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For those who have experienced trouble with the ability to hear, getting to the root of the issue is the first step to finding an effective treatment. A hearing center is a specialized medical practice dealing with auditory issues, and the staff at these centers can run a number of tests to determine what is causing your problems. One such test is a pure-tone test. This test determines the softest pitches a person can hear at selected frequencies, from low to high. The test is performed by having the subject wear earphones so that accurate information can be obtained for each ear. The tone will then sound, and the subject will press a button or raise a hand to indicate that he heard it. The results will be recorded in a graph called an audiogram, which can show the type, configuration, and degree of loss of auditory perception. If a wax or fluid buildup in the ear makes pure-tone testing impossible, an alternative procedure called pure-tone bone conduction testing can be performed. Here, the tone will be sent through a small vibrator that is either placed on the subject's forehead or behind their ear. The sound will be transmitted directly to the inner ear through the skull, and the inner ear's reaction to the vibration can then be measured. This is helpful because it can help the audiologist determine what type of auditory perception problem is present. Another type of testing that is performed at a hearing center is speech testing. This involves determining the quietest level of speech that a person can hear. The tester will speak, and the subject will press a button or raise a hand to indicate that he heard the speech. The test can also involve word recognition, where the subject will repeat back the words that the tester speaks. This can explain more about the type and configuration of hearing loss that the subject is suffering. The results are also recorded on an audiogram. This type of testing is generally used in conjunction with pure-tone testing. An interesting fact about speech testing is that it is often done in a noisy environment. This may seem counterintuitive, but many people complain of having difficulty understanding speech because of background noise, so testing for this problem may be helpful in diagnosing the underlying issue. An audiologist at a hearing center can also perform specialized testing that will gauge the capabilities of the middle ear. Some types of problems with the ability to hear are more commonly associated with problems in the middle ear, and specialized testing can help diagnose these issues. A common test is tympanometry, where air pressure is pushed in the ear canal, causing the eardrum to vibrate back and forth. The mobility of the eardrum is then recorded on a graph. This test can help pinpoint a number of conditions, including a middle ear infection, perforation of the eardrum, a fluid build up, a stiff eardrum, a hole in the eardrum, or an eardrum that moves around too much inside your ear. Visiting a Buffalo, NY, hearing center to have your ears tested is important when you suspect you are beginning to lose you ability to hear. Learn more about having your auditory issues checked out by visiting http://www.miracle-ear-buffalo.com.
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