What to Expect at a Hearing Test
A hearing test is an important part of understanding your general health. It is an assessment of how well your ears are functioning and can help diagnose any potential hearing issues you might have. If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss or has unexplained ringing in the ears, it's time to consider taking a hearing test. Comprehensive hearing evaluations will help determine the type, extent, and cause of your hearing problems.
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Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Hearing tests are recommended for anyone over 18 years old but can be done on children as young as six months old if needed. They should be done at least once per year for those without any prior hearing issues and more frequently for those who do have concerns about their hearing. Additionally, people who work in loud environments (like construction sites) should consider getting tested more often in order to protect their ears from long-term damage from noise exposure.
Why Are Hearing Tests Important?
Hearing tests are important for several reasons; firstly because they provide information about the current state of your ears which can help uncover hidden issues that may not have been noticed otherwise. Secondly, they allow you to track changes in your hearing over time so that any changes can be addressed quickly before they become more serious problems down the line. Finally, they help doctors detect potential ear infections or other illnesses that may be causing temporary or permanent damage to your auditory system.
What Happens During a Hearing Test?
A hearing test typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour and consists of five basic components. First, the collection of a thorough patient history is essential. Your Hearing Specialist will conduct a short question and answer survey and collect any pertinent information regarding your perception and medical history. Second, your Hearing Specialist will conduct an Otoscopic examination to determine if your ear canals are clear and free of obstructions, record any anatomical abnormalities, and look for markers that could indicate any reason to refer you to a physician for further evaluation. This is a very important examination and must be performed prior to Audiometric evaluation.
The air conduction part of the exam involves listening to tones through headphones and pressing a button each time you hear them. This helps us determine if there is any nerve damage or a physical blockage that could be causing your hearing issues. Bone conduction testing measures how well you hear and whether there is an issue in the middle or outer ear. A small device is placed behind the ear that sends vibrations straight to the auditory nerve and inner ear. Lastly, speech testing examines how well you can understand words at different volumes and pitches.
After all components are completed, we will look at the results and make any necessary recommendations for treatment or further testing. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, this might include wearing hearing aids or addressing any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your hearing loss. It's important to note that not all types of hearing impairments can be treated with traditional methods; however, working with an experienced hearing health provider can help you find solutions that work best for you and meet your individual needs.
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Don't wait for hearing loss to affect your happiness and well-being. You cannot regain the hearing you once had if it progresses, but you can protect and improve the hearing you have now. We can help! Schedule an appointment with us today and stop hearing loss in its tracks!
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