What is it
Audiometry is a test whose aim is to determine the ability of each ear to capture acoustic vibrations emitted at different frequencies of the audible spectrum. Through this test the patient’s ability to hear different sounds can be evaluated.
What is its purpose
This technique provides a fairly accurate assessment of hearing levels, and therefore indicates whether a patient hears well or not. In the latter case, it will also provide additional information about the problem that could be causing hearing loss.
Also, electronic audiometry can be used to detect hyperacusis, hearing level below the normal range.
How is it done
For the test to be conducted accurately, the patient will be in a fully soundproofed cabin with headphones, through which ithey will receive a series of sounds from high to low volume. Whenever the patient hears one of the sounds they will raise a hand so the technician can make a record in the chart. The last level of the last sound heard will determine the hearing threshold for that particular frequency.
This test does not cause any discomfort and lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Data is collected through an audiogram, a graph formed by each ear where the hearing threshold at a given frequency is shown. Each signal is represented by a small circle for the right ear and a small cross to the left. So both ears can be registered on the same graph, the right in red and left in blue.
What is it
Fibre optic Laryngoscopy is an examination of the larynx using a flexible endoscope that incorporates fibre optics
What is its purpose
This is used primarily to analyze and and diagnose various disorders that can affect the larynx, such as acute and chronic laryngitis, paralysis of vocal cords, laryngeal trauma, congenital anomalies, benign tumors, cancers and swallowing problems, including other.
How is it done
This procedure is simple and requires no preparation. Normally the endoscope is introduced through the nose, although it can also be done orally. The flexible endoscope is 2,3 mm in diameter and includes a fibre optic light. It can also incorporate a camera so that images can be seen on a monitor. To avoid nausea and discomfort a local anaesthetic is normally used.
What is it
Typanometry is a test that determines and avaluates the correct working of the middle ear and the mobility of the timpanic membrane and chain of small bonesduring a change of air pressure in the inner ear
What is its purpose
It is primarily used to detect disorders of the middle ear, allowing responses to sound and different pressures to be measured.
It is used to detect disorders of the middle ear such as alterations of the tympanic membrane, perforation, middle ear infections, secretion of serous fluid, various diseases affecting bones that alter conduction of sound or congenital abnormalities of the middle ear.
How is it done
First the specialist will perform a visual check of the external auditory canal, in order to verify that it is clear.
Subsequently, a probe is inserted into the ear canal until a tight seal is formed. The instrument changes the pressure in the ear and measures the eardrum responses to the sound at different pressures. This produces a series of data measuring how admittance varies with pressure, which is plotted as a tympanogram.
During the test, it is recommended that the patient doesn’t speak, move nor swallow, as this could generate changes in pressure affexting the accuracy of the results.