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Hearing Tests
Regular hearing tests are essential for monitoring your hearing health and addressing potential issues early. At Hearing & Balance Solutions in Charlotte, NC, we provide thorough hearing evaluations using advanced diagnostic equipment to assess your hearing ability with precision. Our comprehensive approach helps identify hearing loss type, degree, and appropriate treatment options to improve your communication and quality of life.
How Our Hearing Test Service Works
Consultation and Medical History Review
We begin with a detailed discussion about your hearing concerns, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may affect your hearing. This includes questions about genetic factors, noise exposure, and medications you're taking, as this information helps us understand potential causes of any hearing issues.
Physical Ear Examination
Our audiologist performs a visual inspection of your ear canals and eardrums using an otoscope. This helps identify any physical obstructions, infections, or abnormalities that might affect your hearing or test results. This quick, non-invasive examination is an essential first step in the evaluation process.
Comprehensive Audiological Testing
We conduct a series of tests in a sound-treated environment to accurately measure your hearing abilities. These include pure-tone testing to determine the softest sounds you can hear across different frequencies, and speech recognition testing to assess how well you understand spoken words. Additional specialized tests may be performed based on your specific symptoms and needs.
Why Regular Hearing Tests Matter
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice changes in your hearing ability. Many people wait an average of 7 years after first noticing hearing difficulties before seeking help. This delay can lead to communication problems, social isolation, and even cognitive decline.
Regular hearing tests allow for early detection and intervention, which significantly improves outcomes. For adults with normal hearing, we recommend testing every 3-5 years until age 50, then every 1-2 years thereafter. Those with existing hearing loss, occupational noise exposure, or certain medical conditions may need more frequent monitoring.
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Precise measurement of hearing thresholds across the frequency spectrum
Detailed assessment of speech understanding abilities
Professional interpretation of results with clear explanations
Personalized recommendations based on comprehensive findings
Benefits of Professional Hearing Tests
Our evaluation goes beyond simply determining if you have hearing loss—it identifies the type, degree, and pattern of loss, helping us develop appropriate treatment recommendations. This thorough approach ensures you receive personalized care based on your specific hearing profile and needs.
Schedule Your Hearing Evaluation
At Hearing & Balance Solutions, Dr. Gosu brings years of experience in diagnosing and treating hearing disorders. Our state-of-the-art testing equipment and sound-treated testing environment ensure accurate results, while our patient-centered approach means we take the time to explain your results and answer all your questions.
Whether you're experiencing hearing difficulties or simply want to establish a baseline for future comparison, a comprehensive hearing evaluation provides valuable information about your hearing health. For most patients, the entire testing process takes about an hour to complete. Contact us today at (704) 912-4422 to schedule your hearing evaluation at our South Park location. Take this important step toward better hearing and improved communication with our professional hearing test services.
No, hearing tests are completely painless. They involve listening to different tones through headphones and repeating words or phrases. The physical examination of your ears is also gentle and non-invasive.
No special preparation is needed. However, it's helpful to bring a list of any medications you're taking, information about your medical history, and details about situations where you have difficulty hearing. If possible, avoid exposure to loud noise for at least 16 hours before your test for the most accurate results.
If we identify hearing loss, we'll discuss the type and degree of loss with you and recommend appropriate treatment options. These might include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or referral to a medical specialist if necessary. We take time to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your hearing care.
A comprehensive hearing evaluation typically takes about 60 minutes. This includes the initial consultation, physical examination, testing procedures, and time to review and discuss your results.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover diagnostic hearing evaluations when medically necessary. Our staff will verify your coverage before your appointment and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs.
For adults with normal hearing, we recommend testing every 3-5 years until age 50, then annually thereafter. Those with existing hearing loss should be tested annually. People with occupational noise exposure, certain medical conditions, or taking ototoxic medications may need more frequent monitoring.