Discovering That Blocked Ears Weren't the Whole Story
Discovering That Blocked Ears Weren't the Whole Story
Patient: Claire, 54
Patient: Claire, 54
The challenge
The challenge
Claire booked a hearing assessment at Tranquil Hearing Care because both of her ears had started to feel blocked and her hearing seemed increasingly muffled.
She suspected ear wax was responsible. Claire had experienced wax build-up before and assumed that having her ears cleared would resolve the problem.
There had been a few other changes, though. Over the previous year, Claire had gradually increased the television volume and sometimes found herself asking family members to repeat what they had said. She hadn't been particularly concerned because the changes had developed slowly, and she thought the blocked sensation in her ears explained why she wasn't hearing as clearly.
Claire booked a hearing assessment at Tranquil Hearing Care because both of her ears had started to feel blocked and her hearing seemed increasingly muffled.
She suspected ear wax was responsible. Claire had experienced wax build-up before and assumed that having her ears cleared would resolve the problem.
There had been a few other changes, though. Over the previous year, Claire had gradually increased the television volume and sometimes found herself asking family members to repeat what they had said. She hadn't been particularly concerned because the changes had developed slowly, and she thought the blocked sensation in her ears explained why she wasn't hearing as clearly.
Our approach
Our approach
Claire's hearing assessment began with a discussion about her symptoms, hearing concerns and relevant medical history. An examination of her ears confirmed that impacted wax was present.
Our audiologist explained the microsuction procedure before carefully removing the wax under magnification. Microsuction uses a fine suction device to remove wax without introducing water into the ear canal, allowing the audiologist to see the area being treated throughout the procedure.
Once Claire's ears had been cleared, she immediately noticed that the blocked sensation had improved. However, the appointment didn't end with the wax removal.
As the hearing assessment also includes a 4-point audiogram, we were able to carry out a baseline check of Claire's hearing after the blockage had been addressed.
Claire's hearing assessment began with a discussion about her symptoms, hearing concerns and relevant medical history. An examination of her ears confirmed that impacted wax was present.
Our audiologist explained the microsuction procedure before carefully removing the wax under magnification. Microsuction uses a fine suction device to remove wax without introducing water into the ear canal, allowing the audiologist to see the area being treated throughout the procedure.
Once Claire's ears had been cleared, she immediately noticed that the blocked sensation had improved. However, the appointment didn't end with the wax removal.
As the hearing assessment also includes a 4-point audiogram, we were able to carry out a baseline check of Claire's hearing after the blockage had been addressed.
Looking Beyond the Ear Wax
Looking Beyond the Ear Wax
The 4-point audiogram indicated that there could be an underlying change in Claire's hearing. This helped explain why she had been increasing the television volume and occasionally struggling with conversations.
We explained that the initial hearing check wasn't designed to provide the same level of information as a comprehensive hearing test. As Claire's results suggested further investigation would be useful, we recommended that she return for a more detailed hearing test.
During her hearing test, Pure Tone Audiometry was used to assess her hearing thresholds across a wider range of frequencies. Further audiological testing helped us build a clearer picture of how she was hearing.
The results confirmed that Claire had a degree of hearing loss that couldn't be explained by ear wax alone.
The 4-point audiogram indicated that there could be an underlying change in Claire's hearing. This helped explain why she had been increasing the television volume and occasionally struggling with conversations.
We explained that the initial hearing check wasn't designed to provide the same level of information as a comprehensive hearing test. As Claire's results suggested further investigation would be useful, we recommended that she return for a more detailed hearing test.
During her hearing test, Pure Tone Audiometry was used to assess her hearing thresholds across a wider range of frequencies. Further audiological testing helped us build a clearer picture of how she was hearing.
The results confirmed that Claire had a degree of hearing loss that couldn't be explained by ear wax alone.
Trying Hearing Aids in the Clinic
Trying Hearing Aids in the Clinic
Our audiologist talked Claire through her results and explained how the hearing loss related to the difficulties she had noticed at home and during conversations.
As hearing aids were an appropriate option, Claire was able to try different hearing aids at the clinic. This gave her the chance to experience amplified sound and discuss the different styles and features available before deciding how she wanted to proceed.
Rather than choosing a hearing aid based purely on appearance or technology, Claire could consider which option suited her hearing needs, lifestyle and personal preferences.
After discussing the available choices with her audiologist, Claire selected the hearing aids she felt most comfortable with and arranged a fitting appointment.
Our audiologist talked Claire through her results and explained how the hearing loss related to the difficulties she had noticed at home and during conversations.
As hearing aids were an appropriate option, Claire was able to try different hearing aids at the clinic. This gave her the chance to experience amplified sound and discuss the different styles and features available before deciding how she wanted to proceed.
Rather than choosing a hearing aid based purely on appearance or technology, Claire could consider which option suited her hearing needs, lifestyle and personal preferences.
After discussing the available choices with her audiologist, Claire selected the hearing aids she felt most comfortable with and arranged a fitting appointment.
The outcome
The outcome
Claire initially came to Tranquil Hearing Care expecting to have ear wax removed. Microsuction successfully addressed the blockage, but the hearing check included within her hearing assessment highlighted that there was another reason for some of the changes she had noticed.
The subsequent hearing test confirmed the hearing loss and gave Claire the information she needed to make an informed decision about hearing aids.
By the end of the process, Claire had gone from assuming that ear wax explained everything to understanding her hearing in much greater detail. She had clearer ears, answers about the changes she'd been experiencing and hearing aids selected specifically for her needs, with a fitting appointment arranged to begin the next stage of her hearing care.
Please note: Patient names have been changed to protect confidentiality and privacy.
Claire initially came to Tranquil Hearing Care expecting to have ear wax removed. Microsuction successfully addressed the blockage, but the hearing check included within her hearing assessment highlighted that there was another reason for some of the changes she had noticed.
The subsequent hearing test confirmed the hearing loss and gave Claire the information she needed to make an informed decision about hearing aids.
By the end of the process, Claire had gone from assuming that ear wax explained everything to understanding her hearing in much greater detail. She had clearer ears, answers about the changes she'd been experiencing and hearing aids selected specifically for her needs, with a fitting appointment arranged to begin the next stage of her hearing care.
Please note: Patient names have been changed to protect confidentiality and privacy.
OUR ETHOS
OUR ETHOS
Start Your Journey to Better Ear Health
Whether you need ear wax removal, a hearing test, or a new hearing aid - we’re dedicated to providing a personalised experience that guarantees maximum comfort. Visit us at our Hoddesdon clinic for all your hearing care needs!
© 2024 | Tranquil Hearing Care
6a Limes Court
Hoddesdon
EN11 8EP
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:30
Sat: 08:00-13:00
© 2024 | Tranquil Hearing Care
6a Limes Court
Hoddesdon
EN11 8EP
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:30
Sat: 08:00-13:00