What to Expect During Your Hearing Test Appointment

A hearing test is one of the services that your audiologist provides. But what is a hearing test and why should you have one? A hearing test will determine the loss of hearing and help to identify the right form of treatment you need. So, what you can expect when you get your hearing tested, and how can you prepare for your hearing test?

Arriving and Signing Forms

When you first arrive, the receptionist is likely to hand you forms that you should fill in while you’re waiting for your appointment. These forms will likely include asking for personal and insurance information but may also ask about your medical history. Answering these questions on paper up-front can quickly help an audiologist pick up on any information that might help them more accurately diagnose any issues with your auditory health.

Talking with Your Audiologist

Before any actual tests are conducted, your audiologist is likely to ask you some questions, both about your hearing health and your health in general. This can include questions about illnesses, injuries, treatments and medications in your medical history. They will also ask you to describe any hearing concerns or differences that you have experienced. After all, your experience of changes to your health can be very helpful in giving them an idea of where to look.

Inspecting the Ear Visually

The first step your audiologist is most likely to take after asking the questions is to look inside your ear. They will take an otoscope, which is a simple handheld device held up against the opening of the ear. With it, they can see into the outer and middle ear, and can quickly identify certain issues, such as earwax buildups, fluid or infections that might be affecting your hearing.

The Hearing Test

If there are no immediate and obvious obstructions that would get in the way of its accuracy, your audiologist will invite you to a soundproof booth or room for a hearing test. This typically involves wearing a pair of headphones. Your audiologist will play a series of tones through it at different pitches and volumes, and you will be asked to signal a response when you hear it. There may be other, more specific tests ordered if your audiologist thinks they are necessary, and they will explain them to you during the appointment.

Talking About the Results

At the end of the hearing test, you will have a personal audiogram, which your audiologist will go over with you. They will tell you how to read the audiogram and let you know if any of the information on it is an indication of hearing loss. If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, then the most likely course of action is to talk about choosing and fitting a hearing aid next, which is likely to be done in a future appointment.

If you have any questions about your hearing test, at all, then you should get in touch with your audiologist to have them answered. Ensuring your comfort and confidence is a priority, going forward.