4 Questions to Ask About Hearing Exams

If you have experienced symptoms of hearing loss, hearing tests with an audiologist are the best way to gain an accurate diagnosis and management plan. The thought of attending hearing exams can be quite daunting, but it’s largely due to a sense of not knowing what to expect. Thankfully, the answers to the four questions below will put you in a far better position before visiting your audiologist.

Do Hearing Exams Hurt?

When visiting your audiologist, you may undergo a range of hearing exams. Regardless of which tests are used, no pain should be expected.

All of the examinations are non-invasive, with the physical inspection by an otoscope being the closest to invasive. Meanwhile, hearing exams like tympanometry and pitch tone testing are focused on recording the function of the ear. In turn, this leads to an accurate diagnosis while you’ll also avoid any discomfort.

The process of choosing the right hearing aid and the subsequent fitting appointment may cause minor discomfort. Again, though, you should not feel any pain.

How Long Do Hearing Exams Take?

When attending a hearing examination, it is probably best to allow yourself a 90-minute window for the process. However, most people only need 30-60 minutes.

The exact duration of the hearing appointment will depend on the types of hearing examinations that are used, as well as the severity of any detected hearing loss. Each individual test should only take a few minutes, meaning most people will only spend around 30 minutes being tested.

Additional time is needed to discuss the results, which are made instantly available and discuss the next steps or appointments.

How Will Hearing Exams Actually Help Me?

The human brain is quite effective at trying to fill in the voids, which may encourage you to think that your hearing loss doesn’t need to be managed. However, an audiologist can help.

Hearing examinations don’t only detect hearing loss. They also determine the level of hearing loss, while hearing aids and other management tools can greatly improve your life. It restores your ability to interact with the surroundings and maintain a strong social life. Therefore, it can reduce anxiety too.

Your audiologist can also use the hearing examinations to discuss related issues like tinnitus to provide further assistance.

How Should I Prepare for My Hearing Exams?

Before attending your appointment, it’s important that your ears are dry and clean. It is also best to avoid loud environments like gigs for at least 48 hours before your visit.

If you have experienced an ear infection or related issue, it will be necessary to reschedule as your hearing may be temporarily impacted. You do not need to actively prepare for the hearing exams, but it is wise to jot down your medical history and family history. You should make a note of your hearing loss symptoms and the situations where you notice them.

Finally, if you feel that you may struggle to hear the audiologist, bring a friend or relative to the appointment for added comfort.