Your first appointment with an audiologist is your first step to regaining your hearing.
Hearing loss often comes gradually, so that by the time symptoms surmount, it may seem like a surprise. Getting treatment for hearing loss is always worth it. It will allow you to not only hear the oven timer go off and the TV or radio, but to participate in conversations and engage with life in a more meaningful way. The first hearing test is the first step to taking back your hearing.
Hearing History
At the appointment, your audiologist will likely ask you about your hearing history. Questions on your hearing health and medical history will help to inform him or her of your condition. Your medical history can sometimes play a part in how well your ears function. The hearing loss may even be genetic. Types of hearing loss include conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Its causes can be many, such as age, noise pollution, hearing sensitivity, or a trauma to the head.
Besides the details of your past hearing health, your audiologist will want to discuss your present symptoms and lifestyle. What symptoms are you experiencing, how are they affecting your life, and what kind of activities do you do that require certain levels of hearing ability?
The Hearing Test
Once the hearing health specialist has gotten up-to-date on your hearing history, it is time for the hearing test. The test will take place in a quiet, sound-treated area, and you may have to wear headphones or earplugs connected to an audiometer. The test may come in two parts, pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry. The former consists of seeing what the softest frequency is that you can perceive. The latter tests what your hearing threshold is for understanding words. A recording will play, and you may be asked to repeat each one back.
The Results
Audiologists measure hearing ability in decibels. You will likely receive a chart called an audiogram that graphs both ears according to their hearing threshold levels. Normal hearing ranges from 0-25 dB HL, while mild to severe spans from 26-90 dB HL. Profound hearing loss results in 91 dB HL and above. With the results, your audiologist can assist you in finding the right hearing solution.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
Come in for a walk-in appointment on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am or contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 410-698-6594 or visiting our contact page. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn for more blog posts, news, and updates!