What to Expect During Your Hearing Test
If you are scheduled for your first hearing test, it’s natural to be curious about what will happen during the test. In fact, some people are a little nervous about their first test, wondering exactly how the process works and what they should expect from the appointment. In an effort to ease any concerns you may have and allow you to feel fully prepared for your test, below, we’ve put together a straightforward guide as to what you should expect.
You’ll be asked to provide an overview of your medical history
Your audiologist will need to go through your medical history, with a particular focus on the health of your ears and neck. You will usually fill out forms to detail this information, though some audiologists may just ask you questions in person.
You’ll be asked to provide details of any medication you are taking
You will also need to provide details regarding any medication, supplements, or over-the-counter remedies you are currently taking, or have taken in the last few years. This step is necessary due to the fact that some medications are classified as “ototoxic”, meaning they can impact hearing; if you have taken ototoxic medications, your audiologist needs to be aware of this fact.
Your ear will be physically examined
Prior to the hearing test itself, your audiologist will examine both the outer “shell” of your ear and the ear canal in order to identify any signs of earwax buildup, infection, or injury. If excess earwax is detected, your audiologist may suggest you have this removed prior to undergoing a hearing test.
You will undergo hearing tests (plural)
Most audiologists will use three different tests. The most well-known of these is the tone test, which seeks to detect your exact hearing capabilities. For this test, you will wear headphones and then note - often by pressing a button - when you hear a sound played.
In addition to the tone test, your audiologist will probably perform a pressure test on your eardrum. The third test is a speech test, where you will be asked to repeat specific words or simply engage in conversation.
Prior to administering each test, you’ll also receive a full explanation of how the test works and what (if anything) you need to do during the test, so you should feel at ease with the entire process. If you do have any questions, your audiologist will be more than happy to answer these for you.
The results of the test will be discussed
When the tests are complete, the audiologist will talk you through the results, often showing you the results of the tone test - known as an audiogram - to further explain their findings.
You will be informed of the next steps
If no hearing loss has been found, the process is complete.
If hearing loss has been identified, your audiologists will also make recommendations as to the next steps, and may arrange a future appointment for a hearing aid fitting.
Hopefully, the points above will help to ensure you know exactly what to expect from your first hearing test.