This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified audiologist for personalised advice. Individual results may vary.
If you’ve never had a Hearing Test before, it’s completely normal to wonder what happens. The good news is it’s a straightforward, painless process – and knowing what to expect can help you feel more relaxed.
Before Your Appointment
There’s not much you need to do to prepare. Try to avoid exposure to loud noise for 24 hours beforehand if possible, as this can temporarily affect your results.
It helps to think about any situations where you’ve noticed difficulty hearing – like noisy restaurants, phone conversations, or group settings. Your audiologist will ask about these, and having examples ready makes the conversation more useful.
If you take any medications, bring a list along. Some medications can affect hearing, and it’s helpful for your audiologist to know.
The Testing Process
A comprehensive hearing assessment usually takes about 45-60 minutes. It starts with a chat about your hearing history, any concerns you have, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Your audiologist will look in your ears to check for any blockages like ear wax, and to make sure your ear canal and eardrum look healthy. This uses a small instrument with a light – it doesn’t hurt at all.
The main hearing test involves wearing headphones and listening for very quiet tones at different pitches. You’ll press a button or raise your hand when you hear a sound, even if it’s very faint. This maps out exactly how your hearing works across different frequencies.
You’ll also do a speech test, where you listen to words and repeat them back. This shows how well you understand speech, which is often different from just detecting sounds.
Understanding Your Results
Your results are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Your audiologist will explain exactly what it shows – which sounds you hear well, and where you might be missing some information.
There’s no pass or fail. The goal is simply to understand your hearing and whether there are options that might help you. If everything looks good, that’s great news. If there are changes, your audiologist will discuss what that means for you.
You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions. Nothing will be rushed, and you won’t be pressured into any decisions. It’s about giving you information so you can make choices that are right for you.
Key Takeaways
- A hearing test is painless and takes about 45-60 minutes
- Avoid loud noise for 24 hours before if possible
- Think about situations where you’ve noticed difficulty hearing
- Your audiologist will explain results clearly and answer questions
- There’s no pressure to make any decisions on the day
Ready to find out where your hearing stands? Our friendly team at CQ Audiology makes the process relaxed and straightforward.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Individual results may vary.