Hearing tests are a simple and effective way to see if you are experiencing hearing loss. The World Health Organization states that as many as five percent of individuals have some form of hearing loss. A hearing test with an audiologist can help determine your current levels of hearing in a safe environment. As we age, our hearing may naturally decline. A hearing test will help protect your hearing for longer. Here’s what to expect from a hearing test with one of our friendly audiologists

Who Needs A Hearing Test?

If you’ve been told you have the sound up too high, or you find it hard to follow conversations in a loud room, you might need a hearing test. You may also be in frequent proximity to loud sounds, like firearms, construction noise or music. However, this list is not extensive, and anyone can experience hearing loss in their lifetime. If you think you might need a hearing test, book one in as soon as possible to help prevent permanent hearing loss.

What Will My Audiologist Ask Me?

At the start of the hearing test, your audiologist will ask you a few questions about yourself and your hearing health. They may ask for your medical history as allergies, colds and even head trauma can cause hearing loss. They may give you a form to fill in at the start of your hearing test.

What Will the Hearing Test Involve?

You will be asked to wear headphones, and listen to different sounds played at various volumes and frequencies. They will be played into both ears separately. The sounds may include speech, and your audiologist could ask you to repeat the words that are played into your headphones. You may be asked to press a button when you hear the sound. An audiologist could also ask you to wear a headband and take the same assessment, to help measure how you hear sounds through certain vibrations.

Your audiologist will then examine the inside of your ear canal using a camera. This will help check the structure of your ear, including the eardrum. This part of the hearing test is to make sure there is no damage to the structure of your ear and no blockages preventing the sound from entering your ear.

The test will last about 30 minutes, and may take slightly longer if you require a hearing aid or protective device to help your hearing.

What Happens If I Have Hearing Loss?

If you do have some degree of hearing loss, your audiologist will help you to protect your hearing. They may have some suggestions depending on your working conditions, like wearing earplugs at work. If you need assistance with hearing, they will talk you through suitable hearing aids and how they can improve your current hearing. They will take a mold of your ear on the day of your appointment to prepare suitable hearing aids.

Hearing tests are a natural part of adult life. Discovering you have hearing loss is an important step to improving your hearing. If you do need a follow-up appointment, your audiologist will discuss this with you. Protect your hearing and talk to an audiologist today.