ENT

Audiometry

Audiometry is a branch of audiology that measures hearing acuity. It involves measuring how well someone can hear sounds, including how well they can distinguish different types of sounds and how well they can hear quiet or loud sounds.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is a test that shows how well your middle ear is working. It does this by measuring how your eardrum moves. Your ear consists of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Sound enters through your outer ear as energy or vibrations.

Hearing Aid

A hearing aid is a diminutive electronic apparatus that enables individuals with hearing loss to perceive sounds more distinctly. The device can be worn either in or behind the ear and functions by amplifying sound signals. This technology is especially useful for individuals who struggle with hearing loss and can benefit from the increased amplification of sound.

Hearing Aid Trial & Fitting

A hearing aid fitting appointment can take about an hour and usually involves the following steps:

1. Sound test: The audiologist places a tube near your eardrum to test your reaction to loud and soft sounds.
2. Fitting: The hearing aid is fitted with the tube still in place.
3. Comfort: The audiologist checks that the earpiece fits comfortably and that the hearing aid fits neatly behind
   your ear.
4. Verification: The hearing aid is analyzed to ensure it’s working properly.

The hearing aid fitting process typically has six stages:
Assessment, Treatment Planning, Selection, Verification, Orientation, Validation. analysed

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is a type of treatment that aims to improve an individual’s communication skills, including their ability to speak and understand language. It helps people express their thoughts and ideas clearly and understand information from others. Additionally, it can enhance cognitive abilities, such as memory retention and problem-solving skills.

Speech therapy is especially helpful for people with conditions that affect their ability to speak or understand language. These conditions may include developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, or cognitive impairments. The treatment process typically involves assessing the person’s communication abilities and creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses any difficulties they may have.

In conclusion, speech therapy is a valuable intervention that can significantly improve a person’s communication skills and cognitive abilities. It’s an effective treatment option for those with speech or language impairments, and it can lead to a better quality of life.

Swallow Therapy

Swallowing therapy comprises of exercises designed to fortify the muscles of the tongue and throat, thereby facilitating safer and more effortless swallowing. The regimen is typically administered over the course of four to six
sessions, held at weekly intervals, under the guidance of a qualified clinician, who will impart the necessary techniques and practices.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are delicate acoustic signals generated by the cochlea, which is the inner ear’s primary auditory organ, in response to external sounds. The auditory receptor cells within the cochlea are responsible for converting incoming mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to the
brain via the auditory nerve. OAEs are the byproduct of this process and can be measured using sensitive microphones placed in the ear canal. OAEs are widely used in audiology research and clinical practice as a non-invasive tool to assess the status of the cochlea and detect hearing loss.

Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)

The Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) test is a diagnostic tool utilized to evaluate an individual’s hearing capacity. It is also commonly referred to as an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) or Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP). This assessment involves the monitoring of the brain’s electrical activity in response to auditory stimuli. The BERA test is an important diagnostic tool utilized in the detection of hearing impairments, especially in newborns and young children. This tool is also valuable in determining the severity and location of any damage that may have occurred along the auditory pathway.

Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI)

The Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI) test is a hearing assessment methodology that evaluates the ability of the inner ear to perceive small changes in sound intensity. It is commonly utilized for the diagnosis of cochlear pathology. This test is based on the principle that pathological changes in the cochlea result in a decreased ability to detect small increments in sound intensity. The SISI test involves presenting a series of tone bursts with small increments in sound intensity, typically between 1 and 5 dB, to the patient. The patient’s ability to detect these small changes in sound intensity is then evaluated and compared to normal hearing thresholds. The SISI test is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of cochlear pathology and can aid in the development of appropriate treatment plans for patients with hearing disorders.

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a treatment option for tinnitus, which can sound like ringing, buzzing, or hissing. TRT involves counseling and sound therapy to help your brain ignore the sound.
• The counseling aims to reclassify tinnitus as a neutral stimulus. The sound therapy aims to reduce the strength of neuronal activity related to tinnitus. TRT is most effective when it includes counseling and sound therapy for at least 12 months.
• TRT is based on a neurophysiological model of tinnitus. Sound therapy is administered based on the patient’s category, and may include hearing aids or cochlear implants.
• According to Sound Relief Hearing Center, most studies show that TRT is effective for about 80% of people. Most people who complete TRT are able to maintain their results over time.