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My name is Tony Richards and when I turned 40 years old I began having unusual health symptoms including a powerful thirst and numbness in my hands. I went to see my doctor and after running tests he determined that I had diabetes. My doctor prescribed medicine for my condition and he also told me to make some lifestyle changes or the diabetes would get worse. I didn't want that to happen so I began researching ways to control diabetes. After implementing these ideas, my condition actually got better and I was able to reduce the amount of medication I was taking. If your doctor has diagnosed you with diabetes, it's very beneficial for you to read my blog so your condition doesn't worsen. I hope that by following this blog, it will help you to control your diabetes too.

Lifestyle Changes For Diabetes Control

Navigating A Hearing Exam: What To Expect

21 August 2023

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Hearing exams are essential tools for diagnosing and treating hearing loss. If you've noticed a decrease in your ability to hear or understand speech, or if you're experiencing ear discomfort, it might be time to schedule a hearing exam. Understandably, you may have questions about what the process entails. Here is what to expect during a hearing exam.

Pre-Examination Discussion

Your hearing exam will typically begin with a discussion with the audiologist or hearing healthcare professional. They will ask about your medical history, any specific hearing concerns you have, and how these issues are affecting your daily life. This conversation helps the professional understand your unique situation and tailor the examination accordingly.

Physical Examination

Next, the audiologist will conduct a physical examination of your ears using an otoscope. This device allows them to look into your ear canal and check your eardrum for any abnormalities such as earwax build-up, infection, or structural issues that could be causing hearing problems.

Hearing Tests

Your hearing capabilities will be evaluated through a comprehensive series of tests. These may include the following:

Pure-Tone Test: This test measures the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. You'll wear headphones and respond when you hear a sound. The results are plotted on an audiogram, a visual representation of your hearing ability.
Speech Testing: This evaluation assesses your capacity to listen and comprehend regular conversations at varying volumes. You'll be asked to repeat the words or sentences you hear.
Tympanometry: This is a diagnostic test that evaluates the mobility of the eardrum, detecting potential problems in the middle ear such as fluid accumulation or ear infections.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test: This test checks the inner ear's response to sound. It's often used for newborns or individuals who can't actively participate in traditional hearing tests.

Results and Recommendations

After the tests, the audiologist will discuss the results with you. If hearing loss is detected, they'll explain the type and degree of your hearing loss. They may also provide recommendations for next steps. This could include referral to a medical doctor if your hearing loss is due to a treatable condition, or discussing options for hearing aids if your hearing loss is sensorineural.

While the prospect of a hearing exam might seem daunting, it's a straightforward and painless process designed to pinpoint any hearing issues you may have and determine the best course of action. Contact a professional to learn more about hearing exams.

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