What happens in a hearing test? Our guide to getting your ear health checked
Our guide is here to put your mind (and ears) at ease and prepare you for your hearing test — whether it’s online, at home, or at an in-store audiology suite.
What happens in a hearing test? Our guide to getting your ear health checked
Regular hearing tests are a great way to catch early signs of hearing loss and get the right treatment. However, the idea of any medical checkup can seem daunting, especially when you don’t know what’s involved. Our guide is here to put your mind (and ears) at ease and prepare you for your hearing test — whether it’s online, at home, or at an in-store audiology suite.
What exactly is a hearing test – and do I need one?
A hearing test quite simply checks the quality of your hearing. Carried out by a trained audiologist, it measures the quietest sound you can hear and can help identify any issues you might be experiencing.
Most people won’t need a hearing test until they reach the age of 50 or 60 — this is when age-related hearing loss can start to develop. But it’s also a good idea to book a hearing test if you’ve noticed any difficulties in hearing and communication or if you think you might have tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears). If you’re unsure, take a look at our guide to common hearing loss symptoms.
Do you work in a loud environment? If you regularly use loud machinery, play an instrument or spend time in very loud spaces, it’s best to arrange annual hearing tests to keep an eye on any sound-related damage.
What happens during a hearing test?
When you get a hearing test at a Bayfields audiology suite, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment. We aim to make your hearing test experience as comfortable as possible. So, what happens first?
Your audiologist will introduce themselves to you and explain the process. They’ll then ask you about your hearing — they’ll want to know what symptoms you’ve been experiencing and when they started. Did the issues start suddenly? Or did you notice a gradual decline?
Next, they’ll take a look inside your ears to check for any wax blockages and look at your ear canal and eardrum in detail.
Then it’s time for the test itself — also known as an audiometry test. You’ll wear a special set of headphones and the audiologist will play a series of sounds. When you hear the sound, you’ll acknowledge it by pressing a button.
How long does a hearing test take?
Your hearing test will usually take around 15 minutes, and during the audiometry test, your audiologist will play the sounds through one ear at a time to test each one individually.
Getting your audiogram results
After the audiometry test, your audiologist will be able to explain the results right away. They’ll have two measurements to explain: volume (measured in decibels or dB) and pitch or frequency. These measurements show how loud a sound needs to be for you to hear it and the range of pitch you can hear.
Your results will show how your hearing range compares to most people and whether or not you have hearing loss. ‘Normal’ hearing means you can hear below 20 decibels (dB). If you can’t hear above 20, you likely have some form of hearing loss — which can range from mild to profound.
If it looks like there could be an issue, we’ll invite you back for a full hearing care examination. During this follow-up, one of our expert audiologists will carry out some more tests — such as a full pure tone assessment (PTA) — to find out the cause and degree of hearing loss and help you find the right hearing solution for your lifestyle. From ear wax removal to hearing aids, we’ll work out the best option for you.
What is an online hearing test?
Are you looking for a fast, free way to check your hearing? We offer 5-minute online hearing tests to help identify hearing loss. All you need is a quiet space and some headphones.
While these aren’t a replacement for an in-person hearing test, they can indicate hearing loss. If your results suggest some form of hearing loss, we recommend finding your local Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists branch to book an in-store assessment.
How much does a hearing test cost?
Our online and in-person hearing health checks are free, as are our in-depth hearing care examinations. These hearing tests are for adults over the age of 16 and are ideal for those with no pre-diagnosed hearing loss. If you already have hearing aids and wish to arrange a hearing test, please give us a call to discuss your options and book an appointment.
Hearing care with Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists
Whether you want to check your hearing with an online test or book an in-person assessment, the Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists team is here to help. Our trained audiologists can identify hearing loss and ensure you get the best hearing care solutions for your needs and lifestyle. Book a hearing test today or feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.