Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Tests

At Professional Hearing Associates, our team of experienced audiologists is dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing care services to patients of all ages. We understand that the thought of undergoing a hearing test can be daunting, and many people have questions about what to expect during an audiologic evaluation. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hearing tests, helping you feel more informed and prepared for your appointment at one of our offices in Escondido, CA (858) 357-9881), Oceanside, CA (442) 277-2283), or Poway, CA (858) 397-7497).

What is an audiologic evaluation?

An audiologic evaluation is a series of tests conducted by an audiologist to assess your hearing abilities and determine if a hearing loss is present. The evaluation may be recommended if you or your child did not pass an initial hearing screening or if you are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, such as:

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning up the volume on the television or radio to levels that others find uncomfortable
• Feeling like others are mumbling or speaking too softly
• Experiencing tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears)

The goal of an audiologic evaluation is to gather detailed information about your hearing health, including the type and severity of any hearing loss, as well as to guide appropriate treatment recommendations.

What tests are included in an audiologic evaluation?

The specific tests performed during an audiologic evaluation may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and overall health. However, some common tests include:

Pure-tone air and bone conduction testing

This test helps determine the quietest sounds you can hear at different frequencies (pitches). During the test, you’ll wear headphones and be asked to respond, usually by raising your hand or pressing a button, whenever you hear a sound. Bone conduction testing uses a different type of headphone placed behind the ear to help determine if the hearing loss is due to problems in the outer or middle ear, or if it’s related to the inner ear.

Speech testing

Speech testing assesses your ability to understand and repeat spoken words at different volume levels. The audiologist will present words or phrases through headphones and ask you to repeat them back. This test helps confirm the results of the pure-tone test and provides information about how well you understand speech.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is a test that evaluates the function of your middle ear, including the eardrum and the small bones (ossicles) that transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. During the test, a small device is placed in your ear canal, and air pressure is gently changed while a tone is played. This test can help identify problems such as fluid in the middle ear, a perforated eardrum, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

In addition to these tests, your audiologist may perform other specialized evaluations depending on your specific needs, such as:

• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing: This test measures the function of the hair cells in your inner ear and can help identify hearing loss caused by damage to these cells.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing: ABR testing measures the brain’s response to sound and can be used to assess hearing in infants, young children, or individuals who are unable to participate in traditional hearing tests.
• Auditory processing evaluation: This series of tests assesses how well your brain processes auditory information and can help identify auditory processing disorders.

How long does an audiologic evaluation take?

The length of an audiologic evaluation can vary depending on the number and types of tests being performed, as well as the individual’s age and ability to participate in the testing process. In general, you can expect the appointment to last between 30 minutes to an hour. If additional tests or follow-up discussions are needed, the appointment may be longer.

How should I prepare for my audiologic evaluation?

To ensure that your audiologic evaluation goes smoothly and provides accurate results, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Compile a list of any medications you are currently taking, as some medications can affect hearing.
• Make note of any recent illnesses, allergies, or ear infections, as these can temporarily impact hearing.
• If you have previously had hearing tests, bring copies of the results with you to your appointment.
• If you wear hearing aids, bring them with you to the evaluation.
• On the day of your appointment, avoid exposure to loud noises, as this can temporarily affect your hearing and skew test results.

What happens after the audiologic evaluation?

Following your audiologic evaluation, your audiologist will review the test results with you and discuss any significant findings. If a hearing loss is identified, the audiologist will explain the type and severity of the loss and discuss potential treatment options. These may include:

• Hearing aids: If your hearing loss is significant enough to impact your daily life, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids. At Professional Hearing Associates, we offer a wide range of advanced hearing aid technology and will work with you to find the best solution for your needs and lifestyle.
• Assistive listening devices: In addition to hearing aids, there are many other devices that can help you communicate more effectively, such as amplified telephones, TV listening systems, and alerting devices.
• Communication strategies: Your audiologist can provide guidance on communication strategies that can help you better cope with hearing loss, such as positioning yourself to see the speaker’s face, reducing background noise, and advocating for your listening needs.
• Referrals to other specialists: If your audiologist suspects that your hearing loss may be related to an underlying medical condition, they may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician or other specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

If no hearing loss is found, but you are still experiencing symptoms like tinnitus or difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, your audiologist may recommend additional testing or provide guidance on strategies to manage these challenges.

How often should I have my hearing tested?

The frequency of hearing tests depends on several factors, including your age, risk factors for hearing loss, and any identified hearing concerns. In general, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends the following:

• Newborns: All infants should have a hearing screening before leaving the hospital or within the first month of life.
• Children: Hearing screenings should be performed regularly throughout childhood, typically before starting school and at ages 6, 8, and 10.
• Adults: If you are between the ages of 18 and 45 and have no known hearing concerns, you should have your hearing tested every 10 years. After age 45, ASHA recommends hearing tests every 3 years, and after age 60, every 2 years.

If you have a family history of hearing loss, work in a noisy environment, or have other risk factors for hearing loss, your audiologist may recommend more frequent testing.

At Professional Hearing Associates, we believe that regular hearing evaluations are an essential part of your overall health and well-being. By identifying and addressing hearing loss early, you can minimize its impact on your daily life and maintain strong connections with the people and activities you love.

What if I suspect my child has a hearing loss?

If you suspect that your child may have a hearing loss, it’s essential to schedule a diagnostic audiologic evaluation as soon as possible. Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with hearing loss, as they can help ensure that your child develops age-appropriate speech, language, and social skills.

Some signs that your child may have a hearing loss include:

• Not responding to loud sounds or their name by 6 months of age
• Not turning toward sound sources by 10 months of age
• Not saying single words like “mama” or “dada” by 1 year of age
• Delayed speech and language development
• Frequently asking for things to be repeated or responding inappropriately to questions
• Turning up the volume on the TV or electronic devices to high levels

If your child is diagnosed with a hearing loss, your audiologist will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and speech-language therapy. They can also connect you with local resources and support groups to help you navigate the unique challenges of raising a child with hearing loss.

Can I prevent hearing loss?

While not all types of hearing loss can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to protect your hearing and reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss:

• Wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when exposed to loud noises, including concerts, sporting events, and power tools.
• Keep the volume on personal listening devices, like smartphones and music players, at a moderate level.
• Take regular breaks from continuous noise exposure, such as loud music or industrial noise.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these factors can contribute to hearing loss.
• Have your hearing tested regularly, as recommended by your audiologist, to identify any changes in your hearing and address them early.

At Professional Hearing Associates, we offer custom hearing protection solutions and can provide guidance on how to protect your hearing in various environments.

What should I do if I experience sudden hearing loss?

If you experience a sudden onset of hearing loss, particularly in one ear, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to improve the chances of recovery.

Some signs of SSHL include:

• Rapid onset of hearing loss, usually within 72 hours
• Muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness in the affected ear
• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other sounds) in the affected ear
• Dizziness or vertigo

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician or visit an emergency room or urgent care center right away. They may refer you to an ENT physician or audiologist for further evaluation and treatment, which may include oral steroids, steroid injections, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Audiologic evaluations are a vital tool in assessing your hearing health and identifying any hearing loss or related concerns. At Professional Hearing Associates, our knowledgeable audiologists are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to help you navigate your hearing journey. If you have any additional questions about hearing tests or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices in Escondido, CA (858) 357-9881), Oceanside, CA (442) 277-2283), or Poway, CA (858) 397-7497). We look forward to helping you achieve your best possible hearing and quality of life.