If you're struggling to hear what others are saying or understand the dialog in a movie, you may need to see an audiologist for a hearing test. While this prospect may be overwhelming, it’s a relatively short process and can provide a wealth of information. Here is a guide to understanding what happens during a hearing test.

What Happens During the Test?

Patient Intake Forms

When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll be asked to complete some patient intake forms. These forms will require information about your insurance and your current feelings about your hearing.

There will also be a series of medical history questions that you’ll be required to answer. Be honest about your medical history and current medications, as they can help the audiologist reach a diagnosis.

Visual Inspection

Once the appointment begins, an audiologist will take a look at your ears with a tool called an otoscope. This is a handheld device that gives the audiologist a view inside your ears.

Hearing Test

Each test will vary based on the patient and practitioner, but there are three main components: pressure, tone, and speech. During the pressure portion, the doctor will check your eardrums’ flexibility to determine their ability to discern sounds.

Next, a tone test will determine how well you can hear tones of pitches. Lastly, a speech test will require you to repeat words and phrases that you hear at different volumes.

How Often Should You Schedule an Exam? 

After discussing the results, an audiologist will go over the next steps for your treatment plan. However, if your exam is all clear, you’ll want to return in one year for a checkup. Hearing tests should be performed annually to ensure that your hearing hasn’t changed.

If you’re experiencing difficulty hearing, contact the hearing specialists at Heartland Better Hearing Inc. in Elizabethtown, KY. They offer a wide variety of top-brand hearing instruments, from assistive hearing devices to alarm clocks. The practice provides free hearing evaluations to help gauge your needs and improve your quality of life. Visit the website to learn more, or call (270) 735-9352 to schedule an assessment today.