Hearing

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Hearing tests, or audiometry tests, evaluate your ability to hear. If you have hearing loss, the tests detect the type of hearing loss you have and whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate or severe. Based on test results, your audiologist may recommend treatment like hearing aids or cochlear implants.

What is a hearing test (audiometry)?

A hearing test is how audiologists (hearing specialists) determine if you have hearing loss. Audiologists may call this a full hearing evaluation or audiologic evaluation. Most people in the U.S. will have a hearing screening or hearing test (audiometry) during their lifetime:

• Babies born in the U.S. have hearing screenings right after they’re born to confirm they can hear.
• Children may have hearing screenings as part of their well-child appointments or at school. They may have hearing tests (audiometry) if they appear to have trouble hearing.
• Most adults have hearing tests because they have issues hearing people talk or need to turn up the volume on television, laptop or mobile phone.

There are different types of hearing tests. The tests don’t require special preparation and don’t hurt.

Preventing hearing loss

• Wear ear plugs whenever you might be exposed to loud noise

Treatment of hearing loss

If you have any of the following symptoms:

• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty making out spoken words
• Noticing the effects of loud noise for several hours afterwards
• See a doctor to determine if you have hearing loss. Get a hearing test from a company like this.
• Wear ear plugs whenever you might be exposed to loud noise

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