What Happens During a Hearing Test?
Whether you're struggling to hear in a crowded environment or have to turn up the television more frequently, seeking a hearing health professional can help you determine the cause of your problems. Through a series of different hearing tests, the hearing health professional can help you answer any concerns about hearing loss, whether you're in for a simple check-up, experiencing potential symptoms or you're aware that risk factors can make you more likely to develop the condition. But what happens during a hearing test?
You will answer some questions
At the reception, you will be asked to write down some details and ask some questions. Some of these questions may be repeated by the hearing health professional. They will ask about your medical history, personal details, symptoms, family hearing history, medication you're on and environmental factors that could have impacted your hearing. All of the information is kept fully confidential, used by your hearing health professional solely to ensure an accurate and informed hearing test.
The hearing health professional will inspect your ear
In most cases, the appointment will begin with a closer look inside the ear. The hearing health professional will place a device called an otoscope against your ear. This magnifies and lights up the ear canal, enabling them to quickly identify any injury, signs of ear infections, ear wax, and other issues that could highlight potential issues associated with hearing loss. Some conditions may require treatment before the hearing test is able to progress further.
The hearing test will begin
If all is well following the examination, then the hearing test will begin. This testing can involve a series of examinations depending on what your hearing health professional thinks will be most beneficial, but typically entails at least a pure-tone and speech test. This means you will be in a soundproofed area, wearing headphones as you listen to a series of sounds and speech. You will be asked to indicate that you can hear the tones or to repeat the speech.
You will learn the results
Your hearing health professional will compile what is known as an audiogram throughout the hearing test. This is a record of what you can hear, at what pitches, volumes, and against what level of background noise. Audiograms are used to demonstrate a complete picture of your hearing range, whether you have any hearing loss, and what level it is at.
What comes after?
Following the hearing test, you will likely receive recommendations on how to prevent any further hearing loss or on how to treat existing hearing loss. This may include arranging an appointment for the future, during which you discuss hearing aid options and find the device that can help you restore your range of hearing. Otherwise, if there are issues such as noisy work environments, you may be recommended hearing protection that can ensure you're kept safe from future hearing loss.
A hearing test appointment tends to take around an hour, though they can last longer, so it's wise to ensure you have the time to go through it entirely. If you have any questions about the process, don't hesitate to ask your hearing health professional. Hearing tests are often the most frequent service they provide, so they can answer any concerns you might have.