4 Things to Expect During a Hearing Test

When you notice a gradual loss in your hearing, or you just want to make sure that your ears are in their best condition, a hearing test is vital! And before booking an appointment with your audiologist, you should know what to expect. These are the four things you should expect during a hearing test. 

A Background Check

If this is the first time the audiologist has seen you, they will want to get some background information before starting the hearing test. They will want to know if you've had any hearing aids in the past or if you have any current health issues. They will also ask about your lifestyle choices, and any medical issues, such as taking any medication. 

A Thorough Check of Your Ear Function

This is the most important part of the hearing test as it will determine if your brain is picking up a full range of noise. The test will check your detection of pictures and sounds and monitor your ability to pick up different volumes of noise and separate speech from the noise that occurs in the background. Additionally, an audiologist will conduct a pressure test to assess the flexibility of your eardrum. 

A hearing test will consist of checking frequencies and pictures, but there will also be a tone test that records your results on an audiogram, and this will provide a clear picture of your hearing ability. The three key parts of a hearing test are pure tone audiometry, where you listen to tones and different pictures and volumes. The speech audiometry part of the test uses live or recorded speech. And if necessary, a third part of the test called the tympanometry test will check your acoustic reflexes inside your ear. 

An Inspection of the Ears 

An audiologist will look inside your ears. They will check the signs that could impact your ears, such as excessive earwax or inflammation in the ear canal. This is conducted with an otoscope. They will also check for any undetected medical conditions or abnormalities. The purpose is to provide a clear picture of your hearing health. Sometimes, the reason we are experiencing hearing loss is due to excessive earwax or a very simple issue. Other times there can be something more complex at play, such as tinnitus or an undiagnosed medical condition. 

A Detailed and Thorough Breakdown of the Results

Whether the test highlights an issue or not, you can expect to discuss your results with an audiologist in great detail, and address any concerns you may have. If you have no issues with your hearing, it's suggested that you book another appointment in the next year or two. But if hearing loss has been detected, the audiologist will discuss the next steps, which could require additional testing, hearing aids, or hearing masking techniques. 

A hearing test is a fantastic way to determine if you are experiencing any form of hearing loss but also if there are any simple problems that can be treated. If you have any concerns about a hearing test, it is one of the most professional and reassuring ways to check your hearing health.