Hearing Tests
At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, we believe that good hearing is fundamental to a high quality of life. That's why we offer comprehensive hearing tests to accurately assess your hearing ability and identify any potential issues. Our state-of-the-art equipment and expert audiologist ensure you receive a thorough evaluation and clear understanding of your hearing health.
Our hearing test process is designed to be thorough, comfortable, and informative. Here's what you can expect when you come in for a hearing test:
- Medical History Review: We begin by discussing your medical history, including any ear-related issues, exposure to loud noises, or medications that might affect your hearing. We'll also talk about any hearing concerns you've noticed in your daily life.
- Physical Examination: Our audiologist, Dr. Rachel Higginbotham, will examine your ear canals and eardrums using an otoscope. This helps identify any physical abnormalities or blockages that could affect your hearing or test results.
- Pure Tone Audiometry: This is the core of the hearing test. You'll wear headphones and listen for a series of tones at different pitches and volumes. By indicating when you hear each tone, we can determine the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies. This helps us map out your hearing ability across the spectrum of sound.
- Speech Recognition Testing: We'll assess how well you can understand speech at different volumes. This test helps determine not just if you can hear sounds, but how clearly you can distinguish words.
- Tympanometry: This test checks how well your middle ear is functioning. It measures the movement of your eardrum in response to slight changes in air pressure. This can help identify issues like fluid in the middle ear or perforated eardrums.
After completing these tests, Dr. Higginbotham will explain your results in detail. We use a visual representation called an audiogram to show your hearing thresholds across different frequencies. We'll take the time to ensure you understand what the results mean for your hearing health and daily life.
If the tests reveal hearing loss, we'll discuss the type and degree of loss and what it means for you. We'll explain how it might be affecting your daily interactions and quality of life. More importantly, we'll outline your treatment options. This might include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or other interventions depending on your specific situation.
Even if your hearing is normal, we'll provide advice on how to protect your hearing and maintain good ear health. This might include tips on avoiding loud noises, proper use of earphones, and when to use hearing protection.
Regular hearing tests are crucial for maintaining your hearing health. We recommend adults have their hearing tested every 1-3 years, even if they're not experiencing noticeable hearing difficulties. For those over 60 or exposed to loud noises regularly, annual tests are advisable. Early detection of hearing loss allows for more effective management and can prevent further deterioration.
At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, we make hearing tests easy and accessible. Our office is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment, ensuring accurate results. Dr. Higginbotham's expertise means you're getting a skilled interpretation of those results, along with compassionate care and clear explanations.
We understand that some people might feel anxious about having their hearing tested. Rest assured, our tests are completely painless and non-invasive. We strive to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where you can feel at ease throughout the process.
Don't wait until hearing loss affects your quality of life. Regular hearing tests can catch issues early, leading to more effective treatment. Whether you're due for a routine check or have concerns about your hearing, we're here to help. Schedule your hearing test with Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus today. Take the first step towards better hearing and a better quality of life. Your ears – and your loved ones – will thank you!
