Intro to Hearing Testing: Everything You Need to Know

Getting a hearing test is the first step in an individual’s hearing health journey. Here are answers to common questions about the process.   

Should I Get a Hearing Test Early?

Since hearing loss happens gradually over time, many people are unaware they have it until it reaches an advanced stage.  

Unfortunately, untreated hearing loss of any degree has serious consequences for more than your ears—it can also impact your physical, mental and emotional well-being.  

Studies have shown that it: 

• Increases your risk of cognitive decline and dementia 
• Increases feelings of depression, anger and anxiety
• Increases your risk of falls
• Reduces job performance
• Reduces lifetime earnings

The earlier you know about a hearing problem, the sooner you can treat it to help minimize the negative side effects listed above. 

How Much Does a Hearing Test Cost, and Will My Insurance Cover It?

If you don’t have insurance, you can expect to pay up to $250 for a hearing test.  

Hearing tests are usually fully covered by many insurance companies and partially covered under Medicare. You should expect to provide a co-pay, however.  

Who Can Perform a Hearing Test?

Only an audiologist has the advanced education and training to properly test, diagnose and treat your hearing loss. Hearing specialists, who have a high school diploma and some hearing-related training, may also perform a hearing test. 

What Can I Expect at the Test?

Your audiologist will give you a series of tests to measure: 

1. How your ears respond to loud sounds
2. The quietest sound you can hear at different pitches
3. How well you hear speech
4. The movement capacity of your eardrum
5. What type of hearing loss you have

Your results will determine what options your audiologist will recommend. If hearing aids are right for you, they’ll work with you to determine which models best meet your needs, fit them and provide ongoing support to help you adjust to a new way of hearing the world.  

Ready to schedule your test? Request an appointment today!