Getting the Most out of Your Hearing Test: A Detailed Guide

When you suspect hearing loss, the crucial next step is scheduling a hearing test with an audiologist. This step is essential for a definitive diagnosis and understanding the type and extent of your hearing loss. To ensure your audiologist can effectively address the issue, adequate preparation is key, and the following outlines what to expect during a hearing test.

Discussing Your Medical History and Background

First, expect the audiologist to inquire about your medical history. While not invasive, their thoroughness is necessary because various factors can contribute to hearing damage. It’s crucial to openly share information about your medical history, including any genetic disorders, past medical conditions like colds or infections, and even head traumas, as these factors might impact the structure of your ears. Consulting your doctor about your medical history before the test can be beneficial, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions.

During the hearing test, be ready to talk about your daily life. Sometimes, how you live can affect your hearing. For example, if your work is really loud, it might damage your inner ear. The audiologist might suggest using noise-canceling headphones to help. They’ll also ask about your hobbies and social activities because these can be connected to hearing loss too.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

During a visit to the audiologist, discussions about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle play a crucial role in comprehensively understanding your auditory health. By considering the symptoms you are experiencing, the audiologist gains insights into the nature and severity of your hearing issues. This, combined with details about your medical history and current lifestyle, helps paint a clearer picture of potential causes and contributing factors to your hearing loss. Now, recognizing the common signs of hearing loss is crucial for early detection and intervention:

• It’s hard to understand people when it’s noisy
• You ask others to repeat themselves a lo
• You need to turn up the volume on your devices.
• You get tired or stressed in social situations because it’s hard to hear
• High-pitched sounds, like a phone ringing, are tough to hear
• You struggle with certain sounds, making words unclear
• You feel like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly

You may not realize your hearing problem because the process is often gradual. So, consulting an audiologist is always advisable, even if you think you are fine. People who do nothing to resolve their hearing loss risk negatively impacting their social experiences. Increased isolation can lead to depression and cognitive decline, which is why it’s so important to identify the signs of hearing loss.

What Happens During the Test?

Hearing tests are non-invasive, simple and typically last 30-60 minutes. During the test, your audiologist may ask you to wear earphones and listen to various sound tones at different volumes and pitches. The results will show whether you can hear high and low-pitched sounds, helping reveal potential hearing loss issues. You may also have to listen to speeches at different volumes played to one ear at a time. The professional may ask you to repeat played words in a soundproof room, especially if you have challenges hearing voices due to background noise.

Understanding the Results of Your Hearing Test

Understanding the results of a hearing test involves interpreting the sound intensity measured in decibels (dB). The test typically categorizes hearing loss into different levels, providing valuable insights into the extent of the condition. Here’s a breakdown to help you make sense of your hearing test results:

• Mild hearing loss (20-40dBs): In this range, you may struggle to hear soft or distant sounds.
• Moderate hearing loss (41-60dBs): Difficulty hearing regular conversation and may miss parts of speech.
• Severe hearing loss (61-80dBs): Conversations become challenging, and you might rely on loud speech or amplification.
• Profound hearing loss (91+dBs): Limited or no ability to hear most sounds, even at high volumes.

The decibel measurement indicates the threshold below which you cannot hear. For instance, with profound hearing loss, you may not hear sounds below 91 decibels. It’s essential to keep these thresholds in mind when reviewing your results, as they guide recommendations for suitable interventions like hearing aids or other assistive devices tailored to your specific needs.

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Treatment for Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be successfully managed and combatted by wearing hearing aids. If your audiologist diagnoses you with hearing loss, they may prescribe different aids to improve your hearing. Some models fit in and behind the ear, while others go in the canal. Your audiologists may encourage you to wear earplugs when mowing your lawn or attending concerts where sounds are loud, so feel free to consider this.

If you are looking to address your hearing loss, schedule a comprehensive evaluation today at Audio Acoustics Hearing Centers. You can reach us at (432) 400-3319 or (432) 360-2019 to learn more about our services.