Diagnostic Audiology
At Cork Audiological Services, we provide professional diagnostic audiology to investigate hearing difficulties and symptoms such as tinnitus. Tinnitus can be experienced in many different ways and may occur alongside hearing loss, ear conditions, noise exposure or other factors. A detailed audiological assessment can help establish a clearer understanding of a person's hearing and determine whether further investigation or support may be appropriate.
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears, but the sounds experienced can vary considerably from person to person. Some people hear buzzing, humming, hissing, clicking, whooshing or pulsing sounds. These noises may be present in one ear, both ears or seemingly inside the head. They can also be intermittent or continuous.
Our approach to diagnostic audiology focuses on obtaining a comprehensive picture of an individual's hearing. Where appropriate, this can help identify hearing loss or other findings that may require monitoring, management or referral to another healthcare professional.
What Is Diagnostic Audiology?
Diagnostic audiology involves a detailed assessment of hearing and auditory function. Rather than simply establishing whether somebody can hear certain sounds, diagnostic testing can provide more detailed information about how the auditory system is functioning.
At Cork Audiological Services, the assessment begins with a discussion about the individual's symptoms, hearing history and any concerns they may have. We consider factors such as difficulties understanding speech, exposure to loud noise, changes in hearing, the nature of any tinnitus and whether symptoms affect one or both ears.
A hearing assessment can then be used to establish an individual's hearing thresholds across different frequencies. The results provide valuable information about whether hearing sensitivity falls within expected ranges or whether there is evidence of hearing loss.
The HSE advises that people experiencing tinnitus may be assessed by an audiologist, who can carry out hearing tests and discuss appropriate treatment or management options.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no corresponding external sound source.
It is commonly associated with a ringing sensation, although tinnitus can take many forms. The HSE lists ringing, buzzing, whooshing, humming, hissing, throbbing, music and singing among the sounds some people may experience.
Tinnitus can affect one ear, both ears or appear to originate within the head. Some people experience it occasionally, while others hear the sound continuously.
It is important to recognise that tinnitus is a symptom rather than a single condition with one universal cause. The underlying reason for tinnitus can differ between individuals, which is why an appropriate assessment can be valuable.
What Does a Diagnostic Audiology Assessment Involve?
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tinnitus?
The most recognisable sign of tinnitus is hearing a sound that does not originate from the surrounding environment.
Common descriptions include:
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Ringing
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Buzzing
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Hissing
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Humming
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Whooshing
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Clicking
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Throbbing or pulsing
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Music or singing
Tinnitus may occur continuously or come and go. It can also vary in pitch and volume.
Some people find tinnitus particularly noticeable when their surroundings are quiet, such as when they are trying to sleep. Others may find that it becomes more apparent during periods of stress, tiredness or concentration.
The impact can also vary significantly. For some people, tinnitus is a relatively minor nuisance. For others, it can interfere with sleep, concentration, communication and general quality of life. The HSE notes that severe tinnitus can be distressing and may contribute to difficulties with sleep and concentration.
What Can Cause Tinnitus?
There is no single cause of tinnitus. It can be associated with a range of circumstances and conditions.
Exposure to loud noise is a common association. Repeated exposure to loud music, machinery or other high-volume environments can contribute to hearing damage and tinnitus.
Tinnitus can also occur alongside hearing loss. The Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists states that tinnitus can be associated with loud-noise exposure, ageing, ear or head surgery, certain medications, infections and periods of significant stress.
Other possible associations include:
• Age-related changes in hearing
• Exposure to loud music or occupational noise
• Ear infections
• Earwax
• Certain medications
• Changes affecting the ear or auditory system
• Hearing loss
In some cases, no obvious cause is identified.
This is one reason why a diagnostic hearing assessment and tinnitus assessment can be an important first step when tinnitus is persistent or troublesome.
How Cork Audiological Services Can Help
At Cork Audiological Services, we understand that hearing concerns can be difficult to describe. Tinnitus can be particularly frustrating because the sound is experienced internally and may be difficult for other people to understand.
Our diagnostic approach provides an opportunity to discuss your symptoms in detail and assess your hearing systematically. Following assessment, the findings can be explained clearly so that you understand what they mean and what the appropriate next steps may be.
We can investigate concerns such as:
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Tinnitus
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Changes in hearing
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Difficulty understanding speech
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Hearing difficulties in background noise
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Differences between the hearing in each ear
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Other concerns relating to auditory function
Book a Diagnostic Audiology Assessment in Cork
If you are experiencing persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing or other unexplained sounds, professional audiological assessment can provide important information about your hearing.
Contact Cork Audiological Services to discuss your symptoms and arrange an appropriate diagnostic audiology assessment.
Don't ignore changes in your hearing. Contact Cork Audiological Services today to arrange a professional hearing assessment and discuss your tinnitus concerns.