Understanding the Hearing Assessment Process: What to Expect During Your Hearing Test at Resonate Hearing Centre

By Sheetal, Owner of Resonate Hearing Centre, Didcot

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing or just want to be proactive about your hearing health, booking a hearing assessment is the first step towards better understanding your hearing capabilities. At Resonate Hearing Centre in Didcot, we aim to make the process as comfortable, thorough, and informative as possible. In this blog, I will walk you through what to expect during a hearing test at our centre and how our approach sets us apart.

Why Is a Hearing Assessment Important?

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss the early signs. Many people don’t realise how much they are missing out on until they experience significant difficulties in communication. A comprehensive hearing assessment can:

• Identify any level of hearing loss early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Determine the health of your ears and rule out any underlying conditions.
• Help us recommend the best solutions tailored to your specific needs.

At Resonate, we recommend regular hearing tests every two years for adults, particularly for those over the age of 55, even if no noticeable hearing loss is present. Early detection is key to maintaining your hearing health.

The Hearing Assessment Process at Resonate

Here’s what you can expect when you visit Resonate Hearing Centre:

1. Initial Consultation and History Discussion

We start with a friendly conversation to get to know you better and understand your hearing health history. During this stage, we will discuss:

• Any symptoms you are experiencing, such as difficulty hearing in noisy environments or ringing in the ears.
• Your medical history and any factors that might affect your hearing, such as exposure to loud noises or family history of hearing loss.
• Your lifestyle and hearing needs, which will help us recommend suitable solutions based on your personal preferences and daily activities.

2. Visual Examination of Your Ears

Next, we perform an otoscopy, where we inspect your ear canal and eardrum using a specialised instrument called an otoscope. This step helps us identify any physical blockages, such as ear wax build-up, or medical conditions that may be contributing to hearing issues.

• Checking for ear wax or debris: Excess ear wax can block sound from entering the ear, leading to temporary hearing loss.
• Assessing ear health: Conditions such as infections or fluid behind the eardrum can impact hearing, and we’ll address these before proceeding with any further tests.

If we identify a build-up of ear wax that could be affecting your hearing, we may recommend a professional ear wax removal service, which we can carry out in-house before continuing with the hearing assessment.

3. Pure Tone Audiometry (Hearing Test)

The pure tone audiometry test measures your hearing ability across a range of frequencies. You will be asked to be seated in a sound treated booth. You then wear a pair of headphones and listen to a series of tones at different volumes and frequencies. This helps us determine the softest sounds you can hear in each ear.

• Finding your hearing threshold: You will indicate each time you hear a sound, allowing us to map your hearing sensitivity across a range of frequencies.
• Assessing both ears independently: This test helps us understand if there are differences in hearing between your ears, which can indicate specific types of hearing loss

4 Any additional testing and/or referrals are made as required.

5. Results Discussion and Recommendations

Once the tests are completed, we will go through the results with you in detail. You’ll receive a copy of your audiogram—a chart that illustrates your hearing levels across different frequencies.

• Explanation of results: We will explain what your results mean and whether you have any level of hearing loss.
• Recommendations: Based on your results and hearing needs, we will discuss the best course of action. This may include hearing aids, lifestyle changes, or further medical evaluation if needed.

Why Choose Resonate for Your Hearing Assessment?

At Resonate Hearing Centre, we are dedicated to providing a high level of personalised care. We take the time to ensure that you feel comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. Our independence allows us to recommend solutions that are best for you, without being tied to any particular manufacturer or brand.

• Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that your hearing assessment is accurate and reliable.
• Friendly, Patient-Centred Approach: Our warm, welcoming environment and experienced professionals are here to make your visit stress-free and informative.
• Comprehensive Aftercare: If you need hearing aids or any other treatment, we provide continued support and follow-up appointments to ensure your hearing solution is working optimally for you.

Take the First Step Towards Better Hearing Today

If you’ve been wondering about your hearing health or suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing hearing difficulties, don’t hesitate to book a hearing assessment with us. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.

At Resonate Hearing Centre, we’re here to help you enjoy the sounds of life to the fullest. Contact us today to schedule your appointment, and take the first step towards better hearing.

Book an appointment today