Before going to the expense of buying an expensive Hearing Aid it is always worth checking out if the problem with your hearing can be cured by such an aid. If you are suffering from hearing loss, whether it has been going on for some time or has just suddenly occurred will determine what help is needed.
The first step is always to contact your GP who can determine to a great degree if the hearing loss is temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing loss is usually attributed to either a build up of wax in the ear channel, infection of some kind or some form of trauma to the ear. These can very often be treated by the GP and return your hearing to normal very quickly. If it is decided that the hearing loss is something more permanent and has progressively been getting worse over a period of time it is more than likely that a much more detailed Hearing Test will be required. Your GP will recommend that you visit an Audiologist who will test your hearing using a audiometer. The audiometer produces sounds, via headphones, at varying volumes and frequencies.
The audiologist will ask you to indicate when you can hear the sounds produced over a whole range of frequencies. These results are then plotted on a chart called a Audiogram, which gives you a record of your hearing abilities. The audiologist usually starts by finding out what is the softest sound you can hear at all the normal range of audio frequencies. He does this by setting a frequency on the audiometer and gradually reduce the sound until it cannot be heard. This figure is then plotted on the audiogram.
The Audiologist could also increase the level of the sounds over the same range of frequencies until they become uncomfortable to the ears.
Other tests could include placing a vibrating pad on the head which sends sounds through the skull to the inner ear. This test, in conjunction with the initial hearing test, will show up any problems that may be associated with the ear drum or middle ear.
It must be remembered that if a hearing aid is recommended then it must be understood that it can never reproduce exactly the same as the original natural sound and it can take a little while to get used to the new sounds entering your ears.
Mike Roberts has been advising on hearing and hearing tests for some time. to find out more visit http://www.aids2hearing.com/hearingtest.html Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/hearing-tests-before-you-buy-a-expensive-hearing-aid-1358981.html
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