What Should You Ask Your Audiologist About Hearing Tests?

If you’ve never taken a hearing test before, you may have some questions as to what it involves. Your audiologist will be able to answer these questions for you. Here are some of the questions that you may want to ask when scheduling your appointment.

How Should I Prepare for a Hearing Test?

Your audiologist can guide you on how to prepare for your hearing test, though in most cases, little preparation is needed. However, they may recommend a few steps to ensure accurate results. Avoid loud noise exposure before your test, as sounds from concerts or machinery could cause temporary hearing changes. If you have an ear infection, it’s best to wait until it has fully cleared. You should also check for earwax buildup, as excessive wax can affect the test results. Bring your hearing aids if you wear them and consider making notes about any hearing difficulties you’ve noticed, like specific times or situations when your hearing seems worse.

What Happens During a Hearing Test?

During a hearing test, you will typically sit in a soundproof room and wear headphones while listening to sounds at various pitches and volumes. Your audiologist will ask you to indicate when you hear a sound, and your responses will be recorded on an audiogram, which shows your hearing ability at different frequencies. It’s a good idea to ask your audiologist what to expect before the test begins. If you’re unsure about how to respond when you hear a sound, be sure to clarify beforehand.

How Long Does a Hearing Test Last?

The length of a hearing test can vary, but most appointments take between 30 minutes to an hour. The exact time depends on the type of tests being done and how detailed the evaluation needs to be. A hearing test is usually quick, while a more in-depth assessment, including speech recognition or middle ear function tests, may take longer. Your audiologist can give you a better idea of how long your specific test will last. It’s a good idea to set aside enough time so you don’t feel rushed and can discuss your results and any next steps comfortably.

What are the Results of My Hearing Test?

An audiologist will usually go through the results of your hearing test with you at the end. However, you may have questions about what these results mean.

For example, when diagnosed with hearing loss, some people want to know how severe it is and what type of hearing aid is best suited. After discussing your results, your audiologist will then discuss the different types of hearing aids, and which will be best suited for your needs.

How Often Should I Get My Hearing Tested?

How often you should get your hearing tested depends on your age, lifestyle and whether you have existing hearing concerns. Adults with no known hearing issues should have a baseline hearing test around age 50 and then follow up every few years. However, if you are regularly exposed to loud noise, have a history of ear infections or notice changes in your hearing, more frequent testing may be needed.

If you have noticed changes in your hearing, it may be time to get a hearing test. If you want to learn more schedule an appointment with an audiologist.