Why Would I Need a Hearing Test?
Hearing tests are essential for understanding your hearing health. Many people experience hearing changes over time, and early detection helps prevent further loss. Signs you might need a test include difficulty understanding conversations, having to turn the television louder than your partner prefers, asking people to repeat themselves, or feeling like others are mumbling.
Hearing tests help our audiologists understand how well you hear and identify any problems that need attention. At Fifth Avenue Hearing, our professional audiologists in New York use advanced technology to provide accurate hearing evaluations. Whether you’re noticing signs of hearing loss or want a routine check-up, we are here to help.
Perhaps the most important reason to have a hearing test is related to your health. This is because if you have hearing loss that is not being treated, you will have a much greater chance of getting Alzheimer’s, dementia, and depression, and you also will have 47% more hospital visits than a person who has hearing aids to help them hear better. Regular hearing tests should be part of your health routine, especially as you age.
How to Choose the Right Audiologist
Choosing an audiologist is an important decision. Look for a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) with experience and positive reviews. At Fifth Avenue Hearing, our NYC licensed audiologists are highly trained and compassionate, making sure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. A key credential to consider is the Au.D. designation indicating they are a Doctor of Audiology.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
For a full example of what to expect during your appointment, view the Patient Journey here.
In brief, during your appointment, the audiologist will ask about your hearing concerns, medical history, and lifestyle. Then, you’ll take part in painless tests in a quiet room. These hearing tests check how well you hear sounds and understand speech.
The results will guide the next steps. For example, the results may show that you have hearing loss that can be corrected with hearing devices.
Best Practices for Hearing Tests
Hearing tests should evaluate both how well you hear sound and how well you understand what you are hearing. If your provider is not doing a full evaluation, they may miss important details that effect your hearing long-term.
Our NYC audiologists at Fifth Avenue Hearing follow strict standards for accurate results. We also provide personalized care that hearing aid dispensers cannot offer, focusing on your overall hearing health, not just selling devices.
Why Seeing a Doctor of Audiology is Important vs Other Providers
Doctors of audiology have extensive training and can diagnose and treat hearing loss and related issues, such as tinnitus or balance problems. Unlike hearing instrument specialists, audiologists can address medical conditions and offer a wide range of solutions tailored to your needs.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss falls into three categories, and understanding which type you have is essential for proper treatment.
Getting a professional hearing test is important because it helps pinpoint the exact cause of your hearing difficulties and guides your audiologist in recommending the best solutions for your needs.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common type of hearing loss and occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. It often happens with aging, exposure to loud noise, or certain medical conditions. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent, but hearing aids or other treatments can significantly improve your ability to hear and communicate. A hearing test can confirm if your loss is sensorineural and rule out other causes.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot pass through the outer or middle ear due to blockages, infections, or fluid buildup. This type of hearing loss is often temporary and treatable with medical care. A hearing test is crucial to identify the underlying issue, whether it’s earwax, an ear infection, or another condition, so it can be addressed effectively.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This complex type of hearing loss may require multiple approaches to treatment. A hearing test can determine the extent of each type of loss, helping your audiologist create a tailored treatment plan.
Why Getting A Hearing Test Is Key
Without a proper hearing test, it’s difficult to know what type of hearing loss you’re experiencing. Each type requires different treatments and guessing could delay the help you need. A professional evaluation ensures that you get the right care and support, improving your overall quality of life.
Hearing Test: What To Expect
Your audiologist will guide you through a series of tests in a soundproof room. You’ll wear headphones and listen to tones, repeat words, or indicate when you hear sounds. The process is simple and non-invasive, and takes only about 15 minutes..
Hearing Test Results
After the tests, your audiologist will review the results with you, and will show you the audiogram that came from the test. The results show how well you hear at different pitches and volumes and help identify if you have hearing loss and, if so, the type of hearing loss you may have.
Based on your results, the audiologist will recommend treatment options (such as hearing aids or medical care) or recommend when you should return for another hearing test to track your hearing health.
Hearing Test FAQs
Will I need to do anything to prepare for a hearing test?
No special preparation is needed, but you may want to list your symptoms and medications to discuss with your audiologist.
Are there any risks to hearing tests?
Hearing tests are completely safe and non-invasive.
How reliable are online hearing tests?
Online tests can miss subtle issues and are not a substitute for a professional evaluation by an audiologist. They are a helpful screening device for some people, but they do not offer the same degree of precision as an audiologist administered test in a soundproof room.
Can you do a hearing test on your phone?
Some apps offer hearing checks, but they lack the accuracy of tests conducted by an audiologist.
Hearing Tests in New York City
Hearing tests are vital for maintaining your hearing health. At Fifth Avenue Hearing, we offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized care to address your needs.
Don’t wait—schedule your hearing test in New York today and take the first step toward better hearing.
