You have now finally scraped all your courage together and decided to go and get your hearing tested. Whatever your reasons are for doing it, it’s good to be prepped for what to expect. We will walk you through how a typical hearing test and consultation with our owner audiologist, Sybrand Strauss will go. Depending on the results of testing, you should expect your hearing appointment to last approximately an hour.
1. You’ll be asked to complete forms
As with most healthcare appointments, you will likely have some paperwork to complete when you arrive. We are trained to not only assess your hearing but determine if your hearing issues are caused by a medical condition. If so, you can be referred to the appropriate medical professional. Some of the information needed to make that determination will be acquired through the paperwork you complete at this first appointment. Completing it to the best of your ability will help us give you the best care possible. You may be asked to provide information about your medical history, what kind of medications you use, any ear-related symptoms or history and medical aid information.
2. Your hearing concerns will be discussed
While our owner audiologist, Sybrand, will learn a great deal from your test results, no two people with the same hearing test results are alike. That is why this consultation step is so important. Expect him to ask you a lot of questions that are, of course, hearing related, but questions that also pertain to your lifestyle. Here you will want to describe your hearing challenges you’re having, the situations where hearing is difficult and the things you hope to hear most. It’s also a great time to get answers to any other questions you have about hearing and hearing loss in general.
3. Your ears will be visually inspected
Sybrand will look into your ears with a handheld scope, called an otoscope to look for any signs of abnormalities or medical conditions that could be contributing to your hearing concerns. In addition, there could be a possibility that you simply have earwax build-up that could be contributing to your hearing problem or may prevent accurate measurement of your hearing. If that’s the case, he can safely remove it for you.
4. Your hearing will be tested
The testing procedure may vary based on your particular hearing issues and concerns. Testing may include:
- Pressure test to check the flexibility of your eardrum and its ability to transmit sound.
- Tone test to measure how softly you can hear tones of different pitches which will be charted on an audiogram.
- Speech test where you are asked to repeat words and/or sentences you hear at different volumes.
5. Your hearing results will be discussed
After testing, Sybrand will discuss your results and make recommendations for next steps based on all the information gathered at your consultation. He may make a medical referral to either your GP or an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist (ENT). Or, Sybrand may recommend a re-evaluation in a few months to a year. If hearing loss is revealed, hearing aid options will be discussed or other assistive devices. Additional discussion and demonstration of hearing aid options could take place right away or a second appointment might be recommended.
Annual hearing tests should be part of every adult’s health regimen
Your hearing is linked to so many things that impact your quality of life — including your career, relationships, physical and mental health, to name a few! So, it’s important to be proactive, thorough, and treat any hearing loss before it turns into something bigger. If you’d like to schedule a hearing test and consultation, contact us for an appointment.
About Strauss Audiology
Strauss Audiology is a professional audiology business in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, offering expert, effective hearing advice that is tailored to clients’ unique hearing needs. We conduct hearing evaluations, hearing tests and vertigo assessments, and provide a range of solutions to improve and protect clients’ hearing. This includes providing hearing aids to Cape Town clients. With 16 years of experience, and with the qualifications and certifications to deliver leading hearing care, you can trust us to take care of your hearing needs.
Want your hearing tested? Need a solution for hearing loss?