Hearing Test
A hearing test doesn’t necessarily mean that you are losing your hearing. In most cases, hearing tests are just considered as a baseline test, much like how you get your bloodwork done for monitoring.
Of course, people who suspect that there’s something wrong with their hearing will greatly benefit from a hearing test. Through proper diagnosis and assessment, appropriate intervention can be given even before hearing loss impacts a patient’s quality of life.
What to Expect During a Hearing Test ?
The whole process of a hearing test usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Bonus – it’s absolutely painless!
In most cases, a patient will be asked to wear earphones and listen to short tones played at different volumes and pitches one ear at a time.
There are some hearing tests that require patients to listen to speech at different volumes and they will be asked to repeat what words were said. Hearing tests are usually performed in a soundproof room or booth.
Related Questions
What happens after a hearing test?
Once the hearing test has been completed and it is determined that you are a candidate for a hearing aid, our audiologist will present you options for hearing aids recommended for you. Depending on the type of hearing loss, there’s a possibility that our audiologist will provide a demo hearing aid for you to wear during the consultation.
When recommending a hearing aid, our audiologist at Pinnacle Hearing will consider the results of the hearing test, configuration of hearing loss, daily communication set-up, lifestyle and budget. We encourage you to bring a family member or a friend to the consultation so we can effectively communicate with each other.
Real Ear Measurement
When a hearing test determines that you could be a candidate for hearing aids, one important procedure that needs to be performed is real ear measurement.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to hearing loss. Many factors need to be considered including the type and severity of hearing loss, the shape of the ear canal, and the method in which hearing devices pass sound into the ears.
With real ear measurement, audiologists can efficiently integrate all the considerations by having the ability to objectively measure and verify sound being delivered to the ears.
Why is real ear measurement (REM) necessary?
REM can be applied in a multitude of hearing healthcare procedures, from initial hearing aid fitting, hearing testing, programming, to troubleshooting.
Performing real ear measurement provides better device satisfaction from the very first fitting, reducing the need for follow-up appointments.
Real ear measurement can be performed via three methods – Real Ear Aided Gain, Real Ear Aided Response, and Real Ear Insertion Gain. All of these methods achieve the same objective and are equally efficient.
At Pinnacle Hearing, we offer the highest level of hearing care by using best practices which include real ear measurement. We guarantee the highest level of hearing improvement possible so you can live your best life.
What’s the best hearing aid?
Hearing aid technology has greatly evolved in the past years. Modern hearing aids are now smaller, comfortable, yet more powerful.
There are many excellent hearing aid brands available, with varying technology levels, features styles, and circuitry. Our audiologist at Pinnacle Hearing will use your case history information and evaluation results to give you a solid recommendation for you and your lifestyle.
Importance of Hearing Aids
Hearing impairment develops gradually. This means that many are not aware that they have hearing problems until it has advanced to a more serious stage. This is why hearing tests are very important.
With regular hearing tests, hearing loss could be detected right away and progression could be prevented, slowed or monitored. Much like routine blood work and exams, hearing tests are an excellent first line of defense.
Always keep in mind that early detection of hearing loss increases the possibilities of successful treatment.
Some degree of hearing loss occurs naturally with age, but other factors can lead to hearing impairment. Impacted earwax, chronic ear infections, excessive exposure to loud noise, and certain medications can all contribute or speed up hearing loss.
Regular hearing tests can help audiologists spot issues before they get worse.
Do I really need two hearing aids?
If you are diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears, expect a recommendation to get two hearing aids. With the use of two hearing aids, you can enjoy binaural hearing by being better able to understand and pick up speech even in the most challenging listening situations. Better sound localization is also possible with two hearing aids.
Take The First Step - Schedule A Hearing Test Today.
Taking a hearing test is the first step to healthy hearing. Pinnacle Hearing offers various hearing tests to diagnose or monitor hearing loss. When it comes to hearing loss, early detection and intervention is key.