Don't be afraid to have a hearing test

26 Oct Don't be afraid to have a hearing test

This Halloween treat yourself to a hearing test. If you know what to expect it won’t be scary!

What to Expect

• Case History: the audiologist will ask questions to gather information about your hearing health and concerns, as well as your general health. This will be a combination of a written questionnaire, and verbal questions to follow up on the questionnaire.
• Visual Inspection of the Ear Canal: the audiologist will inspect your ear canal and eardrum for wax buildup, and to evaluate the health of the eardrum and other structures.
• Speech Testing: You’ll be asked to repeat a variety of words and even sentences that are played for you at a variety of different volumes, both with and without noise.
• Tone testing: You’ll be asked to listen carefully for various tones or beeps and respond using a button press or raising your hand.
• Explanation of the test results: it is very important that you understand the results of the evaluation, any implications the findings may have for your ability to communicate, and the follow up plan. If you don’t fully understand or are not clear on the details, please ask for clarification.

What to do to prepare for your visit

• Compile a list of any prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, etc to provide to the audiologist.
  • Why does the audiologist need a list of medications?
    • Many common medications have side effects including hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. To properly evaluate your hearing health, we have to know if any medications may be causing symptoms.
• Think about your family members, and if any of them had hearing loss.
  • Why do we ask about your family history of hearing loss?
    • Many causes of hearing loss have a genetic component and can therefore run in families. By knowing if there is a family history of hearing loss, we can be aware of situations where we need to closely monitor an individual’s hearing.
• Avoid noise 24-48 hours prior to the test. This includes concerts, mowing the lawn, using power tools, and various other loud noises; if you cannot avoid these, please wear hearing protection during these activities.
  • Why do we ask you to avoid noise prior to the test?
    • Loud noise can both temporarily and permanently affect the hearing. By avoiding loud noises prior to the testing, we can ensure that our testing is accurate.
• Consult any private insurance coverage you may have to determine your hearing health coverage.
• • Why do we suggest you check your insurance?
    • If there is a hearing loss, and you would benefit from the use of hearing aids, it is useful for you to know if you have coverage from an insurance company.

Now that you know what to expect book an appointment today!