Regular hearing checks are a vital part of maintaining your hearing health and treating any hearing loss or other conditions you may have. You don’t have to be concerned about hearing testing. The procedure is painless and non-invasive and it is simple.
You have already booked your hearing test. If you are interested in learning more, you can discuss the following points with the Audiologist. If you’re in the area, come visit Pensacola’s best hearing center.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSIONS
The audiologist will investigate any hearing issues you may have and help you find the best treatment. The audiologist will begin the appointment by gathering background information.
This information includes, but is not limited too:
- Background in medicine
- Medications
- Family history
- Background information about lifestyle
- Concerns about hearing
The information will also allow the audiologist to determine if there are any hearing problems that may be present before examinations even begin. This is based on your exposure to loud noises and any family history of hearing-related problems.
PHYSICAL INSPECTIONS OF EAR
Audiologists are highly qualified professionals who will examine the ears for any signs of medical conditions or physical abnormalities. The process begins with the outer ear, and then moves on to the inner ear using an otoscope. This is the scope you most often think of when thinking about an ear exam.
A physical inspection can detect damage to cochlear hair cells and spot abnormalities in the skin. It also helps identify other possible issues. Sometimes hearing problems can be caused by a buildup in wax. The audiologist can confirm or deny this possibility by using the otoscope.
EXAMINATIONS AND TESTS
There are several steps to the hearing test. This is the only way you can conduct an extensive examination that examines every aspect of your hearing. Hearing loss can affect volume, tone, and the ability to distinguish different sounds in noisy environments.
The following tests may be used by the audiologist as part of the hearing test:
- Pure-tone test: You will hear a variety of tones and sounds through headphones. Each time you hear a sound, you will be asked to push a button. This allows the audiologist to record what you hear.
- Speech recognition test: This section of the exam tests your ability to recognize speech and interpret it without visual aids. You will be asked to repeat the words you hear through headphones. This test includes dialogue with or without background noise.
- Tuning fork test: An audiologist will tap the tuningfork until it vibrates, making a sound. It’s possible to detect nerve-related and mechanical damage by holding the tuning fork in different positions around your head.
- Tympanometry test: The audiologist inserts a mechanical plug into the ear. The audiologist will adjust the pressure in the ear canal to monitor the response of the middle ear, especially in relation to fluid and flexibility.
- Bone conduction test: An audiologist will place a small vibrating probe next to the skull behind the ear. The probe transmits sound through the bone and inner ears. This is a painless and quick part of the examination.
ANALYSIS AND NEXT STEPS
A comprehensive hearing test will reveal the cause of your hearing loss. The audiologist is able to distinguish between mild, moderate, severe, and profound hearing loss.
Clear diagnosis is one thing. But it doesn’t mean much if you don’t follow through with the best possible treatment. An audiologist will be able to advise you on various options, including:
- Types of hearing aids
- Assistive listening devices (ALDs)
- Sound therapy
- Wax clearing and ear irrigation
- Coping mechanisms
- Options for ear protection
The audiologist can help you treat any existing conditions and also teach you about how to preserve your hearing. The audiologist will also be able to advise you about how often your hearing should be tested.
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