If you suspect you may be suffering from hearing loss, the first step is to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist in your area. Having your hearing tested may cause feelings of anxiety or nervousness, but rest assured the exams performed by the professional will be noninvasive and pain-free. So what should you expect when it comes to having your hearing tested?
Gathering Background Information
The first step to having your hearing tested is to provide the audiologist with a list of your symptoms such as difficulty hearing, tinnitus, vertigo, etc. The professional may also gather some comprehensive information about your medical background to find out what issues you’re facing and how they are impacting your day-to-day activities. Once this information has been collected, the audiologist will conduct a comprehensive exam.
The Hearing Tests
The audiologist will conduct a series of tests to determine if you have hearing loss and if so, what is the degree and nature of the loss. These tests will likely include otoscopic inspection, pure tone threshold testing, speech discrimination testing and middle ear studies. These tests should not take an extended amount of time and will provide the professional with important results to help gauge your hearing health.
Hearing Test Results
The audiologist will discuss the test results with you in full so that you have a clear understanding of the findings. The audiologist will also inform you of anything medically significant that could be impacting your hearing, and if necessary, would refer you to an ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat) specialist for further evaluation. If there are no medical concerns to manage you will also be informed if you are a candidate for hearing aids. Your hearing professional will discuss what sounds you’re struggling to hear and how hearing aids can improve your listening experience. Hearing aids are the most common form of hearing loss treatment and provide wearers with the confidence and capability to hear the world around them again. Your audiologist will walk you through all the hearing aid options available to you, from devices that work behind the ear to smaller ones worn in the ear canal.
Having your hearing tested is a simple evaluation performed by a qualified professional and will provide you the peace of mind knowing whether or not you need to seek treatment. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist and have your hearing tested.