What Exactly Happens During a Hearing Test?

If you haven't had a hearing test before you will be in the dark about what to expect. This can be disconcerting and inconvenient especially if you forget to bring important documents. In this article we outline what you need to know about an initial hearing test with an audiologist. 

A conversation about medical history

One of the first things you can expect when you show up to your audiologist test is a conversation with your audiologist about your medical history. It's very important that your hearing professional knows about your medications and can see your medical records. 

This is the main thing you will have to prepare before visiting the audiologist office. Spend some time prior to your appointment gathering the relevant papers and taking a note of your medications. It's crucial as some medications can affect the outcome of the test. 

A conversation about you hearing health  

Following the conversation about your medical records you will be asked about your hearing health and the reason for your visit. In some cases, you will have a very specific reason for the test, reduced hearing or inner ear ringing. 

It's important to be open and honest with your audiologist and to give them an accurate picture of your hearing experience. This can be very helpful to the tester and can contribute significantly to the success of the test. 

Expect a pure-tone test 

Depending on your hearing condition there are several types of testing your audiologist might suggest, however, if you are attending for the first time, you will almost certainly encounter a pure-tone test. This is a simple but effective test to gather baseline data. 

You will be shown into a quiet room and asked to wear a pair of headphones. Your audiologist will then play various tones into your ears and ask if you can hear them. In doing this they will determine your hearing range and course of treatment. 

Expect further tests 

Depending on the extent of your hearing from the pure-tone test you may be given further tests including a speech test and a bone conduction test. These tests will allow the audiologist to gather more data regarding your hearing capacity and zero in on the issues. 

A speech test is much like a pure-tone test. Again, you are placed in a quiet room, this time however, you are asked to listen and respond to speech. A bone conduction test sends sound signals into the inner ear to test its mechanics. 

Further tests and guidance 

If your hearing test does not indicate that your hearing loss is particularly bad, you will simply be advised to return for a hearing test in the future, perhaps in a year or two. You may also be given some lifestyle advice. 

If the test indicates some hearing loss you will probably be asked to return sooner for further tests. These tests will help determine the best course of treatment for you. At your return appointment you may also discuss hearing aids.