Do you find it difficult to carry on a conversation in a crowded restaurant? Have your family members been having a hard time getting your attention? If you have had these types of experiences, it may be time to set up an appointment for a hearing test.
It is a good idea for people of all ages to have their ears evaluated from time to time.
After all, your ability to hear keeps you out of harm's way and allows you to communicate effectively.
A hearing test administered by a medical professional can help determine the type of loss you are experiencing, if any, and how severe the loss may be.
When you are meeting with a practitioner for a hearing test, it is important that you provide them with as much information as possible regarding this issue.
You must let them know if you have recently been ill, experienced any head trauma, or been exposed to any loud noises.
In addition, you should also let this person know if you are currently taking any medications or antibiotics.
The phases of your hearing test may include a whisper test or the use of a machine that plays a series of different tones through a set of headphones.
For the whisper test, the health professional will stand at least a foot away from you and whisper a series of words.
You must repeat the words as you have heard them.
If you cannot hear the words clearly enough to repeat them, the person may repeat the series of words louder and louder still until you are able to repeat them back.
If you have a difficult time with the whisper test, the audiologist may then have you listen to a series of tones at different volumes, pitches, and decibel levels.
You will be prompted to respond in a certain way when you hear a tone.
Your ability to hear may be impaired if you cannot hear sounds at low decibels.
Another indication of a problem is if you seem to hear a sound more loudly in one ear than the other.
Based on how you perform on the series of tasks required of you during a hearing test, the audiologist will diagnose your problem and make a recommendation for treatment.
Perhaps there is some damage to an area of your eardrum or the inner ear.
Maybe you are just experiencing some side effects from a recent ear infection or illness.
In any event, you will be able to learn all you need to know about treatment or the use of an aid.
There have been many recent advancements in technology.
These devices are now more comfortable to wear and easy to conceal.
Plus, they give many adults a new lease on life and the ability to participate in social situations.