When it comes to hearing health, many of us (hearing care professionals) are aware of the common frequency ranges we typically test. However, what happens when we look beyond 8,000 Hz? In our latest episode, Dr. Melissa Fling, Au.D., CCC-A provides a deep dive into extended high-frequency hearing and its implications for audiology, focusing on why it’s vital to broaden our understanding and testing protocols for the complete spectrum of hearing. Dr. Fling brings a wealth of experience as a clinical audiologist and founder of Custom Ear Solutions, shedding light on the nuances that often go unheard.
Historically, audiologists have centered their testing methodologies on frequencies from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz because it's where most speech information resides. Yet, this approach neglects a significant portion of what we can hear and understand. Extended high frequencies, typically defined as those above 8,000 Hz and reaching up to 20,000 Hz, are crucial for speech perception in complex listening environments, as well as music quality—especially for musicians. Without assessing these frequencies, we may miss critical markers.
The conversation reveals that many patients can pass standard audiometric testing while experiencing significant difficulties in real-world situations. As Dr. Fling points out, there is a disconnect between the conventional practice of testing and the actual auditory experiences of patients, particularly in environments filled with competing sounds. Understanding how this high-frequency range integrates with causes of hearing loss—like presbycusis or noise-induced hearing loss —can redefine how we approach patient evaluations.
Dr. Fling shares compelling case studies from her practice, revealing how patients with normal audiograms up to 8,000 Hz actually experience high-frequency impairments that can be pivotal in diagnosing and treating their hearing and listening challenges. The emphasis on the need to gather more data when patients present with hearing difficulties is clear—merely relying on traditional testing limits our ability to fully understand what individuals experience acoustically.
Insights shared during the episode challenge the traditional narrative, emphasizing the need for hearing care professionals to be proactive in their testing protocols. With limited time and resources, practitioners often shy away from extended high frequency testing, seeing it as an extra task rather than a crucial element of comprehensive care. This reluctance, however, can lead to significant gaps in understanding a patient's hearing status, exacerbating potential communication challenges in their daily lives.
Through this podcast episode, we encourage hearing care professionals to rethink the standards of audiological testing and consider implementing EHF testing. The conversation pushes the envelope of what quality audiology should encompass—specifically advocating for better training, advanced equipment, and increased awareness surrounding extended high-frequency testing protocols. Implementing these changes would not only improve patient outcomes but encourage a more holistic view of hearing health.
Finally, the dialogue raises essential questions regarding insurance reimbursement practices and how they impact the services offered by hearing care professionals. If hearing care professionals had the autonomy to prioritize comprehensive testing above arbitrary billing practices, it could transform how hearing care is perceived and delivered. The episode invites listeners to reflect on their own practices and challenge the norms of audiology in favor of a progressive, patient-centered approach.
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