What to Expect at a Hearing Test: Your Guide to Better Hearing
If you’ve scheduled a hearing test or are considering one, it’s a significant step toward improving your hearing health and overall quality of life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a hearing test, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
What is a Hearing Test?
A hearing test, also known as an audiometric test or hearing evaluation, is a medical examination designed to assess an individual’s hearing abilities, and is conducted by a trained professional, typically an Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist. The primary goal of a hearing test is to determine the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies and to evaluate their overall hearing health.
Hearing tests are essential for diagnosing hearing loss, assessing its severity, and developing a personalized plan for managing and improving your hearing.
When Should I Take a Hearing Test?
Taking a hearing test is important at various stages of life and under different circumstances. Here are some key situations when you should consider scheduling a hearing test:
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Age-Related Hearing Loss: Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is common as people get older. If you’re over the age of 50, consider having a baseline hearing test. Just as you have regular check-ups with your doctor or dentist, it is highly encouraged to include regular hearing check-ups as part of your overall healthcare routine to detect any changes over time.
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Family History: If hearing loss runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk. Regular hearing tests can help monitor your hearing health and detect any issues early.
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Noise Exposure: If you have a history of exposure to loud noises, either through work or recreational activities, it is essential to monitor your hearing closely. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable but often gradual, so early detection is crucial.
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Noticeable Hearing Changes: If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, such as difficulty understanding conversations, muffled sounds, or having to turn the television up loudly, it’s a clear sign to schedule a hearing test.
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Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications can impact your hearing. Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure can have implications for your hearing health. If you have any of these conditions or are taking medications known to affect hearing, regular hearing tests are often overlooked and advisable.
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Ear Infections or Injuries: If you’ve had ear infections or injuries that could potentially affect your hearing, a hearing test can assess the extent of any damage and help determine appropriate treatment.
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History of Earwax: If you have a history of earwax, or you looking to see if your hearing constraints are related to hearing loss, we encourage you to book an appointment with trusted professional to learn more about the options, and potential treatment plans, available to you.
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Balance Issues: Hearing and balance are closely linked, and problems with your inner ear can affect both. If you experience issues with balance or dizziness, a hearing test should be part of the evaluation process.
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Tinnitus: Persistent tinnitus, also known as ringing or buzzing in the ears, can be a sign of underlying hearing issues. A hearing test can help determine the cause and appropriate management strategies.
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Hearing Aid Evaluation: If you already wear hearing aids, regular hearing tests are essential to monitor your hearing and ensure that your hearing aids are appropriately programmed and adjusted accordingly. If you are looking for sound advice you can trust, our team would be pleased to meet with you and provide a professional, no obligation consultation.
What Happens During a Hearing Test?
1. Appointment Confirmation
After booking your hearing test, a highly skilled hearing healthcare professional will be ready to assist you at the scheduled date and time at your conveniently located clinic. To learn more about our in-home hearing tests, click here.
6. Immediate Results
Your test results will be promptly available after the assessment, and we will provide a detailed explanation of the findings.
2. Supportive Presence
We recommend bringing a familiar companion with you during your hearing test, as their presence can provide valuable insights into your everyday communication needs.
7. Personalized Recommendations
If hearing loss is detected, we will provide you with a personalized recommendation and assist you in selecting the ideal hearing aid – just for you! This includes considerations such as hearing aid design, size, colour preferences, your specific listening lifestyle, and budget considerations.
3. Personalized Consultation
We will engage in a personalized conversation to explore your medical history, hearing concerns, and lifestyle, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of your unique situation.
8. Financial Planning
Should you choose to move forward with new hearing aids, we will discuss our ongoing promotions, 0% financing options, 90-day satisfaction guarantee, and explore any additional funding support that may be applicable this important investment in your life.
4. Ear Examination
A thorough examination of your ears will be performed to ensure there are no signs of wax buildup or any underlying medical conditions that could contribute to hearing loss. We can even show you a picture of the inside of your very own ear! Once your ear canal's health is confirmed, the hearing test can proceed.
9. Fitting Appointment
Once your hearing aids arrive, we will arrange a follow-up appointment at the clinic to ensure a precise fit and comfort while wearing your personalized hearing aids.
5. Comprehensive Hearing Assessment
We will administer a comprehensive hearing evaluation, which includes various tests, such as speech and word comprehension, as well as responses to a range of tones and pitches.
10. Education and Care
During the fitting appointment, we will provide essential guidance on the proper usage and maintenance of your hearing aids, ensuring that you receive the maximum benefit from them. To learn more about what to expect in 30 days of better hearing, click here.
