What to Expect at Your Hearing Exam

If you are an adult, it is a good idea to have a regular hearing exam, even if you have not noticed any issues with your ability to hear well, and in fact, sometimes your doctor will ask you to have hearing tests done just to ensure all is well, especially as you get older. Of course, if you are experiencing issues with your hearing, then you should not wait for a doctor to tell you that you need an exam; you should speak to an audiologist as soon as possible.

Gathering Your Medical History

The first part of your hearing exam involves a discussion of your medical and hearing history. Your audiologist will ask questions about any hearing concerns you have, your medical history and any familial history of hearing loss. This information helps your audiologist understand any factors that could influence your hearing.

Visual Examination of the Ear

An audiologist will begin the physical part of the exam by looking into your ears. Using an instrument called an otoscope, they will visually inspect your ear canal and eardrum for any signs of abnormality, like earwax build-up or infections. This examination is straightforward.

Hearing Tests

A variety of tests may be conducted to assess your hearing. These tests are painless and non-invasive, designed to determine the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches and how well you can understand speech. Here are a few common types of hearing tests you might have:

• Pure-tone audiometry: You’ll wear headphones through which sounds of various pitches and volumes are played. You will indicate when you hear a sound, helping the audiologist determine the quietest levels you can hear.
• Speech recognition test: This test assesses your ability to hear and understand speech at different volumes, which can be critical for everyday communication.
• Tympanometry: This test evaluates how well your eardrum responds, which can help identify issues with middle ear function.

Discussing the Results

After the tests, your audiologist will review and discuss the results with you. If the tests show that you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain the nature and extent of your hearing loss and what frequencies are most affected.

Recommendations and Treatment Options

Once your hearing test results are in, your audiologist may suggest that you get hearing aids, if hearing loss has been detected. The process of having hearing aids fitted is actually pretty simple, and the audiologist will talk you through your options, ensuring you are comfortable before proceeding.

If your hearing loss is caused by earwax blockages, they will recommend a professional cleaning.

If your audiologist recommends that hearing aids would be beneficial for you, then you may need to attend a follow-up appointment to have your aids fitted and customized, so they work perfectly for you and your preferences. Your audiologist will also take the time to talk to you about how to look after your hearing aids and get the most out of them. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist, if you believe you are experiencing hearing loss.