Consider This Story When You Consider Hearing Care

Consider the following patient experience described by Kevin T. Barlow, Au.D., a private practice audiologist with offices in Winter Haven and Lake Wales, Florida, and a member of the AuDNet network of audiology providers.

“A patient came to my practice complaining of hearing loss in both ears, difficulty understanding in noisy situations, and problems understanding on the phone. The case history was unremarkable, except that the patient did notice mild ringing in one ear.

“Audiologic tests identified a slight asymmetry and poorer discrimination in the ear with tinnitus. Tympanograms were normal and acoustic reflexes were present with only a slight elevation in thresholds in the poorer ear. However, reflex decay was present in the poorer ear.

“Referral to an ENT and further radiological studies confirmed a tumor on the auditory nerve that was subsequently and successfully treated. The patient returned to my office many months later to thank me for insisting that he seek medical attention. He thought the ringing was insignificant and considered not even mentioning it to me in the initial visit. 

“Even the most insignificant symptom can change the way an audiologist evaluates a patient”

Thank goodness this patient ended up in Dr. Barlow’s office. Few examples better illustrate the value of audiology expertise to the patients it serves.  Make sure when you have your hearing tested, it is tested by an audiologist!