You have noticed that you do not hear as well as you used to and have decided that it is time to have your hearing tested by an audiologist. It’s a smart decision because untreated hearing loss can put you at risk of various other health-related issues such as depression or cognitive decline. It can be tough to admit that you do not hear as much as you used to, but there is no shame in getting a hearing test. If you have never had one before, you may have some questions about them, so let’s dive in.
What Happens During a Hearing Test?
The hearing test is carried out in a few different stages. First, you will be asked basic questions about your lifestyle and medical history to light any potential issues with your hearing. After that, an otoscope will be used to carry out a visual examination to ensure there is no earwax build, infections or any visible damage. Next, a pressure test using a safe and tiny probe can see how your ear responds to pressure. And last but not least, tone and voice tests will help the audiologist better understand your range of hearing.
How Long Does the Test Take?
You will want to set aside about an hour for the appointment as the tests may take half an hour or so, and then your audiologist will show you the audiogram and discuss the results. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have!
Can I Prepare in Advance for my Hearing Test?
You will be asked questions about your history, medically and lifestyle, for example, where do you work and what do you do? So, it is a good idea to obtain records of your medical history in advance to think about what environments you spend your time in.
This includes any recent instances of excessive noise. So, bring in details of any medical insurance policy you expect to cover your costs with. If you suspect that you may experience moderate to quite high hearing loss and are concerned that you won’t be able to hear what the audiologist is saying, you are more than welcome to bring a close friend or family member!
What Will the Results Say?
When you look at your test results with your audiologist, you will be shown an audiogram. This is a graph that charts the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches and frequencies. The audiologist will explain what the graph means and whether you have any hearing loss.
You might also get a percentage that shows your levels of speech recognition. If you do not have any hearing loss, you can discuss what comes next and whether you might need hearing aids. But it is also a chance to ask the audiologist any questions you may have and incorporate a hearing test into your health routine.
