A Quick Guide to Hearing Tests

At first, hearing loss can be easy to overlook. You might turn up the volume on the TV a little higher than before or struggle to hear someone across the dinner table, but these moments can seem insignificant. Over time, though, you may realize you’re missing parts of conversations, asking others to repeat themselves more often or avoiding noisy environments because understanding speech feels like work.

If you’ve found yourself straining to catch words in busy places or feeling frustrated by muffled speech, you’re not alone. Many people experience gradual hearing loss without noticing how much they’re compensating for it. The effort it takes to hear clearly can lead to fatigue, misunderstandings and even withdrawal from social activities.

Ignoring these signs won’t make them go away. When hearing loss goes untreated, it can affect everything from your relationships to your confidence in everyday situations. Recognizing the early warning signs is the first step toward making sure your hearing loss doesn’t start defining how you experience the world.

When Should You Book A Hearing Test?

If you’re struggling to hear conversations, frequently asking people to repeat themselves or noticing that the TV volume is creeping higher than usual, it might be time to schedule a hearing test. Other signs include difficulty following discussions in noisy settings, ringing or buzzing in your ears or feeling like others are mumbling when they speak.

Even if you aren’t noticing any issues, routine hearing tests are a good idea at certain ages. Adults should have a baseline hearing test around age 50, or earlier if they have a history of noise exposure or other risk factors. After that, hearing should be checked every few years, with more frequent testing recommended for those over 60, as age-related hearing loss becomes more common.

What Happens Before the Hearing Test?

Before your hearing test begins, the audiologist will take some time to gather important background information. They’ll ask about your medical history, any hearing difficulties you’ve noticed and whether you’ve had exposure to loud noises at work or during hobbies. This conversation helps the audiologist understand your specific concerns and determine any factors that might be affecting your hearing. They may also look inside your ears using an otoscope to check for wax buildup, blockages or other visible issues that could be impacting your hearing. This initial step ensures that your test results are as accurate and useful as possible.

What Are Common Types of Hearing Tests?

There are several types of hearing tests, each designed to measure different aspects of how you hear. One of the most common is pure-tone audiometry, where you wear headphones and respond to a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes. This helps determine the softest sounds you can hear at various pitches. Speech audiometry evaluates how well you understand spoken words by having you repeat back words at different volumes. Another test, tympanometry, checks how well your eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure, which can help identify fluid buildup or other middle ear issues.

What Happens After Your Hearing Test?

After your hearing test, your audiologist will go over the results with you, explaining what they mean for your hearing health. If any level of hearing loss is detected, they’ll discuss possible next steps, which may include treatment options like hearing aids. They’ll also answer any questions you have and provide recommendations based on your specific needs, lifestyle and listening environments. If no significant hearing loss is found, they may simply suggest monitoring your hearing over time with regular checkups.