Before your hearing assessment
Before you come in for a hearing assessment, make sure your ears are free of any wax build-up. Your GP can help you with this should it be necessary.What happens at a hearing assessment?
Firstly, a specialist clinician will establish any prior history concerning your ears and hearing needs, as well as clarify your medical details.The hearing test
The hearing performance of the ear is tested with a special measuring instrument called an ‘audiometer.’ This is usually done in a sound-proof booth. Each ear is tested separately, and both perception of sound and speech is tested. The clinician will explain your hearing result at the end of the test.Hearing loss varies from person to person. There are many degrees of impairment. The general terms used to describe the degree of hearing loss are mild, moderate, severe and profound.
What does the degree of hearing impairment mean?
Mild hearing loss: Unable to hear soft sounds, with difficulty perceiving speech in noisy environments.Moderate hearing loss: Unable to hear soft and moderately loud sounds. Considerable difficulty in perceiving speech, particularly if there is background noise.
Severe hearing loss: Speakers must raise their voice. Group conversations are possible only with considerable effort.
Profound hearing loss: Some very loud sounds are audible but communication without a hearing instrument is impossible.
If I have a hearing loss, what happens next?
The clinician will inform you about the different hearing rehabilitation options for you based on your hearing needs, lifestyle and budget. This includes discussing suitable hearing instrument options. If you decide to go ahead with hearing instruments, an impression of your ear is usually taken and a new appointment is made for your fitting. Some instruments can be fitted on the spot.Watch Video
