Audiology

Audiology clinic at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) is staffed with a skilled team of Audiologists who collaborates closely with a team of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors and other healthcare professionals. Audiologists specialise in performing diagnostic assessments for hearing, tinnitus, dizziness, and balance related problems. They also provide hearing rehabilitation services to help improve patient's hearing-related quality of life and speech understanding through hearing device prescription, fitting, counselling, and rehabilitation.

While hearing aids benefit many, some conditions are more complex and require more sophisticated management. Our experienced team of Audiologists and ENT specialists strives to bring back the joy of hearing in such complex cases through the provision of cochlear implants or bone conduction hearing implants. Post cochlear implant rehabilitations services are provided in close collaboration and co-ordination with our Speech and Language Therapists at SKH.

Our tinnitus (ringing in the head or ears) assessment, counselling and management services are designed to help individuals manage the condition better.

Diagnostic Tests

Pure Tone Audiometry

This diagnostic hearing test takes about 20 – 30 minutes to complete. This test aims to find the softest level of sound a person can hear at different frequencies. By providing detailed information on the type and degree of hearing loss, this test forms the basis for ENT doctors and Audiologists to decide on further medical, surgical, or rehabilitative management of hearing and balance conditions.

Tympanometry test

This is a quick and straightforward objective test to assess the middle ear’s function by measuring the eardrum movement in response to pressure changes. A probe will be placed against the ear canal, and measurements are made as the pressure is varied in the ear canal. This test supplements information from the Pure Tone Audiometry test.

Speech test

The ability to hear sounds does not always translate into the ability to understand speech. Understanding speech is much more complex compared to simply noticing the presence of sounds around us. Speech tests assess the patient's ability to understand speech. During this test, speech sounds are presented through headphones or speakers, and the person is required to repeat the words or sentences that she/he has heard.

Auditory Brainstem Response test (ABR) and Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR)

These objective tests assess how the inner ear and brain pathways respond to sound. Sounds are presented via earphones, and responses are measured through non-invasive recording pads attached to the head. These tests will take approximately 2 hours to complete.

Oto-acoustic Emissions test (OAE)

This objective test assesses the inner ear's response to sounds. It is commonly used for hearing screening in infants and young children. This test takes only a few minutes to complete and is often performed together with other tests such as ABR and ASSR.

Vestibular tests

The human balance (vestibular) system performs a complex integration of information from eyes, balance organs in the inner ears and the sensation of the relative position of the body (proprioception). For patients with imbalance or dizziness, a series of tests may be performed to help identify the cause and to measure the type and amount of dysfunction. Sophisticated instrumentation and video goggles are used to record the eye movements and to aid in the diagnosis and treatment.

Hearing Rehabilitation Services

Hearing aids

In cases where hearing loss cannot be medically or surgically treated, hearing aids may help them hear better in daily listening situations and to meet their communication needs. Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic hearing instruments used by individuals with hearing loss. They work by providing sufficient amplification to match the individuals’ hearing loss profile. Audiologists provide necessary information and realistic expectations to patients based on their hearing loss, lifestyle, and communication needs in order to help them make informed decision on hearing aids. After hearing aid fitting, a few follow up consultations with an Audiologist may be needed.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without any external sound source. It is commonly perceived as ringing or buzzing but it may also be perceived differently by different individuals. Tinnitus may affect one's sleep, work, and mood which can compromise one's quality of life. The team adopts a patient-centric approach to educate and offer strategies to better manage their tinnitus.

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FAQs

When should I see an Audiologist?

Your doctor may refer you to an Audiologist for assessment of hearing or vertigo. Upon medical clearance from the ENT doctor, you may also be referred to an Audiologist for hearing rehabilitation or tinnitus management.

How do Audiologists manage hearing loss?

Audiologists assess the extent of possible benefit from hearing devices and provide you with realistic options available. Besides your remaining hearing level and speech understanding ability, communication needs, lifestyle, and occupational needs are considered as part of the patient-centric care.

How does a hearing aid work?

Modern hearing aids are powerful and consist of miniature electronic components that are computer programmed to suit an individual’s needs. Hearing aids are made up of three main components: At least one microphone, a sound processor, and a speaker. Sounds enter the microphone, which is connected to the processor. The processor amplifies and adjusts the sound parameters and allows the wearer to hear through the speaker. In addition, they often contain additional wireless technology. These technology helps to synchronize both right and left hearing aids. Some of the hearing aids can also work similar to Bluetooth earbuds, thus enabling better telephone conversations and wireless Bluetooth listening experience.

Why do some people benefit well from hearing aids but not others?

Hearing aid benefit not only depends upon the severity of hearing loss but also on the individual’s ability to make use of the remaining hearing. Two individuals with the exact same hearing level may have different level of speech understanding, as the changes or damages occurred to the ear may be different among individuals. For most people, hearing loss occurs gradually over many years, hence they get used to living in quiet. Consistent hearing aid usage, acceptance of environmental sounds and perseverance are important in adapting well to new hearing aids. Besides, age and memory may also play a part.

How is tinnitus assessed?

Unlike the common notion, tinnitus is not a condition on its own but it is a symptom. Assessment of tinnitus includes a complete history and evaluation by ENT doctor. Hearing tests by an Audiologist are required in most cases. Other tests may also be needed in some cases.

How is tinnitus managed?

Tinnitus management will depend on your symptoms, age, hearing status, and if there is a specific cause identified. It will also depend on the impact it has on one’s quality of life. Any underlying causes identified are addressed by the doctors. Audiologists use various strategies such as counselling, hearing devices or sound therapy to help individuals gain control over the tinnitus and manage it effectively.