Hearing tests evaluate your auditory health detecting any potential issues and enable early intervention. Our team will conduct different test to measure your ability to hear sounds across different frequencies and volumes. The results of these tests will provide information for selecting appropriate treatments based on your specific needs. Our goal at Anne Arundel Audiology is to give you the necessary resources for better auditory health.
Symptoms
When describing hearing issues, clarity and volume are not the only symptoms. Hearing problems cover loss in one or both ears, tinnitus, balance issues and even infections. A hearing test determines the type of loss, severity and whether it is in one or both ears. This is why accuracy is key to a successful appointment.
Screenings and Online Tests
Screenings and online tests are responsible for the setup of some hearing appointments. Employees of jobs that follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules may have required annual screenings. When you have concerns about your hearing, these pretests are a fast way to gauge the severity of the issue. They can be taken at your leisure, and as often as necessary. Hearing naturally declines with age, so doing this twice yearly is a recommended step.
In Person Tests
Making an appointment at Anne Arundel Audiology is an easy first step. After your audiologist understands your past health history, a profile is created. This determines which tests will provide the most benefits in finding out your current hearing loss.
There are multiple hearing tests that cover the inner, outer and middle ears. Pure-tone, bone conduction, speech and tympanometry are the most common types. You may also undergo acoustic reflex testing, auditory brainstem response and otoacoustic emissions testing. These are all standard, and meant to help with the overall picture of your health. Accuracy is the priority, and helps shape the prescription for your treatment plan.
What To Expect
Some of the tests are interactive, but it is more of an assessment of what you can hear rather than a graded score. Your audiologist will always explain the expectations of the test before starting. Most of the time, it just requires the patient to signal if they can hear a sound in one of their ears.
Your results will be discussed after the tests have been completed. The consultation after the test is when you get to ask questions about future expectations. This includes the recommended prescription, hearing aids and even resources to learn more about your condition.