Bristol Tinnitus Appointments for Ringing in the Ears: What an Audiologist Checks.
Case History Interview
Interview for a Case History for Tinnitus and how it will shape the tests for your Tinnitus.
Otoscopy
The audiologist uses a small scope to look into the ear canal for any blockages or inflammation. Wax or an infection in the ear canal can cause tinnitus or make existing tinnitus worse. If the audiologist can clear the wax or treat the infection, the tinnitus may clear or reduce.
Pure-Tone Audiometry
Most types of tinnitus are associated with some form of hearing loss. Pure tone audiometry will therefore be used to establish the hearing loss that you have developed. This test will also outline the frequencies that you can and cannot hear and therefore aid in the diagnosis of your tinnitus.
Pitch and Loudness Matching
The matching test: This test consists of the audiologist producing a wide variety of pitches until they find one that is similar to your tinnitus. Interestingly most people find that their tinnitus is in fact quieter than they had actually perceived.
Loudness Discomfort Levels
A further test of how sensitive your ears are to louder sounds. Some people with tinnitus find normal levels of background noise to be uncomfortable. This test will help inform any management of your tinnitus.
Referral Triggers
One-sided tinnitus or pulsatile tinnitus that beats in time with your pulse needs investigating further. If a Bristol audiologist is investigating you for, they will let you know if it is something that needs looking into by a specialist. A useful reference for Audiologist Bristol is //www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol/.
Knowing what each check involves will help you manage your appointment more effectively and ensure that you can effectively detail your symptoms.