Top faqs about hearing tests

TOP FAQS ABOUT HEARING TESTS

If you're noticing changes in your hearing, know that the best thing you can do for yourself is to get a hearing test with an audiologist. It's excellent that you are taking the time to recognize when you need extra help with your hearing and there is nothing wrong with needing hearing aids. It may well be time to have a hearing test with an audiologist if you are struggling to hear, and it's the smartest decision you could make.

You would get your eyes tested if you noticed things changing, so the same should be said for your hearing, too. Untreated hearing loss isn't worth it – it can put you at risk for a range of other health-related issues. This can include depression, cognitive decline and even dementia. It's not worth the risk when a hearing test could make all the difference.

Before you go to a hearing test with a new audiologist, you may have a ton of questions that you would need to get some answers to. These questions should surround your level of hearing loss, your hearing aids and what a hearing test consists of. There are usually three parts to a hearing test with an audiologist:

A medical evaluation about your hearing and general healthA conversation about your current hearing experienceA physical examination before a series of tests.An audiologist will then take you through your test results to ensure that you understand the extent of your hearing loss and what can be done about it. Some of the top FAQs about hearing tests are listed below, so that you can come prepared when you head to your hearing test. Either write them down or type and print: you'll need to make some notes so that you can go back and read it all later!

WHAT KIND OF HEARING LOSS DO I HAVE?There are three different types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive and mixed. Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage in the inner ear or on the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain. It's permanent and can be treated with the help of hearing aids. Conductive hearing loss happens when the sounds traveling from the inner ear to the brain are blocked.

This can happen with wax, ear infections and even a benign tumor. When the blockage is removed, hearing is mostly restored. Mixed hearing loss is as it says: a mix of sensorineural and conductive hearing losses. You could have either type or a combination of both, and your audiologist will be able to tell you which you are experiencing.

DO BOTH MY EARS HAVE THE SAME HEARING LOSS?More often than not, your hearing loss is not exactly the same in both ears. There may be differences in the same way that your feet are slightly different in length. Sometimes, one ear can hear better than the other ear and your audiologist will be able to tell you which is experiencing more or less hearing loss.

WILL I NEED TWO HEARING AIDS?Ask your audiologist this question for sure! You may not need two hearing aids, but it all depends on the severity of the hearing loss that you are experiencing. If you need two, you should be reassured that 90% of people who require hearing aids often wear two instead of just one.

WHICH HEARING AID IS RIGHT FOR ME?This is a question that your audiologist will absolutely be able to answer. There is a huge range of styles in hearing aids, and they will be able to talk you through them all and make suggestions as to which are the best ones for your hearing loss. Take a few minutes before your appointment to familiarize yourself with what's available and you can ask specific questions about the hearing aids you are interested in.

HOW MUCH ARE HEARING AIDS?Many audiologists will be able to talk you through the purchase price of your hearing aids that you choose and they can also talk you through replacement batteries, adjustment costs that may need to be made and the cost of any repairs. These are all vital to your continued hearing health and your budget!

SPEAK TO OUR AUDIOLOGISTS TODAY!To have your hearing test booked, you need the best of the best and Pacific Audiology Clinic can help you with your hearing test and your questions, too. Call us today at (503) 470-6548 today and you can get your hearing test booked in today.

Hearing plays a significant role in our overall quality of life. Shruti program addresses ear diseases and hearing loss by connecting you to the power of technology and partnerships.