When we have trouble hearing, we lose the ability to enjoy the world around us. It makes conversations harder and navigating the world more difficult. It can cause anxiety, frustration, and even depression. If you’ve noticed that you’re having to turn the volume up louder than normal on your devices or find it difficult to follow conversations, it might be time to schedule a hearing test with a hearing health professional.
While you might be nervous to schedule a hearing test, there is nothing to worry about. We will detail what is involved in this blog and help answer your questions.
Why Hearing Tests Are Important
For many people, hearing loss starts gradually, making it difficult to notice at first. Some even chalk it up to simply getting older. These sentiments should not stop people from getting a hearing test if they notice their hearing is getting worse. Early treatment provides the best outcomes regarding hearing health.
Who Performs Hearing Tests?
Hearing tests are typically performed by a hearing health professional. They specialize in treating hearing loss and can determine how serious your hearing loss is. They can also make treatment recommendations.
Before the Hearing Test
Prior to your hearing test, the hearing health professional will ask about your medical and hearing history. This information will help them understand your concerns and better target the reasons for your hearing loss and potential treatments.
Some potential questions they might ask are listed below:
- When did you first notice hearing problems?
- Do you have trouble hearing in certain situations or environments?
- Have you experienced ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or dizziness?
- Do you have a history of ear infections?
- Have you been exposed to loud noises?
- Does your family have a history of hearing loss?
The Hearing Test Process
Once your ears have been examined, the actual hearing test begins. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and is completely painless. Below are details about some of the tests they typically perform:
Pure-Tone Audiometry
This test involves wearing headphones in a soundproof booth. The hearing health professional will play different tones at different pitches to determine how well you hear them.
Speech Testing
In this test, you’ll listen to words or sentences spoken at different volumes and repeat what you hear.
Tympanometry
This test determines how well the inner ear, including the eardrum, react to sound. It will detect any blockages or fluid buildup.
After the Hearing Test
When your tests are complete, the audiologist will review your audiogram results and explain what they mean. You’ll learn:
- Whether your hearing is within the normal range
- If you have hearing loss, what type it is (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed)
- How severe your hearing loss is (mild, moderate, severe, or profound)
- Which sounds or frequencies are most affected
If hearing loss is detected, your provider will discuss your options. Depending on the cause and severity, these might include:
- Medical treatment for infections or blockages
- Hearing aids to amplify sound and improve communication
- Assistive listening devices for specific situations, like phone calls or TV
- Lifestyle recommendations to protect your remaining hearing
You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and discuss your hearing goals.
Conclusion
The good news is a hearing test is quick and painless. But more importantly than that, a hearing test is important to your quality of life. Hearing is important on so many levels. Certainly it helps us to connect to the world, but it is also important to our mental health. If you think you have hearing loss or have questions regarding your hearing, schedule a hearing test today.
If it’s been a while since your last hearing test, or if you have never had one before, consider scheduling one today. Hearing health professionals can determine if you have hearing loss and the best way to treat it.