What to Expect During a Comprehensive Hearing Test

A comprehensive hearing test can help audiologists determine whether you have hearing loss. An audiologist will go through several tests with you to establish your level of hearing loss and what options are available to help you hear and retain the level of hearing you currently have. This will discuss what you can expect from a comprehensive hearing test and how it can help determine if you have hearing loss.

What To Expect from Your Hearing Test

Before your hearing test, your audiologist will talk to you and find out how your current level of hearing has changed. They might ask you about what field you work in, as some jobs are exposed to higher levels of sound than others and might require hearing protection. They might ask about your medical history, to decide if there is an underlying cause of your hearing loss. After you have spoken to your audiologist, they will go through a series of tests with you.

Visual Inspection

Your audiologist will start a hearing test with a visual ear examination. They will use an otoscope that magnifies the ear to check for earwax build-up or any wear and tear that might be responsible for hearing loss. If you have earwax build-up, they may recommend a professional ear cleaning.

Hearing Tests

Once your audiologist has spoken to you and checked your ear, they will take you through a series of hearing tests:

• Word recognition tests: Your audiologist will say words to you or ask you to listen to a recording. This is to establish your level of hearing and ability to hear with background noise.
• Tympanometry tests: Involve a device with a small probe on one end and an earplug on the other. Your audiologist will use the tool to deliver air to your inner ear and use it to assess how your ear moves in response to the sound.
• Acoustic reflex tests: Are similar to tympanometry tests in that they use a device to measure how your ear responds to sounds. Acoustic reflex tests measure how the muscles in your ear respond to loud noises.
• Pure-tone testing: This hearing test helps you determine the lowest frequency you can hear. You will often have headphones on and be asked to flag when you hear a particular sound.

What Happens If I Do Have Hearing Loss?

Hearing tests with your audiologist will help you determine if you have hearing loss in one or both ears. If you are experiencing hearing loss, your audiologist may talk you through different types of hearing aids. When you work in a profession where you are frequently exposed to loud noises, your audiologist may recommend hearing protection to preserve your current level of hearing.

Comprehensive hearing tests involve several different steps to determine the level of hearing loss and whether there are any underlying reasons for it. Your audiologist will use different devices to see how your ear responds to sound at high and low frequencies. If you are experiencing hearing loss, your audiologist will be able to support you with hearing aids or forms of hearing protection. Visit an audiologist today for support and advice on hearing loss.