{"id":5362,"date":"2021-05-07T21:19:33","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T21:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/?p=5362"},"modified":"2021-05-07T21:19:33","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T21:19:33","slug":"what-to-expect-from-your-hearing-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/what-to-expect-from-your-hearing-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect from Your Hearing Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you experience any of the signs of hearing loss \u2013 like thinking everyone around you is mumbling, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, having trouble following conversations at Rich Table<\/a> and other busy settings or withdrawing from social situations you once enjoyed \u2013 it is time to schedule a hearing test. Below is an overview of what to expect<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Medical History\"Man<\/h2>\n

First, your audiologist will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Questions about your medical history include whether you have a family history of hearing loss, what medications you take (some medications are ototoxic \u2013 meaning they can damage your hearing) and what medical conditions you\u2019ve been diagnosed with (as many are closely linked to hearing loss).<\/p>\n

Questions about your lifestyle may include what you do for work and what hobbies you enjoy. Your audiologist may ask questions that seem strange, like what ear you use to talk on the phone, but this is to help determine what ear is affected and how hearing loss impacts your life.<\/p>\n

Otoscopy<\/h2>\n

Your audiologist will also check your ears with an otoscope, which is a lighted instrument that helps them see what\u2019s going on. Your hearing loss may be due to something as benign as earwax buildup, an infection or a foreign object.<\/p>\n

Tympanography<\/h2>\n

Tympanography tests the flexibility of your eardrum. This test is conducted by placing a probe in the ear and creating a tight seal around the ear canal. The probe gently raises the pressure in your ears and draws it back out to see if the eardrum responds correctly. A machine then graphs these pressure changes.<\/p>\n

Speech Testing<\/h2>\n

A speech test<\/a> is a two-part test conducted in a sound booth with headphones. For both parts, you\u2019ll repeat any words you hear.<\/p>\n