Hearing Testing

Hearing tests are key to identifying hearing loss and its severity. They help establish a baseline for your hearing ability, making it easier to detect any changes or deterioration over time. Regular hearing tests are recommended, especially as you age, or if you're exposed to loud noises regularly.

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Hearing Testing

Hearing tests are painless, straightforward, and provide essential information about your hearing capabilities. They can identify whether you have a hearing deficiency and, if so, determine its type, degree, and configuration.

Preparing for a Hearing Test

Before your hearing test, gather relevant information about your medical history and that of your family. This includes any history of hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, and medications that might impact your hearing. It's also essential to note any specific situations where you find it challenging to hear, as this information will help the audiologist tailor the test to your needs.

The Hearing Test Process: What to Expect

Consultation with an Audiologist

The hearing test process begins with a consultation with our experienced audiologist. The audiologist will review your medical history, medications, and conditions that might be influencing your hearing. This stage also involves discussing your daily activities, physical activities, occupational information, and other relevant details that can impact the hearing test results.

Examination of the Ears

The next step involves a physical examination of your ears. Using an otoscope, the audiologist will inspect your ear canal and eardrum to rule out infections, damages, or blockages, such as earwax buildup, which could potentially cause or contribute to hearing loss.

Conducting Hearing Tests

Several tests are conducted to assess your hearing capability, and the type of test may vary based on your specific concerns, medical history, and the audiologist's preferences. Here are some common hearing tests:

‍Pure-Tone Audiometry: This test measures the softest sound you can hear at different frequencies. You'll be given a series of tones at various volumes and asked to indicate when you hear a sound.‍
Speech Recognition Test: This examines your ability to understand speech. You'll listen to a series of words or sentences at different volumes and be asked to repeat them. This test helps determine how well you can hear and understand speech in a quiet environment.‍
Bone Conduction Test: This test evaluates your ability to hear sounds transmitted through the bones of your skull. It helps determine if the hearing loss is originating from the inner ear or from problems in the ear canal or middle ear.

Reviewing the Results

After the tests, the audiologist will review your results with you. They are represented in the form of an audiogram, a visual representation of your hearing ability. The audiogram plots the results of your hearing tests for each ear, showing you the pitches (frequencies) and loudness (intensity) of the sounds you are capable of hearing.

Interpreting Your Hearing Test Results

Hearing test results can reveal whether you have normal hearing or hearing loss. If hearing loss is detected, the audiogram will specify its type, degree, and configuration. Here's how hearing loss levels are usually categorized, based on the quietest sound you can hear (measured in units called decibels, or dB):

Normal hearing: 0 to 25 dB
Mild hearing loss: 26 to 40 dB
Moderate hearing loss: 41 to 55 dB
Moderate-to-severe hearing loss: 56 to 70 dB
Severe hearing loss: 71 to 90 dB
Profound hearing loss: 91 to 100 dB

Treatment Options for Hearing Loss

If your hearing test results indicate a hearing loss, don't worry! There are various treatment options available to help improve your hearing health and overall quality of life. These include:

Hearing Aids: These are devices worn in or behind your ear that amplify sounds. Modern hearing aids come in various styles and offer advanced features, such as digital noise reduction and connectivity to smartphones and TVs.
Cochlear Implants: These are surgically implanted devices used for severe hearing loss cases. They bypass the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Aural Rehabilitation: This is a type of therapy that helps people with hearing loss to improve their listening skills and communication strategies.

Next Steps After Hearing Tests

If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, our audiologist will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan will be tailored to your specific hearing needs and lifestyle preferences, ensuring you receive the most effective solution for your hearing health.

Hearing Tests in Evanston, IL

Regular hearing tests are vital to maintaining good hearing health, especially as you get older or if you're frequently exposed to loud noises. At Evanston Audiology, we're committed to offering comprehensive hearing tests and personalized care for your hearing health. Contact us today to schedule a hearing test and take the first step towards better hearing and improved quality of life.