Embarking on any new journey can feel daunting, and getting treatment for hearing loss is no exception. You might not know where to start, but an audiologist can guide you through the process of getting your hearing tested. Once you have those results, you and the team at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists Of Illinois can determine the next best steps together.
Benefits of a Hearing Test
Whether you’re more of a homebody or enjoy seeking out new adventures, untreated hearing loss can impact a variety of lifestyles. Along with making it difficult to communicate with others, there are several other potential side effects.
Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss:
- Increases your risk of cognitive decline
- Increases feelings of depression, anger and anxiety
- Makes concentrating and storing new information difficult
- Increases physical injuries, specifically falls
- Reduces job performance
How Does a Hearing Test Work?
In a sound-proof room, you will wear headphones connected to a device that sends sounds to one ear at a time. The audiologist will ask you to press a button or raise your hand whenever you hear a sound.
There are no risks associated with the test, and you can typically receive your results the same day.
What Does an Audiologist Measure?
- How your ears respond to loud sounds
- The quietest sound you can hear at different pitches
- How well you can hear speech
- The movement capacity of your eardrum
- What type of hearing loss you have
Taking the Next Steps on Your Hearing Journey
Your results, shown on an audiogram, will determine the course of action for your treatment plan. The team at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists Of Illinois will partner with you on the best course of action. Just like people, each treatment plan is unique, and so the next steps might vary from patient to patient.
Though hearing devices are the most common treatment, each one’s technology and style are different. Your audiologist will work with you to find the model that works best for you, fit them and provide ongoing support.
Empower yourself and increase your connection to the world around you by seeking treatment for your hearing loss. Don’t miss out on adventures with family and friends. Our audiologists will partner with you as you embark on your new hearing journey.