Commonly Asked Questions About Hearing Tests

Hearing tests are a great way of checking hearing health. The purpose of these tests is to determine the status of your hearing and to find out if further support is needed if you are experiencing hearing loss. In addition, these tests help ensure that hearing functions are working properly, helps to determine the mildness or severity of hearing loss and the reason behind potential hearing impairment. For example, tests such as the weber test can help detect conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. 

Before taking a hearing test, it's understandable that you may want to learn as much as possible to prepare for what will happen. Fortunately, many people go for hearing tests each year and often have a lot of questions to ask their audiologists. Here are the most asked questions about hearing tests: 

What Are Hearing Tests?

Hearing tests are tests used to help examine and evaluate hearing function, test the severity or mildness of hearing loss and determine if there is an issue with your hearing. 

There are different types of tests that audiologists may do. For instance, as stated before, a Weber test can help to detect conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. A pure-tone test is a test used to examine hearing function, and it is the most common thing that comes to mind when you hear about hearing tests.

Played at different frequencies, it is a tone that can help to determine your hearing range. This test is often used to examine the hearing of children and adults and to measure the hearing loss that happens over time as you grow older. Another hearing test could be auditory brainstem response (ABR) which can test the function of the inner ear. 

The type of test that may be conducted depends on what needs to be tested, and your audiologist will walk you through whichever test is needed. 

How Often Should I Get Tested? 

It might not be something we think about as we go about our daily lives, but many people often ask how often they should get their hearings tested. Unfortunately, not many people know the answer to this question and don't seek help when it comes to hearing health until they experience a hearing impairment. 

However, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidelines state that adults 18 and over who haven't noticed or experienced any hearing loss should get their hearing tested every three to five years. Those who are experiencing hearing loss should seek the help of an audiologist as soon as possible, so they can run the hearing tests needed to determine their overall health and take further action to prevent hearing loss. 

Do I Have to Prepare for a Hearing Test? 

There isn't a way to prepare for a hearing test. However, an audiologist may want to learn more about your lifestyle, family history, medical history and will ask a few other questions. 

However, if your audiologist states that you need to prepare, he or she will ensure that you are aware of anything that is needed. It is important that you ask questions if you aren't sure what needs to be done to help you get ready for your hearing test. 

What Would Happen During a Hearing Test?

It depends on the test needed, but a professional hearing test would see the audiologist perform a series of examinations that would test your hearing. In some cases, they may do a speech test as well as a physical inspection of the outer and middle ear canal. 

From there, they may check that your hearing function is working correctly, with tests that focus on pitch or changing frequencies. None of these tests are typically evasive, or hurt.

Normally your audiologist would walk you through any tests or procedures that would be conducted during your examination. They will also let you know if you need to rebook another test or need further tests. 

How Can I Learn More About Hearing Tests?

The best way to learn about hearing tests is to speak with your audiologist, and they can give you the best advice when it comes to your hearing health and help you with any impairments that you may be experiencing.

An audiologist can also give you advice on hearing aids or any other hearing devices that could help if you are experiencing hearing loss. So, if you're interested in booking a hearing test or would like to learn more about your overall hearing health, you can learn more about EarTech Audiology and call us today at (866) 464-1008.