I was listening to this piece by a comedian recently about hearing tests, and I think that anybody who has had a hearing test might be able to relate. Take a look at the video and see for yourself:
But how accurate is this scenario really? While many people may feel like a fish out of water in situations that are unfamiliar to them, a hearing test with West Coast Hearing is nothing to be wary of. Would you like to know what really happens…
What Really Goes on at a Hearing Test?
Upon entering an audiology clinic, you might expect to be greeted by a chorus of singing parrots or an enchanting harpist playing melodies that can only be heard by those with perfect pitch. But the truth is, you’ll likely be met with a friendly front desk person who’ll ask you to fill out a medical history form—not quite as magical, but essential nonetheless.
Once you’ve filled out the necessary paperwork, it’s time to meet your audiologist. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t wear stethoscopes on their ears or use a megaphone to communicate. In reality, they’re trained professionals with advanced degrees and extensive knowledge in the field of audiology.
The audiologist will likely begin by asking you questions about your hearing history and any concerns you might have. Don’t be alarmed if they pull out a flashlight and take a peek inside your ears; they’re not searching for buried treasure, but rather examining your eardrums for any signs of trouble.
Next comes the fun part: the hearing test! You’ll be escorted into a cozy, soundproof booth—think of it as a VIP lounge for your ears. You’ll put on a pair of swanky headphones, which are more advanced than your run-of-the-mill earbuds.
As you sit back and relax, the audiologist will play a series of tones, beeps, and chirps at various frequencies and volumes. Your job is to raise your hand or press a button when you hear a sound. This is the part where you may be tempted to pretend you have superhuman hearing abilities, but resist the urge! Honesty is key to getting accurate results.
After completing the beeping orchestra, you’ll likely undergo a speech recognition test.
The audiologist will play recordings of words or phrases at different volumes, and you’ll be asked to repeat them.
Don’t worry if you find yourself saying “banana” when the word was “umbrella”—it’s all part of the process.
Once the tests are complete, you’ll have a chat with your audiologist about the results.
They’ll explain your hearing abilities and, if necessary, discuss potential treatment options. Rest assured, they won’t prescribe a giant ear trumpet or a lifetime supply of cotton balls.
So there you have it—a quirky, fun, and informative peek into the world of hearing tests.
While it may not be filled with magic or secret soundscapes, it’s an essential step in maintaining your hearing health and understanding the complex world that exists within our ears.
West Coast Hearing & Balance Center
If you’re interested in a hearing assessment in California, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our clinics in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, or Camarillo!
