Hearing Test Specialist

When do I need a hearing test?

Everyone needs a complete hearing exam, on occasion, but there are some auditory conditions that need immediate testing. If you experience a sudden loss of hearing that is not accompanied by dizziness, then you should immediately schedule a hearing test. A difference in hearing ability between your two ears, or trouble following conversations, are also conditions that should be examined by a qualified audiologist like Dr. Keener. Finally, anybody that has had ear surgery, whose ears are draining, or who has a long history of ear infections needs to plan a comprehensive hearing test.

What is involved in the process?

A lot of people faced with a comprehensive hearing test imagine the type of exam everybody is given in their youth. This type of exam, however, is actually a hearing screening, and only measures your ability to detect tones. Full hearing tests are more involved; in addition to examining the structure of your ear—outer, middle, inner—for irregularities, your audiologist will measure your complete hearing ability and your capacity to perform everyday hearing tasks like understanding speech. Once your exam is complete, you will have a better idea of your hearing ability and will have the opportunity to address any issues that you may have.

How will a hearing test help me?

Hearing tests are useful for a wide range of people, especially those who are experiencing hearing loss or who have suffered damage to the structure of their ear. A comprehensive hearing test administered by an expert audiologist like Dr. Keener can help to detect developing problems so that you can address them before your hearing is irreparably damaged. These tests are also very useful in diagnosing sudden hearing problems that have previously been unexplainable. Even if your hearing is so far unchanged, periodic hearing tests from the IlluminEar Tinnitus & Audiology Center in Austin, Texas are still useful to make sure there are no issues arising that may catch you off guard.