Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Hearing: Your Expert Guide to Exams
Hearing exams are often overlooked by both patients and doctors during routine health check-ups. However, getting your hearing checked now and then is a good idea to catch any issues before they turn into serious problems.
Hearing loss usually happens so gradually that you might not notice it until it becomes a big deal. A hearing specialist can identify any issues early on through a hearing exam and suggest a plan of action.
**Causes of Hearing Loss**
Hearing loss can be either temporary and reversible or permanent, depending on which part of the ear is affected. Temporary hearing loss is often due to infections in the outer or middle ear, blockages in the ear canal, or a perforated eardrum. This type can usually be treated with medication or surgery. Permanent hearing loss usually results from long-term exposure to loud noises, diseases, head injuries, or genetics, causing damage to the inner ear. A hearing exam can identify the type and extent of your hearing loss.
**Signs You Might Need a Hearing Exam**
If you’re thinking about starting regular hearing check-ups, pay attention to several signs. These include a family history of hearing loss, frequent exposure to loud noises, difficulty understanding conversations, trouble distinguishing between different voices, and any previous diagnosis of hearing loss.
**What Happens During a Hearing Exam**
There are various methods to conduct a routine hearing exam. One common test is the whispered speech test, where the specialist whispers words, and you repeat them, testing each ear separately. Another popular test is pure tone audiometry, where you listen to different sounds through a machine and indicate what you can hear.
For newborns, automated otoacoustic emissions tests are often used; a computer plays noises and measures how the ear responds. Another method, the auditory brainstem response test, involves placing sensors on the scalp and earlobes to measure how your nerves respond to noises played through headphones.
**Benefits of a Hearing Exam**
The advantages of getting your hearing checked might seem obvious, but many people still ignore it. Even if you don’t have hearing loss now, an exam can help you monitor any changes, check the effectiveness of your hearing devices, and detect any lifestyle or health issues that might cause hearing problems later. If you’re already being treated for hearing loss, regular check-ups are important to maintain your hearing aids and other treatment devices.
