Adult Audiology
Adult Audiology undertakes assessments for all hearing related concerns for people aged 18 or over. We provide hearing aids and support for any hearing impairments found and work closely with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) when required for further management or diagnosis.
We are team with many years of experience in testing and managing hearing loss in adults. Clinics are primarily held in Calderdale Royal Hospital and Acre Mills Outpatients in Huddersfield, with some clinics at Todmorden Health Centre and Brighouse Health Centre.
What do I do if I have a problem with my hearing?
If you are having problems with your hearing or any ear related symptoms the first port of call is to visit your GP. Once you have visited the GP and explained your symptoms, they may either refer you on to Audiology or to the Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) department depending on your individual circumstances.
Hearing Assessment
Your initial appointment with Audiology will last up to 1 hour. At the appointment, one of the audiologists will take a detailed medical history. A hearing test will then be carried out and the results will be presented to you.
A hearing test is used to establish your hearing threshold (the quietest sound you can hear). In order to do this accurately, the appointment will take place in a soundproof room or booth to minimise any external sound. The audiologist will fully explain what is expected from you throughout the hearing test and will address any queries you may have. The actual hearing test will last around 15- 20 minutes. From this, the Audiologist will discuss the best treatment plan.
Please ensure your ears are clear of wax prior to your hearing test appointment - if your ears are blocked with wax, we will not be able to carry out the hearing assessment.
Treatment Options
Once your hearing test is complete, the audiologist will give a detailed explanation of your results, taking into consideration, how it affects you and your daily life. The audiologist will discuss ways to improve your hearing and communication and you will be able to choose the best treatment option for you.
Some treatment options may include
- Hearing Tactics
- Hearing aids
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Onward referral to other departments or services
Other adult audiology services provided by our audiology team include BAHAs and tinnitus management.
Terminology
Otoscopy
Otoscopy is the process of using a light to look into your ear. This is done before any hearing assessment to check for any abnormalities such as an infection or a blockage of wax.
Pure Tone Audiometry
Pure tone audiometry is a test used to determine the quietest sounds a person can hear. During the test, different tones at various frequencies are played at different volume levels through headphones. The patient indicates when they hear a sound, usually by pressing a button or raising their hand. The test is used to identify how sound is travelling through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a diagnostic test used to check the function of the middle ear. This test helps us determine how well the eardrum and the bones in your ear are moving in responce to air pressure.
Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a permanent hearing loss where the root cause lies with the inner ear or the hearing nerve.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is an age related hearing loss. It is a progressive sensorineural hearing loss that is irreversible.
It is the most common cause of hearing loss and affects most people as they get older.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when sound cannot travel through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear due to problems such as blockages, ear infections, fluid or structural abnormalities.
Mixed Hearing Loss
A mixed hearing loss occurs when an individual experiences elements of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
