What to Expect During a Hearing Test at Modern Audiology Lakewood
If you suspect you might have hearing issues, taking a hearing test is a crucial step toward understanding and addressing your auditory health. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, we ensure that your experience is comfortable, informative, and tailored to your specific needs. This article will guide you through what to expect during a hearing test at our Lakewood, Colorado location.
Why a Hearing Test is Important
Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age and can have significant impacts on your quality of life. Early detection through a comprehensive hearing test allows for timely intervention, whether that means hearing aids, medical treatment, or other strategies. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, our goal is to provide the best care possible with the latest technology and personalized service.
Scheduling Your Appointment
The first step in your journey to better hearing is scheduling an appointment. You can contact Modern Audiology Lakewood via phone or through our website. Our friendly staff will help you find a convenient time for your visit and answer any preliminary questions you might have.
Preparing for Your Hearing Test
Before your hearing test, it’s helpful to think about any specific hearing difficulties you’ve been experiencing. Have there been instances where you struggled to hear in noisy environments, or perhaps you find it hard to follow conversations? Make a note of these situations as they can provide valuable information to your audiologist. Also, if you have any relevant medical history or are currently taking medications, be sure to inform the staff as this can affect your hearing.
Arrival and Initial Consultation
When you arrive at Modern Audiology Lakewood, you’ll be greeted by our welcoming staff. We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll start with a brief consultation where your audiologist will review your medical history, discuss any symptoms or concerns, and explain what the hearing test will entail. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have about the process.
The Hearing Test Process
The hearing test itself is a series of evaluations designed to measure how well you hear different sounds, tones, and speech. Here’s a breakdown of the various components of a typical hearing test at Modern Audiology Lakewood:
Otoscopy
Your audiologist will begin with an otoscopy, which involves looking into your ear canal with a special instrument called an otoscope. This allows them to check for any obstructions, earwax buildup, or abnormalities that might affect your hearing.
Pure Tone Audiometry
Pure tone audiometry is a key part of the hearing test. You’ll wear a set of headphones through which a series of tones at various pitches and volumes will be played. You’ll be asked to indicate each time you hear a sound, typically by raising your hand or pressing a button. This test helps determine the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies, which is crucial for identifying the degree and type of hearing loss.
Speech Audiometry
In this part of the test, you’ll listen to and repeat back words or sentences presented at different volumes. This helps assess your ability to understand speech and can reveal how hearing loss affects your daily communication.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry tests the function of your middle ear by varying air pressure in your ear canal. This test can identify issues such as fluid behind the eardrum, eustachian tube dysfunction, or perforated eardrums, all of which can impact your hearing.
Bone Conduction Testing
For bone conduction testing, a small device called a bone oscillator is placed behind your ear. This device sends sounds directly to your inner ear through the bones of your skull. This helps determine whether your hearing loss is due to problems in the outer or middle ear (conductive hearing loss) or in the inner ear (sensorineural hearing loss).
Reviewing the Results
Once the tests are complete, your audiologist will review the results with you in detail. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, we believe in a collaborative approach to hearing health. We’ll explain your audiogram (a visual representation of your hearing test results), discuss the type and severity of any hearing loss detected, and answer any questions you may have.
Developing a Treatment Plan
Based on your test results and personal needs, we’ll work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan. This might include:
Hearing Aids
If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll guide you through the selection process. Modern Audiology Lakewood offers a wide range of hearing aids with the latest technology, including digital and programmable options. We’ll ensure you find the right fit for your lifestyle and hearing needs.
Assistive Listening Devices
In addition to or instead of hearing aids, you might benefit from assistive listening devices (ALDs). These can include amplified telephones, TV listening systems, and personal amplifiers that help you hear better in specific situations.
Hearing Protection
For those exposed to loud environments, we offer custom hearing protection solutions to prevent further hearing damage. This is particularly useful for musicians, construction workers, and anyone frequently exposed to high noise levels.
Counseling and Rehabilitation
Hearing loss can affect more than just your ability to hear; it can impact your emotional and mental well-being. We provide counseling and rehabilitation services to help you adjust to your hearing aids and improve your communication skills.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Care
Your hearing health is an ongoing journey. After your initial appointment and fitting, we schedule follow-up visits to fine-tune your hearing aids, address any concerns, and ensure your treatment plan is effective. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your hearing and make adjustments as needed.
Why Choose Modern Audiology Lakewood?
Choosing the right audiologist is crucial for effective hearing care. Here’s why Modern Audiology Lakewood stands out:
Expertise
Our team comprises highly trained and experienced audiologists dedicated to providing top-notch care. We stay updated with the latest advancements in audiology to offer you the best solutions.
Personalized Care
We believe in a patient-centered approach. Your hearing needs and preferences are unique, and we tailor our services to ensure you receive the most effective and comfortable care.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use the latest diagnostic equipment and hearing aid technology to provide accurate assessments and advanced solutions.
Compassionate Service
From the moment you walk in, you’ll experience the warmth and compassion of our team. We understand that dealing with hearing loss can be challenging, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Conclusion
At Modern Audiology Lakewood, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal hearing health. A hearing test is the first step towards improving your hearing and enhancing your quality of life. Whether you need hearing aids, assistive devices, or ongoing support, our dedicated team is here to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards better hearing.
For more information or to schedule your hearing test, contact Modern Audiology Lakewood – your trusted hearing doctor and audiologist in Lakewood, Colorado.
Protecting Your Hearing Health
Regardless of age or the cause, untreated hearing loss can adversely affect overall health. Modern Audiology Lakewood recommends regular hearing tests and the use of hearing aids when necessary. If you experience difficulties with hearing, balance, or tinnitus, schedule a visit with an audiologist or hearing aid expert.
Causes of Age-Related Hearing Loss: The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) identifies several causes of age-related hearing loss, including changes in the inner ear, middle ear, and nerve pathways, as well as prolonged noise exposure. Other factors include infections, cardiovascular conditions, head injuries, tumors, and certain medications.
Age-related hearing loss typically affects both ears equally and progresses gradually, often going unnoticed by the individual. Common signs include needing to increase the TV volume, missing words in conversations, and having difficulty using the phone.
Schedule Your Hearing Test Today
Modern Audiology of Lakewood offers comprehensive hearing tests and expert advice on managing hearing loss. Our audiologists are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you maintain your hearing health and overall well-being.
Contact Us:
If you have any concerns about your hearing, contact us to schedule a hearing test or consult with a hearing aid expert.