Are you turning up the sound on your television as of late? Do you frequently ask friends or associates to repeat what they just said? Are certain sounds muffled? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time for a hearing test. Your hearing can change at any age and for various reasons, so don’t think you’re too young to have hearing problems. Let’s dive into what you can expect during a hearing test.
Hearing loss can be gradual
Because hearing loss can be a gradual thing, most people don’t realize their hearing has changed. That’s why many medical and hearing professionals recommend their patients get a hearing test every few years. Frequently, those close to you may mention it, but there are lots of stubborn adults who procrastinate.
It’s not painful and doesn’t take a lot of time. Let’s take a look at what happens at a typical hearing test.
What is a baseline hearing test?
If this is your first hearing test, the results will give a hearing specialist a baseline or place to start when comparing future tests.
Your test may begin with a series of questions about your experiences, environment, and conditions. Certain medical conditions can contribute to hearing loss like allergies, a head cold, past ear infections, impacted earwax, or injuries to your head or ear.
In addition your hearing specialist will want to know about common noises around you. Do you work in a noisy environment? Noise-induced hearing loss is very common.
What happens during a hearing test?
Most medical tests can be scary, but a hearing test is performed in a quiet (sound proof) room with you wearing a headset. There is nothing invasive or scary about it.
Pure tone hearing test
The first part of the test will see how well you hear even the softest sounds. Your hearing specialist will instruct you through the headphones. You will be listening to sounds at different pitches and volumes, and you will be asked to respond whenever you hear a sound.
Bone conduction
This test checks for any fluid or wax buildup in the outer or middle ear.
Speech testing
Your hearing specialist will say words softer or louder. You repeat what you hear and the softest one is recorded.
Otoacoustic emissions test
This checks your inner ear and how/if it functions.
There may be additional tests, especially if this is not your first baseline test.
Immediate results
You don’t have to wait to get the results. Your hearing specialist will immediately share with you if you have mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss and what if anything needs to be done.
Don’t put off getting your hearing tested
If you suspect you have hearing loss or if those around you keep telling you to get a hearing test, find a hearing specialist near you for a non-invasive and painless hearing test.