Hearing Testing: How It Can Change Your Life
It’s common to compensate for hearing loss by asking others to repeat themselves, accusing others of mumbling and turning up the volume on the TV or the phone. Eventually, though, you may isolate yourself to avoid the embarrassment and effort needed to participate in the flow of information that’s essential to an independent, productive and socially connected life.
It’s common to wait for years before admitting you need a hearing evaluation. In the meantime, you can miss out on so much and exasperate your friends and family.
Don’t delay in getting the hearing help you need.
Improving your hearing starts with a hearing test. We’re here to help you and or your loved ones hear better so you can get the most out of life. Everything we do focuses on that goal. It all starts with a hearing evaluation and talking with you about your lifestyle, needs and preferences.
Don't wait! Early treatment is the most effective treatment.
Talk to the Experts.
Talk To the Experts
Take Our Online Hearing Screening
While there is no replacement for a consultation with a hearing-care expert, our quick hearing screening can offer useful feedback about your hearing.
What Happens During a Hearing Test?
We’ll begin your hearing exam by asking you about your general health history and ask a few questions to identify the types of environments where you may be experiencing hearing loss and hearing impairment, such as whether you have difficulty hearing in places where several people are talking at once.
Next, we may check your ears with an otoscope, a special instrument to examine the ear canal and the eardrum, and/or perform a battery of tests, such as those, below, to identify the type of hearing loss, how severe it is, and the frequency range with which it occurs.
Audiometric Test
During this test, we’ll check your ability to hear sounds within a short distance (as in a conversation) using a series of low and high-frequency words. We’ll also provide several words for you to repeat. The results will help us determine your percentage of hearing loss, your ability to understand speech, and if hearing aids will help you.
Tympanometry
This hearing test, also known as impedance testing, use variations of tones and air pressure in the ear canal to check the condition of the middle ear, mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane), and the conduction bones. No or less movement than normal indicates that you may have a middle ear problem, such as fluid in the middle ear.
OAEs
Acoustically evoked otoacoustic emission testing (OAEs) allows the hearing instrument provider to understand how the outer hair cells of your inner ear are working.
This hearing screening will enable us to determine:
- Whether or not you have hearing loss
- The possible cause of hearing loss
- The degree and type of hearing loss and whether it’s in one or both ears
- The best treatment options
Talk To the Experts
Your Hearing Test Results
Next, we’ll discuss treatment options and work with you to help you make an informed personal decision.
