A hearing test in Falls Church, Virginia, is an evaluation performed by an audiologist to assess how well you hear different sounds, frequencies, and speech patterns.
This simple, non-invasive exam helps identify any hearing loss you may have, as well as determine the type and severity, so your provider can develop the right treatment plan for you if one is needed.
Hearing changes often happen gradually, and you may not even notice the decline. They can develop from many factors, including noise exposure, excessive earwax, ear infections, certain medications, head injuries, and hereditary causes.
When Should I Have a Hearing Test in Falls Church, Virginia?
There are many indicators that suggest you should schedule a hearing evaluation.
You may benefit from a hearing test if you:
- Are regularly exposed to loud noises
- Have difficulty following conversations in a crowded / noisy environment
- Turn up the television, radio, or phone volume so loud that it bothers other people
- Ask people to repeat themselves often because you can’t hear them
- Experience buzzing, ringing, or other sounds in one or both ears
- Feel exhausted from straining to hear
- Have a history of frequent ear infections or have had a recent infection that wasn’t treated
- Take certain medications that can cause hearing loss, such as furosemide
Even if you don’t have any obvious symptoms that you’re not hearing at optimal capacity, periodic checks are beneficial, as they can detect subtle changes early.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by many factors:
- Excessive noise exposure, such as using power tools, attending rock concerts, or shooting artillery
- Excessive ear wax
- An injury to your head
- An ear infection
- Some medications can cause permanent hearing loss
- Hereditary Factors (hearing loss may run in your family)
What Should I Expect During a Hearing Test?
During your initial appointment, you can expect a conversation with your audiologist about your complete medical history, including any hearing concerns you have.
Your provider will look inside your ears with an otoscope to check for obstructions such as earwax buildup.
Once the visual exam is complete, you’ll be seated inside a soundproof booth that will block out external noise during your actual testing.
After all components are complete, your results are plotted on an audiogram that visually represents your hearing across different frequencies.
If you need hearing aids or further treatment, your provider will talk to you about your options.
What Types of Hearing Tests May Be Performed?
There are different types of evaluations that may be performed depending on your specific needs, including pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, bone conduction testing, and otoacoustic emissions.
Pure Tone Audiometry
You’ll be given headphones to wear while you listen for soft beeps at various frequencies. You’ll indicate that you’ve heard a tone by pressing a button each time.
This test identifies the quietest sound you can detect at each pitch tested.
Speech Audiometry
You’ll listen to words at different volumes and then repeat them back.
This measures how well you understand speech.
Tympanometry
A probe is inserted into your ear gently to measure eardrum movement in regard to changes in pressure.
This test identifies issues that can affect your hearing, such as fluid in the middle ear, eardrum issues, or problems with muscles in the area.
Bone Conduction Testing
A bone oscillator is positioned behind your ear, which transmits tones through the bone to your inner ear.
This test allows your provider to determine whether your hearing loss is conductive or sensorineural.
Otoacoustic Emissions Test
This quick test detects how well your cochlea are functioning. Tiny hair cells in your inner ear produce sounds, which are measured during this test.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Hearing Test in Northern Virginia?
Yes, a hearing test is a wise investment in your long-term health.
Everyone is a great candidate for a hearing evaluation, even if it’s simply to establish a baseline for future reference.
Where is the Best Place to Get a Hearing Test in Falls Church, VA?
The area’s top choice is Fairfax Hearing Center!
Our experienced audiologists have served the Northern Virginia community for nearly 25 years with personalized, pressure-free hearing care.
Call our office at 703-343-9732 or request an appointment online with one of our staff members and take the first step toward better hearing, and a better quality of life.
