What Happens if You Fail a Hearing Test?

A hearing test provides an opportunity for doctors to learn if a patient is struggling to hear what is happening around that person. Individuals who do not do well on an initial screening at their doctor's office are often told to visit a specialist. After conducting a more thorough screening, it is then possible to determine if something is wrong. If there is a lack of the ability to hear that is prominent, it may be necessary to consider solutions to fix the problem. These can range widely but they often provide patients with a significant improvement.

The Screening First

The first step is to have a hearing test conducted by a specialist in the field. This process will allow for any problems to come to light. Generally, it is done as a way to show not only that there is a problem but also what type of problem is occurring. For example, during the testing, the specialist will consider your ability to hold a conversation, the frequencies or tones you can hear and the levels of sound or decibels you can hear. This provides information he or she can then use to improve the situation for you.

What If You Do Have a Problem?

If you do have some level of loss, and the level is significant enough to warrant it, your doctor will recommend treatment for you. In most cases, this is done using a hearing device or aid. The device works by amplifying sounds that come into the ear canal. This makes them louder. In doing so, your ear is then better able to hear the sound and you can react to it in the right way.

There are various types of devices. Some of them are very small and fit well within the ear canal. Others are larger and may require positioning outside of the ear canal. The larger devices are best for those with more significant loss whereas the smaller devices work well for those who have mild to moderate loss. Your doctor will tell you which of the options is best for your particular needs.

For those who are worried about what could happen if they do not do well on a hearing test, consider what you are missing out on by not having the proper device in place. You would be missing out on conversations with loved ones. You may miss important phone calls. You may even miss an important alarm that tells you something is wrong. To avoid this, have the appropriate screening and get fitted for the device you need, if you do need one. Then, you can be confident in your ability to hear again.