Getting your hearing tested is the first step in understanding how well you’re hearing the world around you. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, a test is the first step toward determining what’s going on and what can be done to help. A hearing professional at Rhodes Centers for Better Hearing will assess your hearing and explain the results clearly, guiding you through the best options based on your needs.
Whether you need hearing aids, assistive devices or simply want to establish a baseline, our team is here to help you improve your hearing and make daily communication easier, so you can stay connected and engaged in all aspects of your life.
Who Needs a Hearing Test?
Hearing loss can affect anyone, regardless of age or profession. It’s common in older adults, but anyone exposed to loud environments, like construction workers, musicians or factory employees, is also at risk. People who have a family history of hearing loss or have had previous ear infections should also get their hearing tested. If you’re noticing any changes in your hearing, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later, including:
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy settings.
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
- Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears.
- Turning the volume up higher than usual on the TV or radio.
- Trouble hearing on the phone or during group conversations.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a hearing test to better understand your hearing health.
What is the Hearing Test Process Like?
During a hearing test, a hearing professional will assess how well you can hear different sounds and frequencies. The test is simple and non-invasive, usually involving listening to a series of sounds through headphones or speakers in a quiet room. Based on your responses, a hearing professional will determine your hearing ability. There are several different types of hearing tests, include:
- Pure-tone audiometry: Measures the faintest sounds you can hear at different pitches.
- Speech audiometry: Assesses how well you can hear and understand speech.
- Tympanometry: Tests the function of your eardrum and middle ear.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): Checks the response of the inner ear to sounds.
Understanding your results will help determine the next steps in addressing your hearing health.
What Will the Results Tell You?
After your hearing test, the hearing professional will go over the results with you in detail. They’ll explain the degree of your hearing loss and how it may affect your ability to hear different sounds, whether it’s soft speech or background noise in a crowded room. If your results show that hearing aids could help, your hearing professional will walk you through the different types and features available, helping you understand which options might work best for your lifestyle. Throughout the conversation, your provider will make sure all your questions are answered and that you feel confident in your decision.