dB whereas the sound of a jet engine can be as high as 180 dB.
Our hearing naturally deteriorates as we get older, particularly our ability to distinguish the higher tones. Luckily though, an audiometry exam carried out by the experts at Clínica Díaz Caparrós can help identify where the loss is occurring and diagnose any pathologies of the auditory system.
What does the test involve?
In the exam, the auditory thresholds (minimum intensity perceived by the patient) are evaluated, both by tone (airway) through beeps, and by bone (vibrations).1. Airway
The patient sits in a sound-proof booth or room while the audiologist produces a series of beeps using a tool called an audiometer. The sounds range in tone and intensity and the information is then represented on a graph.
2. Bone pathway
Wearing bone conduction headphones, the patient will again hear a number of different tones, but this time the noise will start in the person’s inaudible region and the sound will be increased until it is detected.
In certain cases it’s necessary to cover the opposite ear, so that the response is as reliable as possible.
A difference between the two curves greater than 10 dB suggests some possible damage to the middle ear to be investigated in more depth by the specialist.
3. Verbal audiometry or logoaudiometry
These terms refer to a patient’s ability to understand the spoken word by hearing.
To test this function, verbal stimuli are presented to the patient at different intensities, which they will be asked to repeat. The exam is valuable because it not only tests a patient’s auditory capacity, but also their ability to understand what is being said.
The 4 types of hearing loss
1. Sensorineural
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when a person has problems with the inner ear (cochlea) or acoustic nerve. This can be caused by age, exposure to loud noises, genes, ear or head injuries and a variety of illnesses such as meningitis.
The most common reason for sensorineural hearing loss is age (presbycusis) since over time the cell ciliates that are part of the cochlea are lost.
2. Conductive
This kind of hearing impairment happens when sounds are prevented from travelling through the tympanic membrane of the middle ear to the inner ear, or cochlea.
Conductive hearing loss has many possible causes, ranging from a build-up of ear wax to damage to the eardrum or bones. It can often be corrected quite simply through treatments or surgical intervention, but occasionally the patient will require hearing aids.
3. Mixed
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss and effects both the inner ear and the middle or outer.
A mixed diagnosis can point to a more profound hearing impairment and in addition to other treatments, hearing aids or cochlear implants are often required.
4. Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
This type of loss occurs when the patient perceives sounds normally, but the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged and is not capable of processing it.
People with this type of impairment may appear to have normal hearing sensitivity but their ability to understand language will be compromised.
Testing at Clínica Díaz Caparrós
The multifunctional audiometry exam is a valuable preventive tool, since early testing as soon as symptoms appear means that the case can be treated, often avoiding irreversible deterioration.
Failure to address hearing loss can increase the chances of cognitive damage and patients who leave it too long before seeking professional help may be too late to avail themselves of specialised treatments.
With more than 25 years of experience in the auditory health field and led by the esteemed Dr Félix Díaz Caparrós, the experts at the Díaz Caparrós clinic in Cartagena recommend that you have your hearing checked regularly, particularly if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above.
You can book a consultation with an English-speaking operator on +34 645 255 911, email info@clinicadiazcaparros.es or go to the clinic’s website for further information.
Images: Clínica Díaz Caparrós
Address
C/ Carmen 26, 1º Cartagena, MurciaThe Clínica Díaz Caparrós medical clinic in Cartagena, Murcia offers services ranging from aesthetic medicine and cosmetic operations, to audiology and hearing tests and otorhinolaryngological problems like tonsillitis, sleep apnoea and other ear, nose and
throat problems.
throat problems.Set up in 1991 by Dr. Félix Díaz Caparrós, Doctor in Medicine and Surgery, specialist in Otorhinolaryngology and Cosmetic doctor, the medical professionals at the Clínica Díaz Caparrós have over 30 years’ experience in providing personalised health services to people in the Region of Murcia.
Dr. Díaz Caparrós even goes around numerous hospitals throughout Murcia to treat patients in situ. At the clinic, they offer an extensive range of health treatments, including:
- Audiology: Clínica Díaz Caparrós truly believes that patients deserve the highest level of care when it comes to their hearing health and hearing tests to find out if they need a hearing aid or hearing protection, and provide treatments for deafness, tinnitus and vertigo.
- Ear, Nose and Throat: The Díaz Caparrós clinic offers its patients solutions to their problems of tonsillitis, sleep apnoea, rhinitis, dysphonia, sinusitis, treatment of the Eustachian tube, otitis and all ailments, illnesses and conditions related to this specialty.
- Aesthetic medicine: Anti-ageing treatments, for the best care of your skin, Facial and body treatments, hyaluronic acid, threads, Flash CDC, Skinbooster, Mesotherapy, Elektra CDC, Fillers, Hand Rejuvenation, Neck Rejuvenation, 8-Point Lift, Rhinomodelling, lip contouring, cheek volume, eye circles, jowls and dermal blemishes, Ultrasound Liposuction, Indiba Deep Care and treatments to eliminate cellulite.
So whether you need a hearing checkup, have trouble with your sinuses, tonsils or other ear, nose and throat problems, or are looking for the best quality cosmetic treatments available in the Murcia Region, contact Clínica Díaz Caparrós to help you take care of your health.
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