Is A General Hearing Test Enough?

In many situations, doctors will use a general hearing test or a screening

. This type of test is often the first step in getting information about any potential loss of the ability to hear that is present. In fact, you do not have to display any type of loss to have this type of screening since it is usually a normal part of wellness checks and basic physicals. You likely had a number of these when you were in school as a child. As people get older, they may not get as many of these as they used to, but that does not mean they are any less important.

What Happens During One?

In adults, this type of hearing test is done on an irregular basis. If you get an annual physical, some doctors will conduct one at that time. If not, you may not get one unless you are high risk. This may include those who work in noisy environments and those who are exposed to loud sounds recreationally.

During this type of screening, your doctor may or may not use any type of device. In some cases, he or she will simply speak to you while you cannot see it. If you cannot hear what is said, a more thorough test is often necessary. In other cases, the doctor will use more in-depth screening using a device. The device is often just a set of headphones you put over your ears. The doctor will then use various types of sounds at various levels and frequencies at random intervals to see if you can hear them. You will respond just by raising your hand or hitting a button on the device. From this type of screening, doctors can tell if there is the potential for a problem, though further testing is often necessary.

Is This Enough?

For those who are specifically at risk, this is rarely enough in terms of the thorough hearing test necessary to diagnose a problem. For those who may work in loud environments, are over the age of 60 or otherwise in a high-risk group, having more thorough testing will be necessary. An audiologist, who is a specialist in this field, often does this. Gathering the information from this screening, doctors may also recommend that individuals have these more thorough tests if the results indicate a potential problem.

A hearing test is not something to put off. It can provide a great deal of information and help for those who may have even a small amount of loss. Yet, it is up to you to get the screenings you need to identify the potential for problems. Ask for one at your next doctor's appointment.

by: Aloysius Aucoin

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