Audiometric testing might sound intimidating, but it’s essentially another term for a hearing test. It’s wise to undergo this diagnostic procedure if you or a loved one suspects hearing loss or has recently sustained head trauma. By the end of the test, you will know if you have hearing loss an how severe it is. Here’s what to expect during the procedure.  

What to Expect During Audiometric Testing

Discussing Your Medical History 

Every hearing test starts with a review of the patient’s medical history and a discussion of their current health. You can streamline this part of the appointment by making a list of all of the medications you take ahead of time. The audiologist will want to know about your family’s medical history, as well, to determine if you are at risk of certain conditions that might affect hearing down the road. 

Undergoing the Test

After inspecting your ears with an otoscope, audiometric testing will begin. You will don a pair of headphones that are connected to an audiometer and follow the instructions provided by the practitioner administering the test. Depending on the circumstances, there might be a few different tests to complete. For example, you might have to identify tones at varying pitches or complete a speech portion that involves identifying someone’s voice at different volumes. 

Understanding the Results

Once you have completed the necessary tests for both ears, the audiologist will review the results with you and discuss possible treatment approaches. Your hearing capacity will typically be displayed in a graph, which should be fairly easy to interpret. Depending on these results, you might need to reschedule additional testing at a later date or explore listening devices before leaving.  

If you want to schedule audiometric testing, turn to Northwest Alabama Hearing Clinic in Hamilton. Owned and operated by a licensed audiologist, this clinic diagnoses and treats some of the most common causes of hearing loss. The comprehensive care they provide includes diagnostic tests, hearing aid fittings, and personalized listening device services. Visit the clinic online to learn more about their services, or call (205) 952-9944 to schedule an appointment today.