It’s difficult to understand whether or not you’re suffering from hearing loss. In many cases, this conditions gradually happens to people as they age. In fact, statistics show that nearly 33% of people reaching the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss. Regardless of what’s causing you to lose your hearing, it’s important to have it tested regularly. However, thinking about visiting a hearing doctor can make some people nervous. Don’t worry these exams are far less intense than what you might be expecting. With that in mind, here is what to expect while receiving a hearing screening.
Finding Out More About You
Your hearing screening will begin by answering a series of questions. These questions help a doctor to understand more about your current condition. For instance, many people visit a hearing clinic after suffering from hearing loss from their respective jobs. One study found that 15% of people between the ages of 20 to 69 have high frequency hearing loss due to workplace conditions.
Your hearing doctor will also want to know more about your current ability to hear. Therefore, you’ll likely be asked if you currently use any type of hearing aids. In addition, you’ll be asked questions about your medical history. This helps a doctor to determine if you’re at risk for certain types of diseases.
Beginning the Hearing Screening
You’ll find that hearing tests are not designed to make patients feel any pain. In fact, most of the test will be listening for certain sounds. During the main part of a hearing screening, you’ll be escorted to a soundproof room. In this room, you’ll be able to see someone who is controlling a device. The person in the other room pushes a series of buttons that emit tones. If you hear a tone, you’re to indicate that you’ve heard it. This is usually done by raising your hands. Tones are only part of many hearing screenings. Next, you’ll hear a series of words and be asked to repeat what you hear. If you’re unsure of the answer, simply give your best guess.
Receiving the Results of Your Tests
After you’ve completed all testing, your results are printed out or displayed. In turn, you’ll go over these results with your hearing doctor. If you’re dealing with hearing loss, you’re not alone. Estimates predict that in the year 2025, 900 million people globally will be hearing impaired. If you do have hearing loss, a doctor will begin to find out appropriate treatment options.
To summarize, it’s important to visit your hearing doctor for a screening. That being said, it makes sense if you’re slightly fearful of what to expect. Fortunately, these tests are relatively fast and easy to complete. Hearing loss is an understandably difficult ailment to live with while it goes untreated. If you think something is wrong with your hearing, consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor in your area.