Hearing tests are common for people above the age of 50. As people age, they tend to lose a sense of hearing, making it critical to have your hearing loss checked by an audiologist. People that ask the right questions are likely to get more insight into their future with hearing aids. Furthermore, the audiologists might suggest the environments to avoid.

What is a hearing test?

While a hearing test can describe one screening or an entire series of tests, your audiologist will determine which ones will be most beneficial to you. These tests can measure a variety of different aspects of hearing, from the frequencies and pitches you struggle to hear to certain words that are too soft for your auditory system to process. Your audiologist will use the results from your test to measure the severity of your hearing loss and what the most suitable treatment would be. 

How long has this problem manifested itself?

Often people ignore mild symptoms of hearing loss. Fundamentally, they understand that hearing loss is gradual. It is not a condition that materializes suddenly; it takes years of progressive damage to attain deafness. You should know their hearing history since it will help your audiologist greatly during the examination.

In some cases, hearing loss starts at birth. The condition might turn out to be genetic. With this information, the audiologist will cater to your needs accordingly. 

What happens during the procedure?

Hearing tests are painless and non-intrusive procedures. There are several different types of tests that may be performed including pure tone, bone conduction and speech reception. The types of tests conducted will be determined by your audiologist based on your symptoms and medical history.

After your hearing test, the audiologist will talk with you about your results. If the testing indicated hearing loss, they will discuss the available treatment options for your specific needs. Hearing aids are the most widely recommended solution for hearing loss, with the audiologist taking into account your lifestyle, aesthetic and budget preferences. 

How long do the tests take?

On average, an audiologist takes up to an hour to determine the cause and extent of your hearing loss. This will typically involve going over your case history, a screening, the testing process itself and reviewing the results.

On the other hand, a diagnostic assessment clearly outlines the amount of hearing loss and the possible hearing aids needed.

Having your hearing tested for the first time may leave you wondering what to expect. By asking yourself the questions above, you will be able to better prepare yourself for your appointment. If you have any other questions or concerns about the testing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your audiologist.