If you’re going for your first hearing test, or it’s been a while since your last one, you might be feeling a little unsure of what to expect.
But there’s no need to worry! Hearing tests are simple, painless, and essential for identifying any potential issues with your hearing. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of what happens during a hearing test, how long it takes, and what you can do to prepare. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Hearing Test? What To Expect
When you go for a hearing test, the audiologist will evaluate your hearing by assessing your ability to hear sounds of different frequencies and volumes. Hearing tests involve wearing headphones and being asked to respond to sounds played at different pitches and loudness levels.
The test usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, and you will not experience pain during the examination. The ultimate goal of a hearing test is to determine whether you have hearing loss, and what’s causing it.
Generally, hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors such as exposure to loud noise, aging, genetics, infections, or certain medications. However, the degeneration of ear cells due to aging and damage from loud noise are some of the most common causes of hearing loss.
Given the fact that millions of people see their lives affected by hearing loss, it is crucial that you get your hearing tested regularly. In the United States alone, one in eight individuals aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears – that’s around 30 million people!
Of these, 10 million adults have noise-induced hearing loss caused by repeated exposure to loud sounds. So, should you book your next hearing test? The answer is yes – let’s look at the reasons why you should.
Should You Book a Hearing Test?
There are several reasons to get your hearing tested. Firstly, hearing loss can get in the way of your daily life, preventing you from following conversations and impacting your ability to live independently.
What’s more, according to a study published in The Lancet, people with hearing loss have a 42% increase in developing dementia. This is because the brain has to fill in the gaps of what you are unable to hear, thus working under excessive pressure.
You should book a hearing test if you are within the following demographics:
Adults over the age of 50 Anyone working in loud environments like construction or factories
Children experiencing speech and language difficulties
People who have had head injuries or ear infections Individuals regularly exposed to loud music
Family members of individuals with hearing loss
Those taking medication known to cause hearing lossYou should also visit your audiologist if you haven’t had a hearing test in a while!
How To Prepare for a Hearing Test
When contacting your audiologist, you’ll be able to obtain answers to all of your questions and learn how to prepare for your appointment. Here are a few tips that can help you live this experience without stress.
Learn More About Hearing Loss
If you’re getting ready for a hearing test, it’s a good idea to learn more about the types of hearing loss and their symptoms, causes, and treatments. This will help you understand what to expect during the hearing test and how to better care for your ears.
Resources such as Hearing Research should be your first port of call to obtain reliable and comprehensive information.
Prepare Your Medical History
Before taking a hearing test, it’s important to prepare your medical history by gathering documentation from medical professionals that have previously treated you. Be sure to include past surgeries, medications taken regularly or sporadically, family history of hearing loss, and any other relevant information.
Find Out of Hearing Tests Are Covered by Your Health Insurance
Check with your health insurance provider if they offer coverage for a hearing test or audiology services, and review your Medicare plan to check what’s included. In some cases, they may only cover certain tests or diagnostic evaluations that are deemed “medically necessary”. Knowing this information in advance can help prevent unexpected costs.
Consult a Specialised Audiologist
If you feel nervous about booking a hearing test, get in touch with a specialized audiologist. An expert will be able to answer all of your questions and offer peace of mind. Don’t delay – book your appointment today!
