Hearing Test
A lot of people have hearing problems and don’t even know it. Some are inborn, while some develop after an accident or illness. Hearing tests are used to determine if a person has a hard time hearing or the severity of a known hearing problem. In some cases, the hearing test can even determine the reason the person has trouble hearing properly.
Why a Person May Need A Hearing Test?
A person may need a hearing test if he or she is struggling to hear properly. Many people can tell they have a hearing problem themselves. However, others do not know or don’t think they have a problem. A person who recently had an ear injury or a severe ear infection may also undergo hearing testing. Babies are given hearing tests before they go home from the hospital, and children are usually given hearing tests at their milestone checkups.
Preparing for a Hearing Test
Hearing tests are fairly simple and non-invasive. Adults should not need to do anything before the test to prepare for it. Parents of children who are getting ready to have a hearing test should work with their children to teach them to sit still, answer questions, listen carefully, and understand how the testing process works. Parents can even play listening games with their children as a fun way to prepare them for their tests.
During the Hearing Test
Hearing tests are painless and only last about 30 minutes. The patient will wear earphones and listen carefully as tones are played at different volumes and pitches. They will play in each ear separately and in both ears at the same time. The test will determine if a person has trouble hearing out of one or both ears. Some hearing tests also involve listening to speech. Most tests are conducted in quiet rooms, but if patients report that they have trouble hearing with background noise, the test may be performed in a room with noise.
Hearing Test Results
Hearing tests are not pass or fail tests. They are meant to not only determine if a person has hearing loss, but also determine the severity of it. While a doctor may say that a patient has passed or failed a test, there is more to it than that. The test will show which ear has the hearing loss, and exactly how bad it is. Sounds are measured in decibels. Louder sounds are higher decibels. A hearing test can show doctors the least amount of decibels a person can hear.
Once a person takes a hearing test and if a doctor determines there is hearing loss, the next step is to determine the cause of the hearing loss. In some cases, it may simply be due to a buildup of wax or fluid in the inner ear. In other cases, it may be due to a congenital disability, infection, injury, or other health problems. Doctors will continue to examine the patient and possibly run more tests to find the cause of the hearing loss and come up with a way to help the patient hear better.
