Beyond the Beep: A Scientific Approach to Hearing
At Echo Audiology, we provide Comprehensive Diagnostic Audiometry, an in-depth assessment intended to examine the degree to which the vestibular and auditory systems function from the outer ear through the middle ear to the inner ear and auditory nerve.
This evaluation goes beyond conventional hearing screening and offers a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine the nature, type, and severity of hearing loss in addition to problems affecting balance and spatial orientation. It provides precise diagnosis, clinical judgement, and suitable treatment or referral as required. An otoscopic examination of the pinna,ear canal and eardrum, pure tone audiometry using air and bone conduction testing, speech audiometry to evaluate speech comprehension, and middle ear assessment using tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing are all part of our thorough evaluation, which also includes a focused medical history addressing symptoms related to hearing, dizziness, and balance. As vital, vestibular disorders can be diagnosed and appropriate care is guided by the assessment and management of dizziness and balance.
Both adults and children can benefit from comprehensive diagnostic audiometry, which would be recommended for those who need formal diagnostic hearing reports or who have hearing difficulties, tinnitus, dizziness, problems with balance, or ear discomfort.
01. Otoscopy
We begin by visualizing the ear canal and eardrum on a high-definition screen. This allows us to identify wax impaction, perforations, or infections before testing begins.
02. Pure Tone Audiometry
Using air and bone conduction, we determine your specific hearing thresholds. This differentiates between inner-ear nerve issues and middle-ear mechanical issues.
03. Immittance Testing
Echo Audiology Centre also provides quick, non-invasive tests to evaluate middle-ear function, such as tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing. Tympanometry is a useful tool for assessing eardrum movement and diagnosing disorders such as Otitis media with Effusion, Eustacian tube dysfunction etc. By measuring how the ear's muscles react to sound, acoustic reflex testing offers important insights into the auditory pathway. When combined, these tests facilitate precise diagnosis and direct suitable referral and treatment options.
04. Speech Audiometry
An essential test to determine how an individual interprets and processes speech. This comprises of word recognition testing, which evaluates how well speech is understood at comfortable listening levels, and speech recognition threshold testing, which establishes the softest level at which speech may be heard.
05. Informational Counselling
Our audiologists provide clear explanations of hearing test results, management options and reasonable expectations. This encourages confident involvement in hearing care and well-informed decision-making.
What to Expect at our Milton Park Clinic
Your appointment will last approximately 30 to 60 minutes. We believe in transparency; therefore, your audiologist will explain your results (the Audiogram) in plain language immediately following the test. You will receive a full clinical report that can be shared with your ENT or General Practitioner.
A Note on Calibration: All equipment at Echo Audiology Centre undergoes annual calibration to meet international ISO standards, ensuring your results are valid for medical or legal requirements in Zimbabwe.
