Hearing Evaluation & Testing

Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation & Testing

A comprehensive hearing evaluation is the foundation of effective hearing care. At Movac Medical and Hearing Center, Dr. Viviana Martinez, Au.D., provides thorough hearing assessments using state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based testing protocols. Our evaluations are designed to accurately diagnose hearing loss, identify its type and severity, and guide personalized treatment recommendations.

What is a Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation?

A comprehensive hearing evaluation is a series of non-invasive tests that assess your hearing ability and the health of your auditory system. These tests help determine:

• The type of hearing loss (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed)
• The degree of hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe, or profound)
• Which frequencies are most affected
• The health of your middle ear
• Your ability to understand speech
• Whether hearing aids or other interventions would be beneficial

Types of Hearing Tests Performed

Pure Tone Audiometry

Pure tone audiometry measures your hearing sensitivity across different frequencies (pitches) and volumes. You'll wear headphones and respond to tones at various frequencies. This test creates an audiogram that shows your hearing thresholds and helps identify the pattern of your hearing loss.

Speech Audiometry

Speech audiometry evaluates your ability to hear and understand speech. This includes:

• Speech Reception Threshold (SRT): The softest level at which you can understand 50% of words
• Word Recognition Score (WRS): Your ability to correctly identify words at a comfortable listening level

These tests help determine how well you can understand speech in quiet environments and predict how hearing aids might improve your communication.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry assesses the function of your middle ear by measuring how your eardrum responds to changes in air pressure. This test helps identify:

• Middle ear fluid or infection
• Eardrum perforations
• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Problems with the ossicles (small bones in the middle ear)

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

OAE testing measures sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to sound stimulation. This test is particularly useful for:

• Evaluating cochlear function
• Newborn hearing screening
• Identifying early signs of hearing loss
• Differentiating between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss

Who Should Get a Hearing Evaluation?

Regular hearing evaluations are recommended for:

• Adults 50 and older: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common and gradual
• Individuals with noise exposure: Those who work in loud environments or have a history of recreational noise exposure
• People experiencing tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears
• Those with difficulty hearing: Struggling to understand conversations, especially in noisy environments
• Family history: If hearing loss runs in your family
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or certain medications that can affect hearing
• Balance issues: Dizziness or vertigo may be related to inner ear problems

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your hearing evaluation appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes and includes:

1. Case History: Discussion of your hearing concerns, medical history, and lifestyle
2. Visual Examination: Otoscopic examination of your ear canal and eardrum
3. Hearing Tests: A series of tests performed in a sound-treated booth
4. Results Discussion: Immediate review of your test results with Dr. Martinez
5. Recommendations: Personalized treatment options based on your specific needs

The testing process is comfortable and non-invasive. You'll simply listen to sounds and respond when you hear them. There's no preparation needed, though you should avoid loud noise exposure for 16 hours before your test for the most accurate results.

Why Choose Dr. Viviana Martinez for Your Hearing Evaluation?

Dr. Viviana Martinez brings exceptional expertise to every hearing evaluation:

• Advanced Education: Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) with honors from Nova Southeastern University
• Elite Training: Trained at Cleveland Clinic Florida, one of the nation's top medical centers
• Comprehensive Approach: Uses the latest diagnostic equipment and evidence-based protocols
• Personalized Care: Takes time to understand your unique needs and concerns
• Clear Communication: Explains results in terms you can understand
• Bilingual Service: Fluent in English and Spanish

Insurance and Payment

We accept most major insurance plans to make hearing evaluations accessible:

• Aetna
• Cigna
• Florida Blue
• Medicare
• Medicaid

We also offer flexible payment options and financing through CareCredit. Our team will verify your insurance coverage before your appointment and explain any out-of-pocket costs.

Next Steps After Your Evaluation

Based on your test results, Dr. Martinez will discuss appropriate next steps, which may include:

• Hearing aid evaluation and fitting if hearing loss is identified
• Referral to an ENT physician if medical treatment is needed
• Custom ear protection recommendations for noise exposure
• Follow-up monitoring if your hearing is normal but you're at risk
• Tinnitus management strategies if you experience ringing in the ears