Hearing Test - Taking Your Exam

While getting a hearing test is important for people of all ages, many adults fail to go in for a screening, unless they have reason to believe they aren't able to hear as well as they used to be able to. This is unfortunate, as many people don't realize their ears aren't working as well as they should be. Many assume there will be gigantic warning signs when their ability to hear diminishes, but this isn't always the case. Studies have shown that most people are quite surprised when they are diagnosed with auditory loss. Get your ears checked on a regular basis and you'll be able to treat auditory conditions early. Read on for some steps that you can take to ensure a successful screening exam.

Avoid Loud Sounds

If possible, try to stay in a somewhat quiet environment in the day leading up to a hearing test. Loud sounds, such as those you might experience at a rock concert or a sporting event, can temporarily damage your ears. Have you ever ever walked out of a concert and noticed that the world around you is somewhat muffled? This is what you want to avoid before going in for an exam. You can throw off the results of the exam and may be recommended treatment plans that are only appropriate for those with permanent damage. Having said that, if you are exposed to sounds loud enough to temporarily muffle your ears, you could be setting yourself up for permanent damage.

Concentrate

The point of a hearing test is to make sure you can respond to very low frequencies and volumes. It isn't meant to be easy because the administrator needs to establish a bottom baseline to your abilities. You won't be able to hear every tone played, even if your ears are perfect. It does, however, require some concentration. Try to clear your mind of distractions and thoughts and focus only on the task at hand. The screening doesn't take very long, so your problems and imagination can wait until it is over.

Don't Scheme

No one can force you to get treatment for auditory loss, if you don't want it. But if you're going to go through the trouble to have a hearing test, you should at least be privy to correct results. Don't try to scheme your way through the examination. For one thing, there is really no way to trick the audiometer or the person administering the screening. Also, the results you get from taking the screening appropriately can be valuable when it comes to making choices about your health care.