Why Is a Hearing Test Important?

Did you know that hearing loss affects almost 50 million people in the United States? Hearing loss occurs across a wide spectrum, affecting people of all ages, from babies to the elderly and everyone in between and can be caused by a variety of factors including illness or injury, outside factors and even good old heredity. There are many different types of hearing loss that have different symptoms and require different treatments.

To find out which treatment is best for you, speaking to an audiologist, such as the great specialists at Clifton Springs Hearing Center, should be your first course of action. They will schedule a hearing test to determine what type of hearing loss you’re experiencing, what your symptoms are and what type of treatment is best for your individual needs. 

Many people put off seeing a hearing instrument specialist for a few different reasons. Some may be worried about the cost of testing, possible surgeries and devices. Others may feel that because their diminished hearing is only mild, that they can forego seeing a specialist. 

The truth is, scheduling an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist to get a hearing test is something you shouldn’t put off! Hearing tests are relatively easy, painless and your hearing instrument specialist will work with you on payment plans or other courses of action to keep your treatment affordable. Best of all, you’ll work together to choose a treatment option to partially restore your hearing. 

So, what is the process of a hearing test like? 

You’ll schedule an appointment with an audiologist or hearing specialist, and go in for an initial consultation, where you’ll discuss your hearing loss, your symptoms, how long you’ve been dealing with diminished hearing and so on. Your specialist will listen to your concerns and needs and then administer the test.

A hearing test usually involves wearing earphones/headphones and a series of audio tones, ranging from soft tones to louder ones, and different pitches and volume, will be played. You will indicate which ones you hear, with the loudness of the tones measured in decibels. This will help determine the extent of hearing loss you experience. Your specialist will also examine your ears and may give you other related tests. The process is entirely pain-free and usually completed within a half-hour, give or take. 

Once the test is completed, the audiologist can determine what type of hearing loss you experience and give you a diagnosis, as well as lay out treatment options. For some, surgery is an option, but for the vast majority of those with hearing loss in the U.S., being fitted with a hearing aid is the best course of action. While there are dozens of different hearing aids on the market, in a variety of styles, sizes and brands, there are three main types that you’ll likely choose from: 

• Behind the ear (BTE): Behind the ear devices are small and easy to wear, and are connected via a clear plastic tube to the main device inside the ear. They are suitable for those with moderate-to-severe hearing loss and are the preferred device for children. 
• In the ear (ITE): These devices are worn inside the ear, and are connected via a small electrical wire to the main device. These are sleek and small and virtually invisible and are good for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. 
• In the canal (ITC): These devices are smaller and offer the most discreet aesthetics. Because of their location in the canal, they provide the wearer with a natural listening experience. 

Your hearing instrument specialist will go over these options with you. You may be invited to try different hearing devices out to see which one is most comfortable for you. Your specialist will also give you detailed information about pricing, go over payment plans and work out the best choice based on your budget as well as your hearing needs. Together, you’ll choose the very best treatment plan for you. 

The first step, though, is making that initial appointment. If you have a great audiologist or hearing specialist in your area, such as the dedicated and friendly team at Clifton Springs Hearing Center, give them a call today and schedule an appointment and hearing test. That’s the first step in getting the specialized treatment you need to restore your hearing. Learn more by giving the Clifton Springs Hearing Center a call today at 315-496-4314.