Question

48) Briefly, in a very short possible way, discuss the technique of assessing each of the following clinical measurements using the methods mentioned below (in 30-40 words).

48.1) List down various methods used to measure or evaluate vision and hearing.

48.2) List at least 2 aids and equipment used for assisting clients with vision and/ or hearing impairment.

Answer 1

Answer to question 48.1)

Tests to evaluate hearing.

A hearing test helps in evaluating the sensitivity of an individual’s sense of hearing. An audiometer is used in the process. The tests used to evaluate hearing are as follows.

Pure Tone Audiometry – This test measures the ability to hear sounds at various volumes and pitches using air conduction.

Bone Conduction Testing – This is another form of pure tone testing that measures the ear’s response to the sound. This test is performed using a conductor which is placed behind the ear that sends vibrations through the bone to the inner ear.

Speech Testing - This test is used to measure the faintest speech you can understand or the speech reception threshold (SRT).

Tympanometry- This test determines if there is a buildup of wax, fluid or tumors by measuring the movement of the eardrum in response to air.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) – This test determines if a specific type of hear loss exists. It is used for newborn screening for hearing issues.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) – OAEs are sounds generated by the cochlea and helps to determine the presence of a blockage in the ear canal, fluid in the middle ear or damage to the cochlea.

Tests to evaluate vision.

Visions tests are done to check many different functions of the eye. These tests provide details on the individual’s ability to see details near and distant. The tests are as follows:

Amsler Grid Test- This test is used to detect macular degeneration – a disease that causes loss of vision in the center of your eye. This test uses a grid that has a black dot at the center. The chart is placed away from the client nearly 14 inches away from the face. The client has to report when the dark spot is not visible, or when the lines of the grid look wavy.

Perimetry Testing- This test uses a machine to flash light randomly at various points in the visual field. The client is asked to look inside the perimeter where lights flash, the client is asked to press the button whenever they see a flash. The location of flash and whether the client pressed the button correctly is recorded by a computer.

Refraction - This test is used to measure the eyes requirement for corrective lenses. The eye is dilated and using a retinoscope light is passed in the eye.

Visually Evoked Response (VER) – The electrical activity of the brain’s vision portion that is due to stimulating retina with light is recorded by the computer.

Visual Acuity Test- This test involves reading numbers and alphabets of different sizes on an eye chart which is held at a distance of 20 feet.

Photo screening - Procedure which uses a camera to take photographs of the eye. The results indicate whether the client is nearsighted, farsighted or has astigmatism.

Answer to question 48.2)

Aids and equipment’s used for assisting clients with visual and hearing impairment.

Visual impairment:

1. Electronic Mobility Aids – These are devices reflect off hindrances using the ultrasonic waves to tell the individual what is in front of them. Ex. Ultracane.

2. Jaws Screen Reader – Jaws Access with Speech (JAWS) is a screen reader that works with Windows operating system to provide braille and text-to-speech output.

Hearing impairment:

1. Hearing Aid – It is an electroacoustic device is used to amplify sound and to correct the hearing impairment as measured by audiometry.

2. Tele coil/ T- Coil – It is a coil of wire installed in hearing aids and cochlear implants which acts as a wireless receiver.