4 FAQs About Hearing Tests

Approaching your first ever hearing test is the same as approaching any other test in your life; scary! You’re probably concerned about what might happen, nervous about how things are done and just plain worried. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s absolutely nothing to worry about as hearing tests are incredibly straightforward and easy for you to complete.

Having said that, if you need some extra reassurance, then here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hearing tests:

How do hearing tests work?

Naturally, one of the most common questions revolves around the actual structure of a hearing test. During your appointment, the audiologist will ask various questions about your medical background and lifestyle. Then, they carry out a quick inspection of your ears to see that everything is normal and there are no blockages. As for the tests themselves, you will undergo two different types; tone and voice. The tone test measures how you hear pitches at different tones, while the voice one tests your ability to hear regular conversations. Both of these are conducted in soundproof rooms while wearing headphones.

How long will a hearing test last?

It’s impossible to give an absolute concrete answer as one audiologist may have a slightly different method than others. But, it’s generally safe to say that your hearing test won’t take longer than an hour or so. This is pretty much the average appointment time, and it’s rare that they’re quicker than this. So, make sure you clear your schedule for at least an hour after your allocated appointment time.

Should I do anything before my hearing test?

Preparation isn’t mandatory, but it can certainly help your overall experience during the test. If you speak to an audiologist, they usually suggest that you keep yourself away from extremely loud noises in the lead up to the exam. If you can, try and wear ear protection to keep your hearing in the best possible condition. This means you will see more accurate hearing test results. Also, it’s helpful to write down all your medical and lifestyle information, so you don’t forget anything during the appointment.

What happens after the hearing test?

The great thing about your hearing test is that you get the results instantly. While you’ve got the headphones on, your audiologist is making notes and tracking your progress. Afterwards, they will explain everything to you in as much detail as possible. From here, they will suggest the right course of action. This might mean booking you in for a follow-up appointment for a hearing aid fitting or professional ear cleaning. Ultimately, what happens after will be determined by the results of your test. If everything is perfect, then nothing else needs to be discussed, and you’ll be on your way!

So, if you’re getting ready to see your audiologist for a hearing exam, then you should now be armed with more information. We hope that some of your pressing questions have been answered, which should calm some of those nerves! If you still have some unanswered queries, then don’t be afraid to contact your audiologist and ask them.