Many people experience some form of hearing loss in their lifetimes. It can happen to anyone, at any age. The good news is, hearing loss is usually treatable. There are many treatments for hearing loss with the most common being hearing aids. However, to be treated, you’ll need to schedule a hearing test. Those who have never had a hearing test before may be anxious at the prospect of going for one. There is nothing to worry about and the sooner you schedule a test, the sooner you can go back to experiencing the best of life.
Take a look at what you need to know about hearing loss and hearing tests.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can reveal itself in many different ways. The symptoms of hearing loss can be different for everyone. If your hearing has changed in any way in the last twelve months, it’s important to talk to a hearing health professional about it. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Other people’s speech often sounds muffled.
- You need to ask others to repeat themselves often.
- You misunderstand what others say to you.
- Crowded places make it more difficult for you to hear conversations.
- You need to work harder to concentrate on what’s being said.
- You need to turn the volume up on your TV.
- You find it harder to understand someone on the phone.
- You have experienced ringing or buzzing in your ears.
This list is not exclusive but contains some of the most common complaints from those with hearing loss. Hearing loss can range from mild to severe so you may find you just have a backup of ear wax or you may find you will need a hearing aid for the rest of your life. Neither diagnosis is anything to be concerned about.
What Happens at a Hearing Test?
When you arrive for your hearing test, your audiologist will introduce himself and get to know you a little better. The aim is to put you at ease and ensure you’re as calm as you need to be for your test. You will discuss the symptoms you have been experiencing at this point. Your audiologist will look through your medical records and may have some questions about your health. He will then ask you some questions about your hearing. For example, can you hear high pitched noises well? Or, have you ever worked in an environment with loud noises?
These questions help your audiologist to get a clear picture of hearing health and overall health. Once comfortably seated, your audiologist will then conduct an ear canal check. This is to rule out any backup of ear wax in your ears.
If your ears are clear, you’ll then move on to your hearing test. Your audiologist will provide you with earphones and may ask you to enter a soundproof booth. You’ll be given a button to press and your audiologist will ask you to press it whenever you hear a sound. Sounds will periodically be sent through your earphones and the test typically takes between twenty and thirty minutes. A variety of sounds will be sent so your audiologist can develop a clear view of the type of sounds you have difficulty with.
Once your audiologist has the results required, he will discuss his findings with you and offer treatment options. If you require a hearing aid, your audiologist will show you the types of hearing aids available to you and you’ll need to go back for a repeat appointment for a fitting.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
It’s easy to forget what you need to say when you’re in the limelight. It can help to write down the symptoms you’ve been experiencing beforehand and take them with you to your appointment. You may also want to write down any questions you can think of to ask your audiologist. If you have a copy of your medical records and copies of any medication you’re taking, it can help to take this with you also. Take paper and a pen in case you want to write down any details while you’re there. You may not be able to take everything in, in the moment.
Most importantly, try and relax. Audiologists are there to ensure your hearing health is as good as it can be. If you’d like to speak to a hearing health specialist or book an appointment, contact us at Natural Hearing Centers by calling (888) 221-9156 today.
