What Happens At Your Hearing Test Appointment

Visiting an audiologist for the first time can bring up some uncertainty. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous when trying something new, especially when it involves your health. Many people put off getting their hearing checked because they’re not sure what to expect.

Your hearing connects you to the world around you – to conversations with loved ones, warning signals that keep you safe and the sounds that bring you joy. When hearing becomes difficult, these everyday connections can slowly slip away.

We understand these concerns. Getting your hearing tested is a simple step that can make a big difference in your daily life. You might be surprised by how straightforward and comfortable the process actually is. Taking care of your hearing health is just as important as your eye exam or dental checkup. It’s part of your overall wellbeing.

Initial Conversation

The appointment usually begins with a discussion about your hearing history and overall health. The audiologist will ask about any changes you may be noticing in your hearing. Maybe you’re having difficulty understanding speech in a noisy environment or it could be that you are experiencing ringing in your ears.

This is an opportunity for you to share information about your everyday experiences with your audiologist so that they can know how to go about assisting you. It is also a good idea to share your hobbies as well because these may be affected by your hearing loss.

Physical Examination of the Ears

Using an otoscope, the audiologist will examine the outer ear and ear canal. This will allow him to check for issues you may be having with your hearing. He may find excessive wax or blockages from infections. If earwax is present your audiologist will remove it.

Hearing Tests

The core of your hearing test will involve a series of non-invasive evaluations designed to assess different parts of your auditory system. One of the primary tests is pure-tone audiometry, where you’ll wear headphones and listen to tones at various pitches and volumes. You’ll indicate when you hear a sound by pressing a button or raising your hand. This helps determine your hearing thresholds and the extent of any hearing loss.

Speech testing is another key part of the process. Your audiologist will play recorded or live speech at different volumes and ask you to repeat what you hear. This helps measure how well you process speech, especially in noisy environments. To check the health of your middle ear, a tympanometry test may also be performed. This assesses eardrum movement and can detect issues like fluid buildup or eustachian tube dysfunction. Together, these tests provide a clear picture of your hearing health and guide any necessary next steps.

Reviewing the Results

After the tests, the audiologist will review the results with you. The hearing evaluation is going to generate an audiogram, which will allow your audiologist to explain the results and what treatments will be suitable for you. Hearing aids are often the most recommended treatment for hearing loss and come in a range of different styles and types to meet your unique preferences.