Hearing Tests

Why Should You Schedule a Hearing Test?

Did you know that 466 million people around the globe have hearing loss?* Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition after diabetes and cancer.** Hearing loss has far-reaching effects on your health, so getting a baseline hearing test and annual follow-up tests can help you catch it early. Most of the time hearing problems begin gradually, without discomfort or pain. What’s more, family members often learn to adapt to someone’s hearing loss, without even realizing they are doing it.

Man in Hearing Test Booth with Specialist checking hearing
Elder Woman meeting with hearing specialist

How do I Know if I Need a Hearing Test?

The signs of hearing loss may be subtle and difficult to identify at first. It may often take years for a person to realize or admit they are experiencing a loss in hearing. If you experience any of the following, you may want to consider scheduling a comprehensive hearing test.

Common Signs of Hearing Loss

  • Asking others to repeat themselves
  • Turning up the TV or radio to volume levels others find loud
  • Having trouble understanding conversation in noisy places
  • Feeling like other people mumble or slur their words
  • Having trouble hearing women’s and children’s voices
  • Having trouble hearing on the telephone
  • Feeling more irritable or depressed
  • Avoiding social situations that were once enjoyable
  • Having difficulty following a fast-moving conversation
  • Missing important information in meetings
  • Being told by others that you have hearing loss

A thorough hearing test is easy and painless, and it will get you started on your path to better hearing. Hearing tests occur in a quiet, sound-treated room (booth) or enclosure designed to keep out any other noises which might affect your hearing exam scores, such as the heater, air conditioner or office environment. You will be asked to wear headphones or soft earplugs with wires connected to an instrument called an audiometer that is used to conduct the test.

Woman in Hearing Test booth as Audiologist views diagnostics on laptop

What To Expect at Your Appointment

Hearing Analysis

We will visually examine your ears and test your hearing to determine the type of hearing loss you have. Your results will be illustrated in an audiogram that we will explain thoroughly.

Lifestyle Discussion

We will ask you about the types of places and listening environments your frequent most often to determine the range of sound settings and technological features appropriate for your lifestyle.

Hearing Aid Options

We will show you the different hearing aids that are designed for your level of hearing loss as well as your preferences for size, color, and invisibility.

Budget Discussion

We have hearing solutions for every lifestyle and budget. We will check into the insurance and financing options available to you. Many insurances now provide coverage for hearing aids. Some even cover 100% of the total cost.

Next Steps After Testing

Once your testing is complete, if you have hearing loss, your hearing aid professional will recommend the proper treatment. For most people with mild to moderate hearing loss, that means hearing aids. Fortunately, in recent years, hearing aids have become increasingly smaller and more advanced, often able to connect directly with smartphones and other devices. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty hearing, we invite you to set up an exclusive appointment by calling or scheduling online to get started on a journey to significantly enhance the quality of life through better hearing!

What are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment today!

Keep your hearing aids in working order with the help of a professional. Contact Echo Hearing & Audiology for more information or to schedule an appointment today! 

Sources:
*WorldHealth Organization
**Centers for Disease Control & Prevention