Audiology.md journal

Clearer guidance for hearing care.

Patient-first articles to help you understand hearing, prepare for care, and ask better questions.

Audiologist speaking with an adult patient in a hearing clinic

Latest guidance

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

What Is Otoacoustic Emissions Testing?

Learn how otoacoustic emissions testing checks cochlear outer-hair-cell function, what present or absent OAEs may mean, and how OAE differs from a hearing test.

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Audiologist preparing acoustic immittance equipment with an adult patient in a hearing clinic.

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

What Is Acoustic Reflex Testing?

Learn how acoustic reflex testing works, what ipsilateral and contralateral results show, what absent reflexes may mean, and how the test fits into a hearing evaluation.

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Audiologist gently positioning a tympanometry probe at an adult patient’s ear.

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

What Is Tympanometry?

Learn what tympanometry measures, what happens during the test, what common tympanogram patterns may mean, and how it differs from a hearing test.

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Adult patient completing a speech recognition test with an audiologist.

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

What Is a Speech Recognition Test?

Learn how a speech recognition test works, what word-recognition percentages mean and why volume, masking and test conditions matter.

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Audiologist conducting speech audiometry with an adult patient.

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

Speech Audiometry Explained

Learn how speech audiometry measures speech detection, recognition and understanding in quiet and noise—and what the results mean.

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Adult patient completing pure-tone audiometry with an audiologist.

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

Pure-Tone Audiometry Explained

Learn how pure-tone audiometry measures hearing thresholds, how air and bone conduction differ and what the audiogram results can show.

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Audiologist conducting a hearing evaluation with an adult patient.

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

What Is a Hearing Evaluation?

Learn what happens during a hearing evaluation, which tests an audiologist may perform, how to prepare and what your hearing results can show.

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Audiologist discussing treatment options for profound hearing loss with an adult patient.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Profound Hearing Loss

Learn what profound hearing loss means, how it affects speech, how audiologists test it and which hearing aids or support options may help.

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Audiologist discussing treatment options for severe hearing loss with an adult patient.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Severe Hearing Loss

Learn what severe hearing loss means, how it affects speech, how audiologists test it and which hearing aids or support options may help.

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Audiologist discussing treatment options for moderate hearing loss with an adult patient.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Moderate Hearing Loss

Learn what moderate hearing loss means, how it affects speech, how audiologists test it and which hearing aids or support options may help.

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Audiologist discussing mild hearing loss with an adult patient.

Types of hearing loss

Mild Hearing Loss

Learn what mild hearing loss means, why it can affect daily communication, how it is diagnosed, and which care options may help.

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High-Frequency Hearing Loss: hearing-health article illustration

Types of hearing loss

High-Frequency Hearing Loss

Learn what high-frequency hearing loss sounds like, what can cause it, how audiologists test it, and which treatments may improve communication.

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Sensorineural Hearing Loss: hearing-health article illustration

Types of hearing loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Learn what sensorineural hearing loss is, common causes and symptoms, how audiologists test it, and which hearing options may help.

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Conductive Hearing Loss: hearing-health article illustration

Types of hearing loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

Learn what conductive hearing loss is, common outer- and middle-ear causes, how audiologists test it, and which options may help.

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Early Signs of Hearing Loss: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing health

Early Signs of Hearing Loss

Learn the common early signs of hearing loss, when to get a hearing test, and when sudden hearing changes need prompt medical attention.

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Signs of Hearing Loss in Adults: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing health

Signs of Hearing Loss in Adults

Hearing changes are not always about volume. Learn everyday listening patterns worth discussing with a hearing professional.

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What Is Hearing Loss?: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing care basics

What Is Hearing Loss?

Learn what hearing loss is, common types and causes, signs to watch for, and when a professional hearing evaluation may help.

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Does Medicare Cover Audiology?: hearing-health article illustration

Paying for hearing care

Does Medicare Cover Audiology?

A practical guide to Medicare audiology coverage, hearing benefits, and questions to ask before scheduling care.

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Does Insurance Cover Audiology?: hearing-health article illustration

Paying for hearing care

Does Insurance Cover Audiology?

A practical, patient-first guide to audiology coverage, hearing benefits, and the questions to ask before scheduling care.

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How to Find an Audiologist Near Me: hearing-health article illustration

Finding hearing care

How to Find an Audiologist Near Me

A patient-first guide to finding a qualified audiologist, comparing care options, and preparing for a first appointment.

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What to Expect at Your First Audiologist Visit: hearing-health article illustration

Appointments and evaluations

What to Expect at Your First Audiologist Visit

A patient-first guide to preparing for an audiology appointment, understanding common tests, and discussing next steps.

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When Should You See an Audiologist?: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing care basics

When Should You See an Audiologist?

Learn the common signs that a hearing or balance concern may be worth discussing with an audiologist.

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Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Specialist: What’s the Difference?: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing care basics

Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Specialist: What’s the Difference?

Learn how audiologists and hearing aid specialists support hearing care, and how to choose a starting point for your needs.

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Audiologist vs. ENT: Who Should You See?: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing care basics

Audiologist vs. ENT: Who Should You See?

Understand how audiologists and ENT physicians work, what each professional treats, and where to start for hearing or balance concerns.

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What Is an Audiologist?: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing care basics

What Is an Audiologist?

Learn who audiologists are, the care they provide, and what to expect from a first hearing or balance appointment.

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What Is Audiology?: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing care basics

What Is Audiology?

A clear, patient-first introduction to audiology, hearing care, and the questions that can help you take your next step.

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What Does an Audiologist Do?: hearing-health article illustration

Audiology Basics

What Does an Audiologist Do?

Learn what audiologists do, the hearing and balance concerns they evaluate, and when a visit may be a helpful next step.

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What Is an Auditory Brainstem Response Test?: hearing-health article illustration

Hearing Tests and Evaluations

What Is an Auditory Brainstem Response Test?

Learn how an auditory brainstem response test works, what ABR results can show, how babies and adults are tested, and how ABR differs from a hearing test.

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