Do you or a loved one suspect you have hearing loss? Are you unsure about scheduling a hearing evaluation? Some people simply don’t want to visit an audiologist for a hearing test, but there is an alternative.
Audio Help Hearing Centers has an online hearing test that can tell if you have significant hearing loss. Your results may help you determine whether you should delve deeper into your hearing concerns and schedule an appointment with an audiologist. Or you may feel reassured that your hearing is normal and doesn’t require further evaluation.
Most hesitations result from untrue assumptions about online hearing tests and in-office hearing evaluations. We want to set the record straight on six common myths about hearing loss evaluations and online hearing tests.
#1: You Can Put Off a Hearing Test
You may wait to take a hearing test because you feel your hearing loss doesn’t significantly impact your daily life. Addressing any hearing loss as soon as possible is essential to preserving your remaining hearing function.
Your hearing loss can still affect others even if you don’t notice it. In fact, your family and friends are more likely to notice changes in your hearing before you.
#2: Hearing Tests Are for Older People
Hearing loss affects people of all ages. Headphones and earbuds could be putting your hearing at risk and have contributed to the increase in adolescent hearing loss. It’s important to understand your hearing health, regardless of your age.
#3: You Can Test Your Hearing at Home
Common at-home “hearing tests” include having someone clap their hands or bang objects together to determine how well you hear them. Your body can still react to auditory stimuli even with advanced hearing loss. Taking an online test and scheduling an in-person hearing evaluation will provide definitive answers about your hearing health.
#4: Hearing Tests Don’t Reveal New Insight
You might not think it necessary to take an in-person or online hearing test to confirm what you already know. However, hearing tests include health questionnaires and physical exams to determine the cause of your hearing loss. Hearing loss comorbidities such as tumors, diabetes, heart disease and head injuries may contribute to hearing loss. A comprehensive hearing test can reveal those health issues.
#5: Hearing Screenings are Uncomfortable
Online hearing tests involve answering questions and listening to audio through headphones, earbuds or speakers. Those tests don’t require physical exertion and can be completed on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
In-office hearing evaluations are non-invasive procedures conducted by trained doctors of audiology. The audiologists at Audio Help Hearing Centers get to know you and understand your reasons for seeking services. They will ask questions to determine your type and degree of hearing loss before you complete a hearing evaluation in a soundproof booth.
#6: An Online Hearing Test and Hearing Screening are The Same
There are several differences between online hearing tests and in-person hearing screenings. An online hearing test evaluates your ability to hear certain tones and pitches and can be done independently. It is not a conclusive evaluation of your hearing ability but a screening tool that can identify possible hearing issues. If your results suggest you’re not hearing as well as you should, it may be time to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test.
Ready to Evaluate Your Hearing Health?
Hearing evaluations administered by a licensed audiologist include several types of hearing tests. Your audiologist will assess your hearing in a soundproof booth using sounds and word comprehension to measure your level of hearing
We encourage you to take the first step toward better hearing health by completing our online hearing test. After you receive your results, call 888-832-9966 to schedule your appointment at Audio Help Hearing Centers.
