subject: Finding A Real World Hearing Test [print this page] If you have lived in a larger city for a number of years, you are probably used to the surrounding noise. If you begin to lose your ability to hear as well, you might notice that it is becoming harder to pick out conversations in noisy areas. Because of this, you should get a hearing test. You might find that when you are fitted with an aid device at the office, it works well, and then once you are out on the busy streets, it no longer works. This is why you need to find a facility that offers testing that caters to the real world of larger cities or to your own personal environment.
There has actually been a facility created that imitates a large city setting. This enables the one getting hearing aids to have them tested in an environment very similar to what is normal for them. That could be a construction site, metro station, or a busy office setting. Finding a testing facility that offers a personalized testing service would be very beneficial for your hearing test with your aid device.
If you are concerned that you have lost some ability to hear, then your first step is to go to your doctor. The doctor may find swelling or redness in your ears that could mean you have allergies, a cold, or an ear infection. If he or she does not, then you may be referred elsewhere. Before going to the next appointment, you might want to stop at a local facility that does free short testing. By doing this, you can possibly rule out a problem before going to the audiologist and ENT. If the short testing shows a possible problem, then you can keep your appointment. You may choose to keep it even if nothing shows up with the short testing. Since you thought there was a problem, there may be one that just did not show up.
The audiologist, to whom you are referred, may or may not have a real world setting for fitting hearing aids. If they do not, you could search online to see if there is one in your area, and you could possibly be referred to them instead. If there is not one in your area, you might consider asking about a setting like this. In order to make one that is state-of-the-art, it is very costly, but perhaps there may be ways to personalize your fitting more than they normally would at a particular office.
As the patient, it is your responsibility to keep in control of your treatment to some degree. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor, but if you do research and find various options, talk to the medical professionals about it. Some may blow you off, but some may listen and actually take your advice. It never hurts to try. Begin by getting a free hearing test to see if you even have a problem.
