Hearing loss occurs when people cannot fully or partially perceive sounds around them, often relying on hearing aids and other devices. However, this condition can progress gradually, only making itself known when the damage is extensive. Fortunately, a comprehensive hearing test by your audiologist can help you detect and administer the right solution. However, nervousness is normal, especially if it’s your first time. Here is what you can expect from a comprehensive hearing test.
What should you expect when going for a hearing test?
Knowing what a hearing test is can keep your mind at ease while building your anticipation. This painless and non-invasive test measures how well you can hear various pitches, frequencies, and sounds. Moreover, it can determine the right treatment for your hearing loss, whether hearing aids or surgery. This procedure has no complications, so you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong. That said, here are some things to expect from your hearing test.
Talking About Your Symptoms and History
The first thing your audiologist may check on your hearing test is your hearing health history. They may gather this information via a case history form, so keep this in mind. You must answer questions to help your audiologist understand your peculiar situation, especially the root cause of your hearing loss. This is particularly important, as many factors can trigger this condition.
For instance, it can be a genetic or hereditary case. On the other hand, ear infections, impacted earwax, head colds, and allergies can also be the culprits. Your audiologist can also ask if you have any head or ear-related injuries or trauma that can permanently damage your ears. You should also expect them to ask if you have an extremely noisy job or hobby.
What Do Hearing Tests Entail?
A comprehensive hearing test comprises various evaluations that target specific auditory aspects. It’s worth noting that these processes will be carried out in a sound-proof room, and your audiologist will advise you to wear soft earplugs or headphones connected to an audiometer. That said, here are the evaluations you will likely be subject to:
- Speech audiometry: This evaluation helps the audiologist understand the softest speech you can hear and comprehend. That said, they will play a speech recording or leverage live speech, asking you to repeat words above the threshold.
- Pure-tone testing: This test focuses on hearing and differentiating tones at different volumes and pitches. However, you must listen fully, as your audiologist would want to know when you find it challenging to perceive certain pitches.
- Words and speeches in noise test: Some people can’t hear speeches or words in noisy environments. If you are in this category, your audiologist will conduct these evaluations before fine-tuning your hearing aids. You will listen to someone speak while increasingly loud sounds are played.
- Tympanometry: Your audiologist may want to determine your eardrum’s health and how well your middle ear muscles respond. This is where tympanometry comes in. During this evaluation, a soft plug will be placed in your ears, generating sounds and changing ear pressure.
Going Over Your Results
You will get your hearing test results the same day; it may be ready in thirty minutes. Your audiologist will present them on an audiogram, showcasing the softest sounds you can understand at different frequencies. Admittedly, the audiogram may seem confusing, but your audiologist will explain it in great detail.
What Treatments are Available?
After a comprehensive hearing test, your audiologist will prescribe the most effective treatment. Typically, hearing aids will be recommended for mild-to-profound hearing loss cases. The audiologist will work with you to find the right technology for your needs, whether you want something worn in-the-canal to keep up with your active lifestyle or prefer something larger and easier to handle. These devices have evolved over the years and are no longer stigmatizing. They even work as trendy accessories, so keep this in mind.
Do Online Hearing Tests Work?
Online hearing tests have sprung up and promise convenience. These quiz-based evaluations can give you an idea of whether or not you’re experiencing hearing loss; some even have noise-based tests, allowing you to listen to various audios. However, online screenings are meant to motivate you to see your audiologist for a more thorough evaluation, so they should not be treated as a replacement for in-person tests.
If you notice a change in your hearing and want to undergo a hearing test, schedule an appointment with a team member at Hearing & Ear Care Center today! You can reach our office by calling (717) 378-4044 or (717) 967-4400.
