Atlantic Hearing Care provides comprehensive hearing tests in Peabody, MA and Swampscott, MA.
What is a hearing test? A hearing test is a way for doctors to check your ears. It’s not just about how well you can hear but also how well your brain processes sound. Audiologists use it to make sure that everything is functioning properly and that there are no problems with the way you hear things.
The older people get, the more likely that hearing will be compromised. Hearing loss is now present in about 14% of people between 45 and 64 years old but can reach up to 30% for those over 65-years-old. That’s why it’s wise to get your hearing tested every few years. Experts recommend that adults get their hearing tested every 10 years until age 50 and then once a year after that.
Why Would I Need a Hearing Test?
You may suspect you have hearing loss, or someone close to you might suggest it.
You might notice that in a crowded room, people’s voices seem muffled, or the volume of the TV needs to be at a higher level than usual.
It’s important to get a regular hearing test because a lot of people don’t know they have progressive hearing loss until it’s too late.
Hearing loss can happen gradually, causing it to go unnoticed, so it’s best to be get regular hearing tests and be diagnosed in the early stages.
Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults
Several things can cause hearing loss, including:
- Loud noises
- Head trauma
- Ear infections
- Excess ear wax
- Certain medications
- Aging in general
- Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, etc.
Older adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to feel left out of social events because they can’t hear what’s happening. They might stop seeing their friends or family as often, embarrassed that they cannot hear well. Such social isolation can even contribute to depression.
What to Expect During the Test
Here’s what happens at your hearing test, start to finish. The whole appointment takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and nothing about it hurts.
Check-in and history. We talk through your hearing concerns, medical history, and where you notice trouble most, like restaurants, phone calls, or the TV.
Otoscopy. Your audiologist looks inside each ear with a small light to check for earwax or anything blocking the ear canal.
Pure-tone testing (your audiogram). You’ll wear headphones in a quiet room and press a button or raise your hand each time you hear a tone. This maps the softest sounds you can hear at each pitch.
Speech and tympanometry testing. You’ll repeat words at different volumes so we can measure how clearly you understand speech, and a quick pressure test checks how your eardrum and middle ear are working.
Results review. Your audiologist walks you through your audiogram the same visit and explains what it shows in plain language.
Your next step. If we find hearing loss, we discuss options together. If your hearing is fine, we set a baseline so future changes are easy to spot.
Curious about the specific tests involved? See our guide to the types of hearing tests.
Hearing Tests: Traditional vs Online
The key differences between an online hearing test and getting a hearing test at an audiology clinic comes down to accuracy and the interpretation of the results.
With an in-person hearing test, we can look into your ears to check for ear wax or other issues. Plus, you have someone walking you through the hearing test, answering questions, and taking the time to get the best measurements.
Seeking out evaluation by a certified audiologist who can complete a thorough examination of your ears before giving any professional opinion on your condition is the best way to go.
An audiologist at one of our locations is only a few clicks away- just schedule an appointment with us to get a comprehensive hearing test.
Hearing Test Results
Hearing tests are not a pass-fail exam, but the results can show how well your ears work. A hearing test measures whether you have any loss of hearing in one or both ears and determines how much hearing is lost at several frequencies.
A hearing test identifies the severity and degree of hearing loss in an individual. It measures how well people can hear by testing your ability to hear different frequencies and tones.
A comprehensive hearing evaluation helps audiologists provide the most appropriate treatment for your hearing needs, whatever they may be.
Hearing Loss Treatment
Removing impacted earwax is the most basic step in treating hearing loss. Some people can hear better once the blockage is removed.
If you find out that you need to wear hearing aids, there are many different styles to choose from. Some modern hearing aid technology may allow for additional features such as Bluetooth streaming of phone calls and music or streaming of concerts and lectures through a telecoil.
If ever hearing aids don’t work, an audiologist may offer cochlear implants as an alternative. A surgical procedure may also be explored, especially with hearing loss that deals with abnormalities of the eardrum or ossicles.
Hearing Test FAQs
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
The clearest signs are asking people to repeat themselves, turning the TV up louder than others prefer, struggling to follow conversation in noisy rooms, and feeling that people mumble. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can be an early clue too. If any of these sound familiar, read the five signs of hearing loss and book a test to know for sure.
How long does a hearing test take?
Plan for about 30 to 60 minutes. That covers your history, the ear exam, the listening tests, and a full review of your results before you leave.
Does a hearing test hurt?
No. A hearing test is painless and non-invasive. You’ll listen to tones and words through headphones and have a brief, gentle look inside your ears. There are no needles and nothing uncomfortable.
How often should I have my hearing tested?
Adults over 50 benefit from a baseline test and a check every year or two. Test sooner if you notice a change, have ringing in your ears, or work around loud noise.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring a list of your current medications, any prior hearing test results if you have them, and, if you can, a family member who’s noticed your hearing. They often catch patterns you might miss.
Schedule A Hearing Test in Massachusetts
If you think you need a hearing test, don’t hesitate! Get one today so we can help if something isn’t right with your ears. We want to keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Schedule an appointment for a hearing test at Atlantic Hearing Care; we have clinics in Swampscott, MA or Peabody, MA so choose whichever is the most convenient to you.
The first step towards better hearing health is an appointment with our expert staff. Contact us today!