What Happens In A Hearing Test?

If you have noticed changes in your hearing or simply want to ensure your ears are in top shape, a hearing test may be something to look into. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to hearing loss, so it is important to have a tailored audiology test to understand all your concerns and the possible causes.  But with this, you may be wondering, what exactly happens in a hearing test? Let’s look at a breakdown of the process.

A hearing test is a comprehensive evaluation of your auditory system. It’s not just about whether you can hear, but how well you recognise different frequencies and volumes. Conducted by a trained audiologist, the test is designed to identify any hearing loss, determine its cause, and recommend appropriate treatment. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want a check-up, understanding the process can alleviate any concerns and help you prepare.

Importance of Hearing Tests

Hearing tests are crucial for maintaining your overall health and well-being, and early detection of hearing loss can prevent further deterioration and improve your quality of life. Regular tests can identify issues you might not even be aware of, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage. This is important, as hearing loss is usually subtle, so may go undetected without regular testing. For children, early hearing tests are essential for language development and academic success. Undiagnosed hearing loss at a young age can create communication barriers and lead to social isolation. For adults, especially those over 50, regular screenings can catch age-related hearing loss, enabling better management.

What To Expect Before the Test

Before your hearing test, you’ll have an initial consultation with the audiologist. This is your chance to discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, your medical history and any concerns you may have. The audiologist will ask about your exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and family history of hearing loss. It’s essential to be open and honest during this conversation, as it helps tailor the test to your specific needs. Bring a friend or family member with you to the test, as having a familiar voice present provides valuable insight into your real-world hearing capabilities.

Examination Process

The examination process is thorough but straightforward, ensuring every aspect of your hearing is assessed. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Visual Inspection: The audiologist will start by looking into your ears using an otoscope to check for blockages, such as ear wax, or abnormalities in the ear canal and eardrum.
  2. Pure Tone Audiometry: This is the most common hearing test. You will wear headphones and listen to a series of beeps and tones at different volumes and pitches. You’ll indicate each time you hear a sound, allowing the audiologist to chart your hearing sensitivity across various frequencies.
  3. Speech Audiometry: In this test, you’ll listen to and repeat back words or sentences. This helps determine how well you can hear and understand speech at different volumes.
  4. Tympanometry: This test evaluates the function of your middle ear. A small probe placed in your ear canal measures your eardrum’s movement in response to changes in air pressure, helping identify issues like fluid buildup or eardrum perforations.
  5. Bone Conduction Test: This test bypasses the outer and middle ear by sending vibrations directly to the inner ears through a bone oscillator placed behind your ear. It helps determine if hearing loss is due to problems in the inner ear or the auditory nerve.

Understanding Your Test Results

Once the tests are complete, the audiologist will review the results with you. Audiograms, which graph your hearing ability across different frequencies, will be used to explain your hearing profile. The results will indicate whether you have normal hearing or any degree of hearing loss, be it mild, moderate, severe, or profound. The audiologist will discuss possible causes and recommend next steps, which might include hearing aids, further medical evaluation, or lifestyle changes to protect your hearing.

Get In Touch

At Welling Ear Wax Clinic, we specialise in ear health, particularly ear wax removal by microsuction, which is often a first step in improving hearing clarity. While we do not currently offer hearing tests, we understand the critical role ear health plays in overall hearing. If you experience hearing issues, blocked ears, or discomfort, it might be due to ear wax build-up. Our professional ear wax removal services can provide immediate relief and improve your hearing experience. We also have our microsuction clinic in Medway where you can book week night appointments.

Our experienced ear wax specialist uses the latest techniques to ensure safe and effective ear wax removal. Using microsuction for ear wax removal, we tailor our approach to your needs. Clear ears are crucial for accurate hearing test results, so consider a visit to our clinic as your first step toward better hearing health. Don’t let ear wax be a barrier to your hearing. Contact us today to schedule your ear wax removal appointment and take the first step towards clearer hearing at our ear clinic Bexley.