HEARING TESTING: WHAT TO EXPECT
Your best friend’s voice on the phone. Waves crashing at the shore. Your new favorite song on the radio. The pages of a newspaper turning. Sound makes the world go ‘round.
It’s common to compensate for hearing loss by asking others to repeat themselves, accusing others of mumbling and turning up the volume on the TV or the phone. Eventually, though, you may isolate yourself to avoid the embarrassment and effort needed to participate in the flow of information that’s essential to an independent, productive and socially connected life.
It’s common to wait for years before admitting you need a hearing evaluation. In the meantime, you can miss out on so much and exasperate your friends and family.
Don’t delay in getting the hearing help you need.
Improving your hearing starts with a hearing test. At [name of practice], our goal is to improve our patients’ lives by helping them hear. Everything we do is focused on improving the quality of our patients’ lives through improved hearing. This starts with a hearing test and comprehensive evaluation where we talk about your lifestyle, hearing needs and why you’ve decided to get your hearing checked.
Don't wait!
Early treatment is crucial.
Talk to the experts. Call us today.
What to Expect in Your Hearing Test
Our staff will welcome you for your hearing test and ask you to complete forms, fill out your medical history and ask for insurance verification.
We’ll begin the hearing exam by asking you about your general health history and ask some questions to identify the types of situations where you’re having difficulty hearing and what type of hearing loss or hearing impairment you may have.
Typically we will also use an otoscope to check your ears. This a special instrument used to examine the eardrum and ear canal. We may also perform a battery of tests, such as those, below, to identify the type of hearing loss, how severe it is, and the frequency range with which it occurs.
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Types of Hearing Tests
Audiometric Test
With this test, we’ll check whether you can hear sounds nearby (as in a conversation) using a series of low and high-frequency words. We’ll also ask you to repeat several words. The audiometric test will measure hearing loss as a percentage, as well as a measure of your ability to discern spoken words. This gives us a good sense of whether hearing aids will solve your hearing issues.
Tympanometry
This hearing test, also known as impedance testing, checks the middle ear by using variations of tones and air pressure in the ear canal. It also helps evaluate the mobility of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and the condition of the conduction bones. Less movement than normal indicates that you may have a middle ear problem, such as fluid in the middle ear.
OAEs
Acoustically evoked otoacoustic emission testing (OAEs) allows the hearing instrument provider to understand how the outer hair cells of your inner ear are working.
Hearing Test Results
At the end, you’ll receive an audiogram, which is a record of the results of your hearing tests. This form will reflect your hearing loss in decibels and frequencies. We’ll review your audiogram results with you including the type, degree and pattern of hearing loss, as well as how much conversational speech you’re able to hear represented as a percentage.
Next, we’ll discuss treatment options and work with you to help you make the best decision for you.
Get a hearing test from our highly-trained hearing aid specialists to see what types of sounds you have difficulty hearing. Our sense of hearing is such an integral part of our quality of life–don’t miss out.