Hearing loss often develops gradually over time, but in certain instances, you may notice a sudden dramatic change in your hearing ability. If you have any issues or worries relating to hearing loss, it is strongly recommended that you get a hearing test from an audiologist. This will ensure that no additional hearing damage will occur and that the required intervention will be administered as soon as possible.
What happens during a hearing test?
There’s no exact procedure on how a hearing test should be conducted, but generally, this is how most hearing tests are carried out:
- Case history
- Physical examination of the ear
- Hearing evaluation (this may consist of several tests)
- Baseline test
- Recommendations/Next Steps
Hearing Evaluations at Oracle Hearing Center
The first step in a hearing evaluation is filling out a form with pertinent information about your medical history. This will consist of answering a series of questions that are aimed at assisting us in better comprehending your health and hearing history. Since hearing loss can be caused by numerous factors, it is essential to establish an accurate baseline and medical history so we can come up with a treatment plan to address your hearing loss.
Hearing loss can also be caused by a number of medical disorders, such as the common cold, ear infections, allergies, or earwax buildup in the ear canal. During the early stages of the hearing evaluation, one of the questions that will be asked of you is whether or not you have ever suffered any kind of head or ear damage. We will also talk about your occupation, hobbies, and lifestyle choices because the environments in which you spend the most time can also have an impact on your hearing health.
The vast majority of hearing tests are executed in a soundproofed room or booth that is designed to block out any ambient disturbances that could have an impact on the results of the hearing test. Our patients will be instructed to wear headphones or earplugs that are wired to an audiometer during their examinations. Speakers and other apparatus will be positioned in a manner specific to the needs of newborns and young children.
Communication Needs Assessment
In addition to performing a thorough hearing test, Dr. Battat will conduct an evidence-based Communication Needs Assessment in order to identify which brand, type, and degree of hearing aids will best cater to your unique communicative requirements and lifestyle preferences in the most effective manner. During the evaluation, various factors are taken into consideration, which includes:
- Rating how well you think you communicate with others on a daily basis.
- Identifying and setting your personal communication priorities and expectations
- Assessing your unique comfortable and uncomfortable levels to sounds
- Evaluating your speech understanding in noisy listening situations
- Conducting an assessment of your finger and hand dexterity with regard to the manipulation of small items, as required
- Determining whether or not you require a communication plan using hearing aids, assistive listening devices, medical referrals, or group rehabilitation workshops
- Going over financial concerns if hearing aids are recommended to be part of your communication plan
- Conducting a live demonstration of hearing aid technology as necessary
When should hearing be checked?
Hearing tests should be administered every three to five years, as recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This applies to people who are in good health and between the ages of 18 and 40 and are not experiencing any signs of apparent hearing loss.
On another note, hearing tests should be performed right away if you or a member of your family has any concerns about their hearing (i.e experiencing ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, muffled hearing, etc).
Hearing Evaluation and Diagnostics in Lawrenceville, NJ
Loss of hearing can have a negative impact on general health and wellness, which is why it is important to have a baseline hearing test as well as annual hearing checkups in order to identify any hearing problems in their early stages.
Oracle Hearing Center provides complete hearing evaluations and expert hearing care in Lawrenceville, NJ, and nearby communities.
Get in touch with us to set an appointment!