If you’re having trouble hearing, whether it’s struggling to keep up with conversations, needing people to repeat themselves or noticing a persistent ringing in your ears, getting a hearing test is a crucial step. During the appointment, our team at Hearing Space will conduct several tests to assess your hearing and pinpoint any issues. The results will be explained in clear terms, and you’ll have the chance to explore potential solutions to address any hearing concerns you may have. This simple process can help improve your hearing and overall quality of life.
What To Expect During Your Hearing Evaluation
The testing part of your hearing evaluation will take about 30-40 minutes. Before that, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms with your hearing professional. After the testing is over, you’ll meet with your hearing professional to discuss the results. This is your opportunity to ask questions. It’s also when you’ll learn how hearing loss is impacting you today and what forms of support you may need moving forward.
Pure-Tone and Bone Conduction Testing
Pure-tone testing involves testing the lowest tones you can hear across different frequencies. You’ll wear headphones and press a button when you hear a tone. Bone conduction testing uses a special headset that vibrates to send sound through your skull. This test helps determine if your hearing loss is conductive, meaning it’s caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, or sensorineural, which relates to issues in the inner ear or nerves.
Speech Testing
Speech tests measure your ability to hear and understand spoken language. In these assessments, you will listen to words or sentences played at varying volumes and with different background sounds. This process helps identify how well you can comprehend speech in everyday settings. The results will highlight any difficulties you might face when processing spoken words, which is essential for effective communication.
Additional Tests
Depending on the results of your initial tests, we may recommend further testing. This could include a physical examination of your outer ear and additional tests for the middle of your ear.
Visual Reinforcement and Conditioned Play Audiometry for Children
We also offer other hearing test options for young patients and others with developmental disorders. Visual reinforcement audiometry and conditional play audiometry are hearing tests designed for young children who may struggle with traditional methods. In visual reinforcement, children are encouraged to turn their heads toward sounds, receiving visual rewards, like lights or toys, when they respond correctly. Conditioned play audiometry involves play activities, like placing blocks in a container when they hear a sound, making the test engaging and fun. Both methods effectively assess hearing while keeping children comfortable and entertained throughout the process.
If you think something like this could be a fit for you, let us know, and we’ll make sure you or your loved one receive the proper care.
We may recommend ordering a hearing aid. If so, our team will walk you through different brands, technologies and styles to find the right fit. You may want to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. They can help you remember to ask all of your questions. You’ll also receive a lot of information during your appointment. It can be beneficial to have someone there to help you remember everything you learn.