What actually happens at a hearing test?
Hearing loss can affect anyone and tends to worsen as time goes on, but it can be difficult to recognise the problem until you experience certain symptoms. So how can you be sure? The effects of hearing loss can be detrimental to your health, which is why it’s important to get a baseline hearing test and annual follow-up to help catch the problem early.
The purpose of the test is not only to determine whether you have hearing loss, but also the severity level. A detailed analysis can also help define the type of hearing loss you may have: Conductive, sensorineural or mixed and whether it will respond best to medical treatment, hearing aids, bone-anchored hearing systems or cochlear implants.
Hearing tests are non-invasive and easy to do, but despite the pain level sitting at zero, it’s still crucial to speak to a qualified audiologist who can guide you through the entire process.
So now that you’re on your way to book your first hearing appointment, it’s important to know exactly what you can expect.
Below are the exact steps that bloom™ hearing specialists take to make sure you have the most comfortable experience possible.
1. They check your history
After the initial introduction, your hearing specialist will discuss your hearing history with you. The questioning will include when you find hearing most difficult, how long have you been noticing your hearing is declining and any other queries you may have. Make sure you have someone to accompany you to the appointment so they can also provide their feedback on when they notice your hearing isn’t at its peak.
2. They will conduct a series of tests
Once the consultation is complete, your specialist will then commence a number of tests; air conduction, speech discrimination testing, otoscopic examination, tympanogram and audiogram.
Each ear is tested separately as they are trying to find the softest sounds you can hear. Then, a bone conduction test takes place to help establish the nature of the loss and whether it needs further medical examination, or if hearing aids are sufficient.
3. Working out a solution
After the testing has ended, your hearing specialist will give you the opportunity to have a Sound Experience – where you can actually listen to what amplification sounds like. The audiologist will walk you through your results, and will recommend solutions based off the information in front of them. They will also talk you through the range of hearing devices and which one will best suit your lifestyle and listening environment.
With bloom™ hearing specialists, you are able to have a real life Sound Experience where you can try hearing aids out in the ‘real world’. That way, you’ll know how much of a worthy investment the device can be to your everyday life and whether it provides benefit in the situations where you are struggling to hear.
4. Hearing aid fitting
Once you make some decisions around whether hearing aids are right for you, what colour hearing aids you would like and which hearing aids style suits you best, your hearing specialist will arrange a “fitting” appointment. At the fitting, hearing aids are set up and demonstrated to you. They will also explain how to correctly insert, remove, adjust and clean the devices.
With bloom™ hearing specialists, review appointments are part of the great service provided, as it ensures you have the best hearing experience possible. Sometimes adjustments are necessary which is why it’s important to get the hearing aid rechecked.
So now that you’re ready to book your first hearing appointment, find your local bloom clinic here. Or, you can organise an appointment by filling out an online form.
This is sponsored content brought to you in conjunction with bloom™ hearing specialists.