What Happens During Your Hearing Test Appointment

In this article, we will explore what happens at your hearing test appointment and provide valuable insights into the signs you may want to complete a hearing test.

As we age, many people experience difficulty in hearing high-frequency sounds, and hence face hearing loss. Different environmental factors influence this decrease in hearing ability, which may require you also to take a hearing test.

In our younger years, we often underestimate the harmful effect of loud noises on our hearing. However, over time, the consequences of exposure to high noise levels can appear to varying extents, affecting our hearing abilities. 

Common Indicators of Early Hearing Loss

• Difficulty hearing phone conversations
• Asking individuals to repeat themselves
• Continually increasing the volume of the television or music
• Challenges hearing in noisy environments or those with excessive background noise

Hearing loss forces your brain to work harder to decipher conversational gaps. In noisy environments, the brain strains to fill in missing cues while filtering background noise. 

Hearing becomes challenging when you add multiple people to the conversation as the brain attempts to make sense of sounds based on context. 

Why should I schedule a hearing test?

Hearing loss can affect anyone, regardless of age. It often progresses gradually, and many people experience symptoms without realizing their hearing is worsening. Symptoms can persist for years without individuals linking them to their hearing health. 

It is crucial to recognize the early signs with a hearing test to be proactive. Fatigue, social isolation, and cognitive decline are common symptoms. Early detection manages symptoms and prevents them from worsening. Even mild hearing loss impacts daily living.

A hearing test is a comprehensive medical exam to assess your hearing ability. The goal is to understand the softest detectable sounds, the frequencies you can hear, and your overall hearing health.

How to Prepare for a Hearing Test Appointment

Preparing for your hearing test appointment can be a straightforward and comfortable process. Understanding the steps involved helps clients feel confident about the experience.

• Medical history

First, your clinician will ask questions about your hearing health. These questions address noise exposure, a family history of hearing loss, tinnitus symptoms, medications, medical health, and ear-related challenges (head colds, allergies, excessive earwax, and ear infections).

These questions provide insight into hearing difficulties and how they affect your lifestyle.

• Middle and outer ear exam

Your Clinician will perform a thorough exam of the outer ear. This involves inspecting the outer ear (pinna), eardrum (tympanic membrane), and ear canal. An otoscope is used for the exam. It allows them to examine the condition of the outer ear and see if there is earwax buildup that may affect hearing. An otoscope also locates swelling from allergies. 

Since earwax hampers proper testing, your care provider will remove it in a clinical setting or refer you to a specialist. Some general practitioners also perform this service. 

Next, your provider examines the middle ear. At this step, they test for conductive hearing loss. Tympanometers send an air puff and sound to the eardrum. It measures how your eardrum bounces back. A soft rubber tip goes into the ear and will create a result within seconds. This test determines inner ear abnormalities.

• Speech testing

You will be requested to repeat a list of words provided at varying volumes. This test assists in gauging how well you determine words. They may give several sentences spoken over background noise. 

Additionally, this test allows for the Clinician to determine the best treatment plan.

• Audiogram results

Your Clinician will discuss your results after it is completed. They will record your results using an audiogram, which outlines whether you have hearing loss and the degree. Patients should obtain their results so they can track annual changes.

Who should have their hearing tested?

According to Statistics Canada, 60% of Canadian adults experience hearing loss. Of that 60%, 23% have hearing loss, 23% have tinnitus (ear ringing), and 14% have both. Furthermore, the rise in hypertension and prescriptions that treat it are directly correlated to developing tinnitus and hearing loss.

Hypertension

One in five Canadians is diagnosed with hypertension. In addition to other concerns, there is a link between heart and hearing health. Hearing issues are more prevalent in those diagnosed with hypertension (79%) than those without (54%).

If you add sociodemographics, age, health, and noise exposure, hearing issues are 70% greater in men and 60% in women experiencing hypertension. 

Loud Work Environments

A repeated history of loud noise exposure impacts hearing. Recreational activities and home and work environments all affect hearing health. Therefore, wearing protective gear and guarding how loud you play sounds provides essential preventative measures. 

If you work in a loud environment, regular hearing tests are essential. Noise-induced hearing loss is gradual and often goes unnoticed. Frequent monitoring prevents issues and ensures early detection if they do occur. 

Noticeable Hearing Changes

As mentioned, hearing loss can occur gradually and often goes undetected for years. However, you may require a hearing test if you experience notable challenges comprehending conversations, need to increase the television to louder levels, or hear muffled sounds.

Family History of Hearing Loss

A family history of hearing loss can increase one’s risk. Regular testing monitors hearing health and assist in early prevention.

Injuries or Infections

Infections and injuries can affect hearing. Hearing tests can determine the extent of the problem and assist in treating it.

Balance Challenges

Balance and hearing are connected. Inner ear problems affect both issues. If you have challenges with balance or experience dizziness, then you may require testing.

Ongoing Evaluations

If you use a hearing aid, you will still require regular testing. Testing monitors hearing and ensures your devices are working correctly. 

Contact Hearing Solutions for Your Free* Hearing Test Appointment

If you are concerned about your hearing health, take the initiative and contact Hearing Solutions at 1-888-811-9788 or book online for a free hearing test. Taking a proactive approach to your hearing health is imperative.

Remember, early detection is paramount to a successful treatment. Delaying your hearing test can expose you to a variety of conditions, including social isolation and depression. Don’t let hearing challenges affect your quality of life. Book your appointment at one of our hearing clinics today.

References

Admin. (2023, August 18). Why is a hearing test important? Hearing Wellness Centre. https://hearingwell.ca/why-is-a-hearing-test-important/

De Luca, C. (2023, March 14). What to expect at a hearing test. Hearing Directory. https://www.hearingdirectory.ca/help/hearing-loss/tests

Hearing Solutions. (2022, November 21). What to expect during a hearing test [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K3olrwfx3c

Marketing Team. (2021b, November 3). What to expect at a hearing test | Hearing Solutions. Hearing Solutions. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/what-to-expect-at-a-hearing-test/

What to expect during a hearing test. (2023b, December 25). [Video]. Hearing Solutions. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/hearing-test/what-to-expect-at-your-hearing-test/