Complete hearing test

Hearing test: everything you need to know about this hearing test

If you notice difficulty hearing or understanding what is said to you, it is important to have a hearing test to determine if you suffer from hearing loss and, if so, to implement appropriate treatment. But how is a hearing test carried out? Here's everything you need to know.

Why is it important to have a hearing test?

Hearing loss can have many causes, such as natural aging, infections, head trauma or exposure to excessive noise. If you notice hearing problems, it is important not to wait to have a hearing test in order to determine the cause and implement appropriate treatment. A hearing test also allows you to monitor the progress of your hearing over time and put protective measures in place if necessary.

The steps of the complete hearing test

A questionnaire about your health and medical history: The audiologist asks questions to better understand the patient's hearing history. Questions may relate to family history related to deafness, a history of noise exposure, tinnitus, etc. Ear examination: The audiologist examines the ears using an otoscope to check that there is there is no contraindication to continue the test. (Ewax blockage, infection, etc.) Middle ear check: The audiologist will then do an impedance test. Using specialized equipment, the audiologist will measure the mobility of the eardrum, ossicles and the stapedius reflex. This test makes it possible to check the proper functioning of the middle ear. Tone Test: The pure tone test measures the ability to hear sounds at specific frequencies. To do this, you will need to indicate each time you hear a sound. This test aims to determine the smallest sounds you are able to hear: your hearing thresholds.Vocal assessment: The audiologist presents you with sentences or words of different volumes and you must indicate what you understood. This test aims to assess your ability to understand words. The words can be sent to different levels.Explanation of results and recommendations: Following the various tests, the audiologist explains the results obtained. If necessary, the audiologist recommends different solutions and can refer you to other professionals. (ENT doctor, hearing aid specialist, physiotherapist, etc.)

How to interpret the results of a hearing test?

You have just had a hearing test and you are impatiently awaiting the results. But how to interpret these results? Here's what you need to know to understand the results of a hearing test.

The audiogram: The audiogram is a graph that represents your hearing at different frequencies. Frequencies are shown on the horizontal axis and volume on the vertical axis. On the audiogram, the dots below the line represent the sounds you are able to hear. The further the points are below the line, the better your hearing is. If you have hearing loss, the dots will be above the line. Hearing loss: If you have hearing loss, it means you have difficulty hearing certain sounds or understanding them. Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe or profound depending on the severity of the hearing problems. Frequency: the audiogram also indicates the frequency of sounds you are able to hear. The lowest frequencies (bass) are on the left of the audiogram and the highest frequencies (treble) are on the right. If you have hearing loss at a specific frequency, it means you have difficulty hearing sounds at that frequency.

Treatment options following a hearing test

You have had a hearing test and have been diagnosed with hearing loss. What treatment options are available to help you hear better? Here are some of the common treatment options following a hearing test:

Hearing aids: Hearing aids are devices that amplify sounds and allow you to hear better. They are designed to accommodate your hearing loss and can be worn discreetly in the ear or behind the ear. Depending on your hearing test results, they may be covered by different paying organizations: RAMQ, CNESST, Veterans Affairs Canada, SAAQ, SSNA and certain private insurances.

Ear surgery: in certain cases, ear surgery may be indicated to correct certain causes of hearing loss, such as perforation of the eardrum, abnormal ossification of the ossicles, etc.

Auditory rehabilitation: Auditory rehabilitation is a therapy that aims to strengthen the muscles of the ear and improve your ability to hear and understand sounds. It can be done individually or in a group and can be supplemented by exercises to do at home.

The Cochlear Implant: The cochlear implant is a treatment option for people with profound or severe hearing loss who does not respond to other treatment options. It consists of implanting an electronic system in the inner ear in order to restore hearing.

In conclusion, the hearing test is a quick and painless examination that allows you to determine if you have hearing loss and, if so, to implement appropriate treatment. Do not hesitate to make an appointment to have a hearing test. This can be covered by your private insurance.