Hearing Tests

Hearing loss is one of the most common afflictions impacting Americans today and yet most of us don’t do much to combat the condition. In order to get a better idea of your ear health, a basic hearing test to establish your hearing ability is recommended. Hearing tests are designed to measure how well you can hear and identify sounds. A hearing test can specifically determine the severity of hearing loss you are experiencing. It also pinpoints which frequencies of sound – low, medium or high – are most problematic for an individual. The test is simple and painless.

Understanding hearing

In order to hear, vibrations of sound enter the ear and cause the eardrum to vibrate. This vibration is sent to the middle ear, which contains structures that send vibrations through the inner ear. These vibrations are then sent to the brain, which interprets the sound.

A hearing test allows our hearing instrument specialist to see what sounds and frequencies you’re struggling to hear. Once this is established, a treatment, such as hearing aids, can be recommended.

What to expect during a hearing test

During a basic hearing test, the patient wears headphones or earpieces. A hearing professional sends tones in specific frequencies and volumes. As the volume goes up, the patient signals that they can hear the tone by raising a hand or pressing a button that alerts the technician. A computer often produces these tones and volumes while the hearing instrument specialist records the answers.

In some cases, the test will include whispered words to see how well you understand them. If this test is performed, you simply repeat the word out loud and the hearing instrument specialist will track your responses. This will allow the hearing specialist to get a better idea of what sounds you’re struggling to hear.

Hearing tests are appropriate and recommended for individuals of all ages, from infants, school-age children, young adults and the elderly. If a hearing loss is present, the hearing test will allow a hearing instrument specialist to recommend the right course of treatment. If normal hearing is reported, you’ll have a baseline established for any future tests needed.

Degree of hearing loss

The basic purpose of a hearing test is to understand the degree of hearing loss if one is present. It is designed to measure your ability to hear and compare that ability to a set of hearing norms. The difference is the measure of hearing loss. Since hearing is the sensitivity of the ear to vibration, an important part of the process is varying the tones from low to high, or randomly inputting the various tones.

Your hearing test results

Once you have completed the hearing test, your results will be charted and your hearing professional will be able to suggest what treatment is best. Hearing aids are the most common form of treatment and come in a variety of price points, styles and sizes. At Future Hearing, our hearing instrument specialist is experienced and qualified in not only performing a hearing test, but in helping you find the right device for your needs and lifestyle.

If you suspect you might have a hearing loss, don’t hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment for a hearing test. From filling out paperwork to selecting your hearing aids, our staff is ready and capable to exceed your needs