Informed Consent: Say NO to an Acoustic Reflex Test

[lurid-lucid]

The audiologist did not tell me what she was doing during my hearing exam and blasted my ears with 95 dB, or possibly even higher.

To anyone considering a hearing exam—honestly, don't even bother unless you take precautions—make sure to ask exactly what the audiologist plans to do, and tell them to limit the volume. You would think a "professional" seeing the word "tinnitus" would consider using lower sound levels, but no.

I'm now dealing with intensified tinnitus and ear fullness. I deeply regret taking the exam.

 

[Mark F.]

I hope you will be okay. I am taking a hearing test tomorrow, and I will ask exactly what they plan to do and how loud it will be.

 

[kingsfan]

I hope you will be okay. I am taking a hearing test tomorrow, and I will ask exactly what they plan to do and how loud it will be.

They will tell you that nothing is loud, when in fact both the Acoustic Reflex and Otoacoustic Emissions tests are loud. Tympanometry is not loud, although some people have said it made their tinnitus worse.

 

[KellenDryce]

To anyone considering a hearing exam—honestly, don't even bother unless you take precautions—make sure to ask exactly what the audiologist plans to do, and tell them to limit the volume. You would think a "professional" seeing the word "tinnitus" would consider using lower sound levels, but no.

Thank you for sharing this. I have a binder with all my health records printed out, and I will place this next to the audiology section as a clear red flag.

When I was experiencing ear fullness, some things that helped me were hypertonic saline rinses through the sinuses, Guaifenesin, a warm compress against the ear, and using a humidifier while sleeping.

 

[Mark F.]

They will tell you that nothing is loud, when in fact both the Acoustic Reflex and Otoacoustic Emissions tests are loud. Tympanometry is not loud, although some people have said it made their tinnitus worse.

The lady performed a Tympanometry test on me, and you are correct—it was not loud. I asked if she planned to do an Acoustic Reflex Test, and she said no. The whole process went smoothly. My hearing has remained virtually the same as it was two years ago. I still hear quite well for a 55-year-old.