Name of the Procedure:

Comprehensive Audiometry Threshold Evaluation and Speech Recognition
Common name: Hearing Test with Speech Understanding Assessment
Medical terms: Pure-Tone Audiometry (92553) and Speech Audiometry (92556)

Summary

This procedure evaluates an individual's hearing ability by measuring the faintest sounds they can hear and their ability to understand speech. It involves listening to various tones and words through headphones and responding when sounds are detected.

Purpose

The procedure helps to diagnose hearing loss, its type, and severity. The goal is to determine the patient's hearing threshold levels and speech recognition capabilities, which can guide further treatment or the need for hearing aids.

Indications

• Suspected hearing loss
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
• Exposure to loud noises
• Ear infections or related conditions
• Monitoring of known hearing loss over time

Preparation

• No special fasting or preparation is needed.
• Avoid excessive noise exposure for 24 hours before the test.
• Remove any hearing aids before starting the test.
• Ensure ears are free from wax buildup.

Procedure Description

1. Pure-Tone Audiometry (92553):

   • The patient sits in a soundproof booth and wears headphones.
   • The audiologist plays a series of beeps or tones at various frequencies and volumes.
   • The patient signals when they hear each sound, often by raising a hand or pressing a button.

2. Speech Audiometry (92556):

   • The patient continues to sit in the soundproof booth with headphones on.
   • The audiologist reads a list of words at different volumes.

   • The patient repeats the words back to assess clarity and understanding.

     Tools Used: Audiometer, headphones, soundproof booth
     Anesthesia: None required

Duration

Typically takes about 30-45 minutes.

Setting

Performed in an audiologist’s office, outpatient clinic, or specialized hearing center.

Personnel

• Audiologist (specialist in hearing evaluation)
• Audiology technician (if applicable)

Risks and Complications

This is a non-invasive procedure with minimal risks:

• Mild discomfort from wearing headphones
• Rare occurrences of dizziness or ear discomfort

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of hearing levels and speech understanding.
• Identification of hearing loss type and severity.
• Immediate results leading to timely interventions.
• Helps in planning hearing aid or other assistive devices.

Recovery

No recovery time is required. Patients can resume normal activities immediately.

Alternatives

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing: Measures sound waves produced in the inner ear.
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing: Evaluates the hearing nerve and brain pathways.
• Web-Based Hearing Tests: Less accurate and not a substitute for professional evaluation.

Patient Experience

• Patients will hear a series of beeps and words through headphones and will respond accordingly.
• The environment is comfortable, and the procedure is painless.
• Post-procedure, the audiologist will discuss the results and possible next steps for treatment or management.