At Dr Tami Mehl Audiology we offer full diagnostic hearing assessments that go far beyond a simple pass-or-refer screening. A diagnostic test measures the exact type, degree and configuration of any hearing loss across a range of pitches, combining several complementary measures to build a complete picture of how you hear.
You do not need a doctor's referral to book an assessment with us. As an HPCSA-registered practice with over 28 years of experience, we can assess your hearing directly at either our Bedfordview or Sandhurst (Illovo) practice. If you have been referred by a GP, ENT specialist or paediatrician, please bring any letter or notes along, as this helps us tailor the assessment to your needs.
Pure Tone Audiometry
This is the key hearing test for identifying an individual’s hearing levels. During this test, the patient will need to indicate a response to a sound. Both air and bone conduction audiometry are needed, to identify the type, degree and configuration of the hearing loss.
Speech Audiometry
Word lists are presented to the patient who must repeat the words read to him/her. The patient’s performance during this test aids the audiologist in determining the type of hearing loss as well as provides valuable insight into the individual’s levels of comfort to speech and word recognition abilities in both quiet and noise.
Immittance Audiometry
Tympanometry
A small probe is inserted into the outer ear canal, slight pressure is built up in the ear, and measurements are represented in the form of a tympanogram. Tympanograms show the functioning of the middle ear and can indicate eardrum perforations, abnormal pressure, fluid build-up and increased/decreased mobility of the eardrum and middle ear structures.
Eustachian Tube Function Testing
A functional and patent Eustachian tube is necessary for ideal middle ear sound mechanics. This test assesses the changes in middle ear pressure under varying circumstances in order to determine Eustachian tube function.
Acoustic Reflexes
Acoustic reflex measurements are carried out to measure the involuntary muscle contraction that occurs in the middle ear in response to loud sounds.
These are measures to partially estimate hearing function and to determine which function of the auditory system is at fault. They’re commonly used for children who can’t be tested behaviourally (due to age, developmental delay, or other medical conditions), as well as adults who are unable to participate in a standard test battery (due to cognitive impairment).
Diagnostic Oto-Acoustic Emissions
This test assesses the outer hair cell functioning of the cochlea. It is commonly used to screen newborn hearing and to assess tinnitus.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
This test gives the audiologist information about the cochlea and neural pathways for hearing. ABRs are common to test hearing in the following populations: To assess or screen ‘at-risk’ infants, like babies who have not passed the OAE assessment, have spent more than five days in NICU, have a low birth weight, or have low APGAR scores.
To assess difficult-to-test populations, including children with cerebral palsy, developmentally delayed children or children with medical conditionsTo confirm hearing loss in medico-legal casesTo diagnose auditory disorders, such as auditory neuropathyTo conduct intra-operative monitoring; for example, during the removal of tumours on the 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve).
Electrocochleography (ECochG / ECOG) Test
This test is used to confirm the diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease, as well as during intra-operative monitoring or to assist in the diagnosis of auditory neuropathy disorder.
FAQs
You do not need a doctor's referral to book a hearing test at Dr Tami Mehl Audiology. As an HPCSA-registered audiology practice, we can assess your hearing directly. If your GP, ENT specialist or paediatrician has referred you, please bring any letter or notes, as this helps us tailor the assessment. You can book at either our Bedfordview or Sandhurst (Illovo) practice.
A standard hearing test is completely painless and non-invasive. You simply listen to tones and words through headphones and respond when you hear them. For tympanometry, a soft probe sits in the ear canal and you feel a brief, harmless change in pressure. Electrophysiologic tests such as OAE and ABR are also painless and are often done while a baby or child sleeps.
A screening is a quick pass-or-refer check that tells you whether further testing is needed. A diagnostic hearing test measures the exact degree, type and configuration of any hearing loss across a range of pitches and includes middle-ear and speech testing.
Many South African medical aids contribute towards diagnostic hearing assessments, but cover depends on your scheme and plan. We recommend confirming with your medical aid before your appointment and asking about the relevant procedure codes.
For adults with no concerns, a hearing check every few years is reasonable, with more frequent testing from around age 60 or if you work in noise. If you notice difficulty following conversations or ringing in the ears, have your hearing tested sooner.
