Hearing Loss Test

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The ability to hear ensures a good quality of life. Hearing enables us to communicate well, strengthens our personal relationships, and aids in cognitive development. The human ear is a sensitive organ that is easily affected by loud sounds, overuse, and age. If you think you are suffering from hearing impairment, it’s important to get your hearing evaluated as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment is the key to minimizing hearing loss.

How often should I have a hearing test?
Where should I go for a hearing test?
How much does a hearing test cost?
How relatives can help

When do you need a hearing test?

Hearing loss can happen at any time, but it usually occurs after the age of 50. Gradual onset of hearing loss is barely perceptible at first. Sounds that fall within 2,000 to 5,000 Hz is initially lost, gradually increasing as you age. Acknowledging hearing loss is the first step toward an effective treatment.

Often, hearing loss is apparent to friends and family at first. The affected doesn’t notice or perceive it to be a major issue because they do not notice it right away.

However, time is of the essence when it comes to treating hearing loss. The longer you wait for a diagnosis, the more likely you are to develop more serious issues like depression and dementia. Hearing tests should be part of your yearly health checkup.

If you are short on time, our 3-minute online hearing test will give you an initial idea of your hearing ability.

Self-evaluation questions

If you suspect that you are expecting hearing issues, there’s an easy and non-invasive method to check your hearing. Have some whisper two meters away from you. If you can hear them, your hearing is fine.

The following questions can give you more insight into how well you hear. Answer each question with either "Yes" or "No." Answering all of these questions honestly will provide an accurate indication of your hearing ability.

Conversations

Are normal conversation levels loud enough, but unclear?
Do you find that most people you speak to sound like they are mumbling or speaking unintelligibly?
Do you find yourself asking others to speak more loudly during a conversation?

Specific situations

Can you understand conversations clearly when speaking on a telephone?
Do you find yourself sitting in the front row in large rooms or the theater?
Is it hard for you to follow discussions in large groups?
It is hard for you to hear when there is a lot of background noise?
Does small talk or chatting stress you out?
Do you avoid celebrations and large gatherings?

Everyday life

Are you often asked why you watch TV so loud?
Do you sometimes fail to hear the doorbell or telephone ringing?
Do you hear fewer birds singing outside in general?
Are you sometimes startled by cars driving past because did not hear them coming?
Do you suffer from tinnitus?

If you answered "Yes" to more than two questions, you should have your hearing checked by an audiologist or an ENT doctor. Click here to find out more about the role of an audiologist.

What happens during a hearing test?

A hearing test or audiometry exam isn’t scary or painful. Typically, the test begins with an audiologist asking you a few questions about your health background and general lifestyle. After the questions, the audiologist will recommend tests based on your answers.

The hearing test takes place in a soundproof room. You are fitted with headphones and sounds with different frequencies are played. These sounds cover the frequency range from 125 to 8,000 Hz. The sounds start in one ear at the lowest possible frequency and it’s gradually increased. The audiologist will ask you to indicate if you can hear the sounds by pressing a button or a key.

The test will conclude with gentle vibrations through the headphones. This will determine if there is damage in the middle ear.

The audiologist will create an audiogram (a visual representation of your hearing). The test will show sounds on a scale and provide information on your hearing threshold level in decibels. The audiologist can then determine the frequency level that you can not hear. This will help diagnose the severity of your hearing loss and help to identify the proper hearing aid you will need. After the test, the audiologist will help you test out various hearing aids so you can find the best one to suit your needs.

Tips to reduce stress

Some people are naturally anxious when it comes to testing. Mostly because they do not know what to expect and are worried about the results. Anxiety can have a negative impact on your test and affect the results. Prior to testing, make sure you get plenty of rest. On the day of the hearing test, arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to calm down before the test. It’s a good idea to bring someone with you to keep you company and calm.

Feeling stressed before your hearing test? Here are a few tips to help you feel less anxious:

Listen to an explanation of the procedure while in a quiet setting.
Test out the buttons before the exam begins.
Make sure the headphones are comfortable and fit correctly.
Adjust or remove your glasses and/or move your hair out of your face.
Try to breathe steadily and sit as comfortably as possible.
Do not be afraid to ask the audiologist for a slower pace. The speed of the tones and intervals between the tones can also be increased or decreased.
You can always repeat the tests.

How often should I have a hearing test?

Schedule a yearly hearing test, especially if you are over the age of 50. Regular hearing check-ups can determine whether and how much your hearing has changed. Early treatment is the best prevention of hearing loss. The longer it remains untreated, the harder it will be to restore optimal hearing performance.

Where should I go for a hearing test?

Hearing tests are performed at an Ear, Nose, and Throat clinic or in one of our hearing centers.

How much does a hearing test cost?

The hearing test provided by audiologists in our centers is free of charge and it only takes only 15 minutes.

How relatives can help

You can support people with hearing problems by:

Learn more about hearing loss symptoms.
If you notice hearing loss symptoms from a loved one or of a friend, address it with them in a positive and sympathetic manner. Offer to help with the next steps.
Support your loved one with the decision-making process for the hearing aid.
Encourage your loved one throughout the entire process.
Make it easier for them to understand you by speaking clearly, distinctly and slowly, and face to face. If they do not understand you, rephrase instead of repeating the same worlds. Patience and understanding are the best ways to help at this time.