Hearing tests, sometimes called audiograms, are critical to a person's overall health and well-being. These tests check your hearing to ensure that you can hear normally, identify any hearing loss, and determine the cause of hearing loss. It is essential to have hearing tests regularly, especially as you age. Here's everything you need to know about hearing tests to make your assessment process more comfortable and convenient.

When Should You Get Your Hearing Tested? 

Hearing tests are important for everyone. When you notice any change in your hearing, like trouble following conversations, constantly asking people to repeat themselves, or ringing in your ears, you should get your hearing tested.

Are There Different Types of Hearing Tests?

There are a number of different hearing tests designed to assess hearing sensitivity and diagnose hearing disorders. The most common types include:

• Pure-tone audiometry: This hearing test measures the softest sound you can hear at different frequencies.
• Speech audiometry: If you have trouble hearing what people say, a speech audiometry test assesses your ability to understand speech from different directions and distances.
• Tympanometry: This test evaluates how well your eardrum responds to pressure changes, which can help identify common ear problems.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR): This test measures how your auditory nerve and brain respond to sound waves to help identify hearing loss.
• Middle ear tests: These tests measure how well your middle ear is functioning. Your middle ear is responsible for conducting sound from your outer ear to your inner ear, assisting in hearing.

When you visit the audiologist, they will determine which hearing test is right for you based on your symptoms, age, and medical history.

What Can You Expect During a Hearing Test?

Hearing tests are usually conducted in a soundproof booth, eliminating external noise. The audiologist will place earphones on your ears and ask you to respond when you hear a tone or word, usually by raising your right or left hand to indicate which ear you hear it in. The frequency and loudness of the tones will be varied.

Some tests involve the audiologist asking you to repeat words presented at different volumes to assess your speech clarity. You will be tested on both high and low frequencies and asked to raise your hand, push a button, or respond verbally to indicate hearing the test words. After the testing, the audiologist will explain the results and recommend appropriate treatment.

What Should You Do After a Hearing Test?

The audiologist will recommend the best course of action when hearing loss is diagnosed. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices are all possible solutions. It could also be recommended to protect your hearing by avoiding loud sounds and wearing hearing protection to avoid further damage.

Contact a local company, such as Accurate Hearing Technology Inc, to learn more about hearing tests.