Hearing Tests
Professional and Compassionate Hearing Testing in Homewood, AL
Hearing Testing
Is it Time to Get Your Hearing Checked?
Your significant other has mentioned that you might be having some problems hearing, your kids have noticed, and even your closest friends are wondering about your ability to hear. So, is it time to get your hearing checked?
Those closest to someone with a hearing loss will often be aware there’s a problem long before the person with the hearing loss is aware they are having a problem communicating.
Please click here to be taken to our Online Hearing Quiz. The quiz will give you an indication if it’s time to call our office and make an appointment for a hearing test.
Suggest that those individuals closest to you take the quiz (they should answer the questions from their point of view about you). Compare your results. You may be surprised at how much of a problem they think you might be having. It might be a good idea to hear what they have to say and then get your hearing checked just to be sure.
Hearing Frequently Asked Questions
Myths about hearing loss.
Millions Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Unfortunately, many who could receive benefit from hearing aids don’t. People often don’t seek help simply because they’ve been supplied with the wrong information. Don’t let these common myths about hearing loss stop you from seeking professional help and treatment.
Is my hearing normal for my age?
Your hearing is either in the range of “normal” or it isn’t. Your age has nothing to do with whether or not your hearing is “normal”.
If I had a problem hearing I wouldn’t be able to hear all the time.
The majority of people who experience hearing loss tend to lose the ability to hear higher pitched sounds before they lose the ability to hear low-pitched sounds. Which in part helps to explain why women and children can be harder for some with a hearing loss to hear than it would be for them to hear a man’s voice.
There's nothing I can do to prevent hearing loss.
You can take steps to prevent hearing loss. Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss; millions of Americans have already suffered irreversible damage to their hearing from noise. Yet a third of all hearing loss could be prevented with proper ear protection.
Noise can only cause hearing loss over a long period of time.
NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.
Recreational activities that can put you at risk for NIHL include target shooting and hunting, snowmobile riding, listening to MP3 players at high volume through earbuds or headphones, playing in a band, and attending loud concerts. Harmful noises at home may come from sources including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and woodworking tools.
Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for NIHL to happen.
A Hearing Evaluation
The Components of a Hearing Test
Detailed Case History
We’ll begin by taking a detailed history. We’ll ask a series of questions about your medical, work and personal life as it relates to your ears and your hearing.
Impedance Audiometry
Impedance or Immittance Audiometry gives us an idea of how well the eardrum, the middle ear bones and a few of your ears reflexes are working.
Physical Examination
The next step is an examination of your ears. We’ll thoroughly examine your ears for any physical condition that might indicate a need for a medical referral.
Pure Tone Testing
This is what you probably think of as a “hearing test”. Your hearing levels are measured using tones and words. Providing us with sensitivity levels and discrimination ability.
After the test
What Happens After the Test?
If you are a hearing aid candidate, you will meet with Logan to discuss your treatment options after your initial evaluation. She will ask you about your lifestyle and the situations you struggle in most. She will use your answers as well as your audiological evaluation to find the best device for your specific needs.
By the Numbers
Approximately 48 million Americans have some form of hearing loss.
Need a Hearing Test?
How to Convince Someone They Need a Hearing Test
You are married to, live with or love someone who is clearly struggling to hear. How do you convince them that it’s time to get their hearing checked?
The quickest way to bring someone around to the realization that they might be having a problem hearing is to stop being a human hearing aid. Frequent repetitions, tolerating the volume louder than you know it should be and repeating someone else’s conversation to them is a sign that you are becoming their hearing aids. The average person waits for 5 – 7 years to do something about their hearing loss. The sooner they do something about the problem, the happy everyone will be.
Contact Our Office
Please don't hesitate to contact us using the information found below. We'd be happy to schedule a consultation or answer any questions you may have.