A hearing test is the general name for the evaluations carried out to determine a person's hearing level and the type of any hearing loss. The process is painless and is usually completed in a short time.
Initial Interview and Assessment
Before the test, the person's complaints are listened to. When the hearing difficulty began, in which environments it is more noticeable and any ear-related health history are assessed.
Otoscopic Examination
The ear canal and eardrum are examined with a special device. At this stage we check for earwax, infection or any other obstruction.
Pure-Tone Audiometry
The person wears headphones and listens to sounds at different frequencies. The lowest audible sound levels are determined and the hearing thresholds are measured. The results are shown on a graph called an audiogram.
Speech Tests
How well the person hears and understands speech is evaluated. This provides important information, especially for planning a hearing aid.
Evaluating the Results
At the end of the test, if there is hearing loss, its degree and type are determined. Based on this, follow-up, medical evaluation or hearing aid recommendations can be made.
How Long Does the Test Take?
Hearing tests are generally completed in 20 to 40 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on the scope of the tests performed.
Conclusion
A hearing test is the most important step in evaluating hearing health. Early diagnosis is of great importance both for tracking the progression of hearing loss and for reaching suitable solutions in time.