What Can An Audiologist Diagnose?

When most people think of an audiologist, they imagine a quick hearing test in a quiet booth followed by a conversation about hearing aids. While identifying hearing loss is a core part of what we do at Tranquil Hearing Care, the scope of audiology is much broader than many realise.

Audiologists are healthcare professionals specialising in the science of the entire auditory and vestibular systems. This means we don’t just look at whether you can hear a beep; we look at the physical health of your ears, how your brain processes sound, and even how your inner ear affects your balance.

The Different Types of Hearing Loss

The primary diagnosis an audiologist makes is the specific nature and degree of hearing loss. It isn't a one-size-fits-all condition, and understanding the root cause is vital for effective treatment. We generally categorise hearing loss into three distinct types:

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This is the most common form, often caused by age-related changes or exposure to loud noise. It occurs when the delicate hair cells in the cochlea (the inner ear) are damaged. Because these cells don't regenerate, this type of loss is typically permanent.

Conductive Hearing Loss

This happens when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear. This might be due to a simple wax blockage, a perforated eardrum, or fluid behind the drum. In many cases, these issues can be treated medically or surgically.

Mixed Hearing Loss

As the name suggests, this is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive factors.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present and is a condition that affects millions. While it is often described as a ringing in the ears, it can also manifest as buzzing, whistling, or even a rhythmic pulsing.

While tinnitus itself can be a symptom of an underlying issue (like hearing loss or ear strain), an audiologist can diagnose the specific nature of your tinnitus. Through specialised assessments, we can determine the frequency and loudness of the sound you are hearing and develop a management plan, such as sound therapy or habituation techniques, to reduce its impact on your daily life.

Balance and Vestibular Disorders

You might be surprised to learn that your ears are just as responsible for your balance as they are for your hearing. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, sends signals to your brain about your body’s position in a space.

When this system is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, or a general feeling of instability. Audiologists can perform diagnostic tests to see if your balance issues are originating in the ear. One common condition we encounter is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced. Identifying this allows for targeted physical manoeuvres that can provide immediate relief.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Sometimes, the ears work perfectly, but the brain struggles to make sense of the signals it receives. This is known as Auditory Processing Disorder. People with APD often have “normal” results on a standard hearing test but find it incredibly difficult to understand speech in noisy environments or follow complex verbal instructions. An audiologist can use specific tests to diagnose how the central nervous system processes sound, which is an essential step in finding strategies to manage the condition, especially in children or busy professionals.

Book Your Assessment at Tranquil Hearing Care

Understanding your hearing health is the first step toward maintaining your overall well-being. Whether you’ve noticed a slight change in your hearing, are struggling with a persistent ringing, or feel a bit unsteady on your feet, professional diagnostic testing can provide the answers you need.

At our clinic in Hoddesdon, we take the time to listen to your concerns and perform a comprehensive evaluation of your auditory system. Contact our audiology clinic today to discuss your concerns or book an appointment with one of our expert audiologists.