If you suspect you’re experiencing hearing loss, don’t put off a hearing exam. You might be nervous about the outcome, but your hearing specialist will help you each step of the way so you can get back to hearing and connecting with the people you love. A hearing exam is easy and painless. Here’s what to expect.

Physical Exam & Medical History

Just like any other medical appointment, you’ll be asked to provide your medical history. This might be easier to write down in advance and bring with you to the appointment, making sure to note a family history of hearing loss. Next, a doctor or audiologist will perform a physical exam of the ear called an otoscopy. They’re checking for obstructions blocking the ear canal or infections, and looking at the health of your ear drum.

Testing

The audiologist will then conduct different tests. The tympanometry test checks for the health of your middle ear system using a probe in the ear canal that causes the ear drum to move. This test only takes a few minutes, and all you have to do is sit still. You may notice a pressure change in your ear canal but the test is painless.

You’ll also undergo speech testing, in which you’ll listen to words through headphones. You’ll be asked to repeat the words to measure the lowest volume you can hear as well as how well you’re able to understand the spoken words. The audiologist will also perform bone conduction and air conduction testing, which most people have experienced in school before.

During air conduction testing, you’ll listen to a series of beeps through headphones and indicate you’ve heard a beep by raising your hand. This helps the doctor or audiologist determine the degree of your hearing loss. The bone conduction test uses a headband instead of headphones, with plastic pieces behind your ears that vibrate when a sound is played. This test can determine if the nerves are working as they should, and if a physical blockage maybe be causing the loss.

At Solbrig Hearing Center in Kerrville, TX, their team will test, diagnose, and treat your hearing loss so you can get back to living your best life. They offer state-of-the-art hearing aids and the professional expertise to help you find the type that suits your lifestyle and condition. Their staff can also help you find out if you qualify for a free amplified telephone. Call (830) 895-5900 or send a message online to schedule an appointment.