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Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds of cochlear origin, which can be recorded by a microphone fitted into the ear canal. They are caused by the motion of the cochlea’s sensory hair cells as they energetically respond to auditory stimulation.

Tympanometry is an examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the conduction bones by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal. Tympanometry is an objective test of middle-ear function.

A pure-tone air conduction hearing test determines the faintest tones a person can hear at selected pitches (frequencies), from low to high. During this test, earphones are worn so that information can be obtained for each ear.

Sometimes, use of earphones for the test is not possible, such as when a child refuses to wear them. In these cases, sounds are presented through speakers inside a sound booth (called sound-field screening). Since sound-field screening does not give ear-specific information, a unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in only one ear) may be missed.

The person taking the test may be asked to respond to the sounds in a variety of ways, such as by:

Raising a finger or hand
Pressing a button, pointing to the ear where the sound was received
Saying “yes” to indicate that the sound was heard
The results are recorded in an audiogram.

Sometimes, young children are given a more play-like activity to indicate response. The most common techniques involve visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) and conditioned play audiometry (CPA).

One of the most frequent ways to remove wax in general practice is by ear irrigation, or syringing as it is commonly known. This procedure cannot be carried out if the person has had any ear surgery, recent infections or a perforation of the ear drum. It is also not advisable to carry out the procedure if the patient has any dizziness problems or very troublesome tinnitus.

During this procedure, the person sits in a chair and the ear is rinsed with warm water from an electronic irrigator. The wax and water is collected in a basin or cup-shaped device which the patient holds under their ear. In the past clinicians used a large metal syringe; however the new electronic irrigators, which have controlled pressures, are gentler and safer. Ear syringing does make some noise but this is not excessive or uncomfortable. Most people who have irrigation find it to be a fairly pleasant procedure.

Wax can also be removed by micro-suction. This procedure is most commonly carried out in hospitals although some primary care clinics can also now offer this. During this procedure the clinician looks through a microscope and suctions the ear with a small instrument. It is a noisy procedure and although some patients may find the procedure slightly uncomfortable it should not be painful.

Wax may also be removed by a clinician using a headlight and instruments. Never try to remove the wax yourself with an instrument or device as you will most probably push it further down the ear canal or cause damage.

If any method being used is uncomfortable, tell the clinician at once.

The newborn hearing screening test helps to identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This means parents can get the support and advice they need right from the start.

One to two babies in every 1,000 are born with permanent hearing loss in one or both ears.

This increases to about 1 in every 100 babies who have spent more than 48 hours in intensive care. Most of these babies are born into families with no history of permanent hearing loss.

Permanent hearing loss can significantly affect a baby’s development. Finding out early can give these babies a better chance of developing language, speech, and communication skills. It will also help babies make the most of relationships with their family or carers from an early age.

Routine maintenance, cleaning, and repair of hearing aids

With Lyric® Hearing, you get your own customized Lyric devices in one simple office visit to your Lyric trained hearing professional’s office. Lyric is a non-surgically placed device, and no anesthesia is required. Sizing and fitting you for new Lyric devices should take less than one hour.

Evaluation Steps

• Perform hearing exam to assess your hearing loss
• Conduct ear exam to check size/shape of your canal and ear health
• Evaluate your lifestyle/hearing needs

Once you and your hearing professional have determined that Lyric is right for you, you will be sized and fitted with Lyric. This process has three simple steps that enable you to leave the office with your Lyric hearing devices.

Sizing and Fitting Steps

• Size and place Lyric
• Program Lyric
• Discuss how to use Lyric, Q&A, and follow-up visits

Impression material is used to take the shape of your ear. An earplug is made according to your needs (swimming, noise, music, hunting etc.)

Tinnitus is the hearing of sound when no external sound is present.^[1] While often described as a ringing, it may also sound like a clicking, hiss or roaring.^[2] Rarely, unclear voices or music are heard.^[3] The sound may be soft or loud, low pitched or high pitched and appear to be coming from one ear or both.^[2] Most of the time, it comes on gradually.^[3] In some people, the sound causes depression, anxiety or interferes with concentration.^[2]

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom that can result from a number of underlying causes. One of the most common causes is noise-induced hearing loss. Other causes include: ear infections, disease of the heart or blood vessels, Ménière’s disease, brain tumors, exposure to certain medications, a previous head injury and earwax.^[2] It is more common in those with depression.^[3]

The diagnosis is usually based on the person’s description. Occasionally, the sound may be heard by someone else using a stethoscope: in which case, it is known as objective tinnitus. A number of questionnaires exist that assess how much tinnitus is interfering with a person’s life.^[3] People should have an audiogram and neurological exam as part of the diagnosis.^[1][3] If certain problems are found, medical imaging such as with MRImay be recommended. Those who have tinnitus that occurs with the same rhythm as their heartbeat also need further testing.^[3]

Prevention involves avoiding loud noise.^[2] If there is an underlying cause, treating it may lead to improvements.^[3] Otherwise, typically, management involves talk therapy.^[4] Sound generators or hearing aids may help some.^[2] As of 2013, there are no effective medications.^[3] It is common, affecting about 10-15% of people. Most, however, tolerate it well with its being a significant problem in only 1-2% of people.^[4] The word tinnitus is from the Latin tinnīre which means “to ring”.^[3]

 Fix and repair any issues that cause the hearing aid not to work.

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