Audiology

The word audiology means the science of hearing. Audiology is a branch of science and health-related to hearing, language, speech and balance functions. By combining science and technology, it provides the prevention of hearing, language, speech and balance disorders, the recognition and treatment of diseases.

What are the fields of study of audiology?

• Development, application and interpretation of appropriate tools, methods and techniques for evaluating the hearing and balance system and interpreting the results
• Application of appropriate healing methods (hearing aid, cochlear implant, auditory training, vestibular rehabilitation) for hearing loss and balance problems
• Preparation and implementation of hearing protection and early intervention programs (newborn hearing screenings, noise protection programs)

In our Audiology department, detailed hearing assessment, detailed vertigo, balance assessment and rehabilitation, assessment and therapy of language development and speech disorders, determination of auditory rehabilitation tools in people with detected hearing loss, newborn hearing screening with application and follow-up are performed for adult and pediatric patients. In addition, our hospital performs diagnostic tests and treatments for tinnitus (tinnitus) and hypersensitivity to sounds (hyperacusis, misophonia).

What are the audiological tests performed on children?

• Behavioral hearing tests are performed to find the minimum level the baby or child can hear. Reliable responses are obtained from the child by using game audiometry, and visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) techniques according to the child's age and attention level.
• Speech audiometry
• Acoustic immitansmetry
• Otoacoustic emission,
• Electrophysiological measurements are made and the response formed in the brain's auditory nerve and hearing centres is collected with electrodes (ABR, MLR, LLR, P300, MMN, ASSR).
• Hearing screening with automatic ABR

What are the audiological tests performed for adults?

• Pure voice and speech audiometry
• Acoustic immitansmetry
• Otoacoustic emission,
• Central speech and behaviour tests (Tests performed for the diagnosis of hearing discrimination disorder in the upper centres, despite the fact that hearing is normal in the ears)
• Electrophysiological measurements are made and the response formed in the auditory nerve and hearing centers in the brain is collected with electrodes (ABR, MLR, LLR, P300, MMN, ASSR).
• Tinnitus assessment

 What are the audiological test methods and devices used?

1. Videnistagmography

Videonistagmography (VNG) is a system consisting of different subgroup tests developed for the detailed investigation of balance disorders. Subtests include the evaluation of the connection paths between visual information and the balance center in the ear, dizziness caused by position change, and dizziness caused by heating and cooling the ear (caloric test).

2. VEMP

It is an electrophysiological measurement used in the differential diagnosis of vertigo, in which the response of the muscle is recorded by giving a sound from the ear and with the help of electrodes.

3. Head impulse test

It is a test used in the differential diagnosis of ear-induced dizziness, the calculations of which are performed in a computer environment.

4. Electrophysiological hearing assessment methods

a. ABR

Auditory brainstem response is an advanced audiological assessment used to determine the type and degree of hearing loss of young children or adults who do not comply with behavioral tests, and to evaluate auditory nerve function.

b. Middle and late latencies, auditory evoked cortical potentials

They are advanced audiological methods in which the processing of the heard sound is monitored along the auditory nerve and in the brain centers related to hearing.

5. Otoacoustic emission test (teoae and dpoae)

OAE is an objective test that evaluates the function of hearing cells in the inner ear.

6. Tympanometry and acoustic reflex tests

They are objective tests used to evaluate the eardrum, ear bones, middle ear cavity and auditory nerve.

7. Child and adult audiometry

Pure voice and speech tests of adult patients, free space and play audiometry tests of child patients can be performed in the sound-insulated room. In addition, the hearing aid function is also evaluated in the free area.

8. REM (real ear measurement) device

It is the device used to check the correctness of the hearing aid settings.