What Happens During Your Audiologist Appointment?

If you have been experiencing hearing loss or have been referred to see an audiologist, then understanding a little about what the appointment will be like can make a difference and put your mind at ease. An audiologist is a hearing professional, and the aim of the appointment is to assess your hearing and see what level of hearing loss you are experiencing. 

During the appointment

A standard audiology appointment tends to last no longer than one hour. During the appointment, your audiologist will cover a few different topics with you, as well as go through a series of hearing tests. 

One of the first things that will be discussed is about your medical history and current lifestyle. Some of your answers could impact your hearing, such as a job on a construction site or medication that impacts hearing, as examples. Your audiologist will then go through the hearing loss that you have been experiencing, alongside other health conditions. The next step is to go through some tests on your ears, to assess hearing function, as well as an examination on your ears. 

The hearing test

The hearing test, which is usually called a pure-tone audiometry test, involves sitting in a room that is soundproof as you wear some headphones. You will then be asked to press a button each time that you hear a sound. The test is completely painless and will normally take fifteen minutes. 

After the test, your audiologist will receive a graph, showing the softest level that you can hear sound at, which will have been measured against a range of pitches. There may be some other tests that your audiologist will look at, but it will depend on the level of hearing loss that you are experiencing. Your results are all practically immediate, so they can go through them with you at the time of our appointment. 

What if hearing loss is diagnosed?

If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss after your tests, then your audiologist will talk you through the hearing loss that you have and if there is anything in particular that could have caused it. Your audiologist will talk you through the level of hearing loss that you have, which can range from normal to profound. This is a time to ask questions that you have, as some people can find their results surprising, as they have come to live with their level of hearing. 

Your audiologist will then talk you through how you can manage your hearing loss, and what could be recommended, such as hearing aids. If that is something that you like the sound of, then your audiologist will be able to talk you through your options and explain what is available to you. 

An appointment with an audiologist is something that is simple and straightforward, and there is nothing to worry about. Being ready to ask questions and being ready to get help with your hearing loss is what will help you to make the most out of your appointment.