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What to expect at a hearing test

Contributed by HearingLife

2021-04-13 • 2 min read

Tags • Hearing loss

What to Expect at a Hearing Test: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re thinking about booking a hearing test—or already have one coming up—you might be wondering what it’s actually like. The good news? It’s simple, painless, and all about helping you hear your best.

We believe that understanding what to expect can make your experience easier and even a little empowering. Here’s a closer look at what happens during a hearing test appointment.

Step 1: A Friendly Conversation

Your visit begins with a conversation. Your hearing care professional will ask about your hearing concerns, medical history, and day-to-day lifestyle. Why? Because hearing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Whether you’re finding it harder to follow conversations, turning up the TV more often, or just curious about your hearing health, this part helps us understand what’s going on—and how we can help.

Step 2: A Quick Look Inside Your Ears

Woman exam a mans ear to check for any earwax blockages or other irregularities

Next, we’ll take a look inside your ears using a small lighted instrument called an otoscope. This helps us check for anything physical that could be affecting your hearing, like earwax buildup or signs of infection.

Sometimes, hearing issues can be as simple as a blockage—so this step is important.

Step 3: A Few Simple Listening Tests

Man having a test - such as tone, speech, and word recognition tests

Now it’s time for the hearing test itself. You’ll sit in a quiet room and wear headphones while we play a series of tones and words. You’ll press a button or raise your hand every time you hear something.

Here’s what we’ll be checking:

  • How softly you can hear certain sounds (Pure Tone Testing)
  • How well you understand words—both in quiet and with background noise (Speech Testing)

These tests give us a full picture of how your ears are working and where support may be needed.

Step 4: Your Results—Right Away

Once the test is done, we’ll go over your results with you right away. You’ll get a clear explanation of what everything means, and we’ll talk through your options if any hearing loss is detected.

If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll show you different types and even let you try them on. There’s no pressure—just support and guidance to help you make an informed decision.

A hearing test is a smart step toward taking care of your overall well-being. It’s quick, informative, and tailored to you.

Whether you’re just curious or ready to take action, we’re here to help you every step of the way—with trusted professionals, the latest technology, and personalized care.

Book a free hearing appointment at your nearest HearingLife clinic today!