There are various reasons why someone might need a hearing check.
If you’re affected by hearing difficulties you may feel you’re struggling to hear conversations, especially in noisy environments, or find you’re frequently asking people to repeat themselves. Another common concern is a condition called Tinnitus, which can affect people of varying ages, and causes persistent ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears.
If you have a family history of hearing loss you may benefit from regular hearing checks as this can increase your risk of developing similar issues.
Regular exposure to loud noises, whether through work, hobbies, or events, can damage hearing over time. Lastly, recurrent ear infections or conditions like Meniere’s disease can affect quality of hearing.
An audiology appointment at Prema Health is a thorough and patient-centred process. The appointment begins with an in-depth consultation where we discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and any hearing concerns or symptoms you may have.
Our trained and experienced doctor will then carry out a thorough examination of your ears using an otoscope to check for any physical issues, such as earwax build-up, infections, or abnormalities.
Several tests hearing tests may be required to assess your hearing, including:
- Pure tone audiometry – you will wear headphones and listen to various tones at different pitches and volumes, indicating when you hear each sound,
- Speech audiometry – this test involves listening to and repeating words to evaluate how well you understand speech at different volumes.
- Tympanometry – this test measures the movement of your eardrum to detect issues like fluid in the middle ear or eustachian tube dysfunction.
On completion of any relevant testing, the doctor will explain the results, discuss any identified hearing issues, and recommend a treatment plan if necessary. You may be advised to attend regular audiology appointments, which can offer numerous health benefits, including:
Early detection of hearing loss – allowing for timely intervention, which can prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes,
- Improved communication – addressing hearing issues enhances your ability to communicate effectively, reducing frustration and improving relationships,
- Preventative care – regular checks can identify risk factors for hearing loss, allowing you to take preventive measures, such as using hearing protection in noisy environments.
- Better quality of life – managing hearing loss with hearing aids or other treatments can significantly enhance your quality of life, enabling you to enjoy social activities and engage fully in daily life,
- Cognitive health – research has shown that untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline. By addressing hearing issues, you can help maintain cognitive health as you age.
In conclusion, audiology appointments / hearing checks are a proactive step towards preserving your hearing health. Whether for preventative care or ongoing treatment, these appointments ensure you can enjoy clear, effective communication and maintain a high quality of life. If you have any concerns about your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at Prema Health. Taking care of your hearing is taking care of your overall well-being.
