If you've noticed that you're having difficulty hearing, it may be time to consider using a hearing aid. Before you can get this device, you'll need to have your hearing tested by a professional doctor or clinic that can better assess your hearing loss symptoms. What happens when you get a hearing test, and how does the doctor know what kind of hearing aid will work for you? Read on to learn more.

Questions Your Doctor Will Ask

In order get a good snapshot of your current condition, your doctor will ask you several questions about your hearing. Some of these questions might include:

• How long have you noticed your hearing issues?
• Is the loss occurring in one or both ears?
• Do hearing problems run in the family?
• Have you experienced any recent injuries or head trauma?
• Are you dealing with vertigo or ringing in the ears?
• Have you had a recent ear infection or did you have a lot of ear infections as a child?
• Are you currently experiencing any pain in the ear area?
• Do you have more trouble hearing a particular group of people like men, children, or women?

Visual Exam

Once you've spoken with your doctor and answered all of their questions, they'll take a look inside of your ears using a tool called an otoscope. This tool allows the doctor to magnify the inside of the ear and look for any possible damage to the ear drum or canal. It can also help spot things like wax buildup or any tearing on the inside of the ear. As long as there is no visible damage spotted, the doctor will continue on with the air conduction portion of the test.

Air Conduction

The air conduction test is a commonly-administered test that helps doctors determine how well you hear different frequencies. You'll be seated in a quiet room or in a booth and instructed to wear headphones. The doctor will play different tones in one ear at a time. These tones will range from high to low, and as you hear them, you'll be asked to raise a finger indicating you heard the sound. Each time the sound plays it will get softer until you can no longer hear it. Your audio frequency threshold is determined by figuring out the softest level you can hear. The result will help your doctor determine how your ear processes sound, and will help them find the best hearing aid for your individual needs based on frequency levels.

For more information, contact Advantage Hearing & Audiology or a similar location.

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