A hearing test is essential for people how have suffered from any degree of hearing loss. Without a hearing test the extent of the loss would remain undetermined as well as the existing damage to the ear. If you think that you have suffered some type of hearing damage, visit your audiologist or hearing professional. They can administer the proper tests to be sure that you get the specific help and hearing devices that you need.

Even though a hearing test is painless and easy, many people simply choose to ignore the fact that they are a necessity. Whether you work in a loud environment on a daily basis or not, you could still suffer from hearing loss. Genetics and your family history could be a determining factor concerning your hearing. If your older relatives suffered from hearing loss, there is a chance that you could, too. With the help of an audiologist, you can determine if you are a candidate for hearing loss and the proper steps to take if you are.

A sound proof booth or room is where you will be placed to conduct the next part of your hearing test. This room provides a buffer from outside noises and sounds that allows you to pick up only what the audiologist wants you to hear. Not all hearing tests will involve a sound booth because not every hearing professional will have one in their office. While in the booth, you will have earphones over your ears and the audiologist plays a sequence of tones at various pitches for you to identify. This is called the pure tone test. You will raise your hand for the ear you hear the sound in during this portion of the examination.

The next type of hearing test that is performed is with a bone conductor placed directly behind your ear. Pure tones bypass the outer and middle ear to directly reach the cochlea. This will help your audiologist see the type of damage done to the inner ear. If you suffer conductive hearing loss, then damage is done to the outer or middle ear, possibly from a build-up of wax, an ear infection, busted eardrum, or some type of birth defect. Conductive hearing loss is reversible with surgery or other medical treatments.

If you suffer from sensorineural hearing loss, your damage is a nerve-related condition. This is caused by long exposure to loud noises, birth defects or problems, age, infections, trauma, use of certain medications or heredity. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually treated with hearing aids, or in some cases, with cochlear implants. How you are treated will depend on the severity of your case.

If your audiologist finds you suffer from sensorineural hearing loss or conductive hearing loss, then he or she may perform a middle ear test by using a tone along with increased and decreased air pressure to see the extent of the damage. Depending on the results of the tests will determine if other hearing tests will need to be performed. Results of your hearing test are displayed on a chart called an audiogram. The left and right ear is distinguished, telling you which ear is better. If you have a clean bill of health, then no further action is needed and your test is completed.