Hearing Test Specialist

Professional Hearing Center -  - Audiologist

Professional Hearing Center

Audiologists and Hearing & Balance Experts located throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan Area

Hearing test results appear on a graph called an audiogram and offer a better understanding of your hearing loss. At Professional Hearing Center in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the skilled team of audiologists provides hearing tests to diagnose hearing loss and plan treatment. To book a hearing test for yourself or a loved one, call Professional Hearing Center or schedule an appointment online today.

Hearing Test

What is a hearing test?

A hearing test is a simple in-office procedure at Professional Hearing Center that evaluates your ability to hear. The test results show the type and extent of your hearing loss. 

Right before your hearing test, you’ll discuss your medical history, symptoms related to hearing, and your concerns. During the hearing test, you’ll wear a set of headphones while sitting in a soundproof room. 

Your audiologist plays a series of tones for you through the headphones at varied pitches and volumes. Some sounds are very soft, so you’ll need to listen carefully and indicate when you hear them. Another part of the hearing test involves words and phrases, which you must repeat as you hear them. 

At the end of the test, your audiologist gives you an audiogram to show the results. They help you interpret the results and make treatment recommendations.

When should I get a hearing test?

You should book a hearing test at Professional Hearing Center if you notice a decline in your hearing. You might first notice that higher-pitched sounds are difficult to hear, especially if your hearing loss is related to aging. Other signs that might indicate hearing loss and warrant a hearing test, include:

  • Constantly turning up the volume on your television or device
  • Often asking others to repeat themselves
  • Working in a noisy environment
  • Experiencing prolonged ear ringing (tinnitus)

Even if you’ve had a test in the past, you should retest your hearing if you notice a difference. Your hearing can change with time, often declining as you age. 

What do the results of my hearing test mean?

Your audiologist at Professional Hearing Center helps you review and interpret your hearing test results in the form of a graph called an audiogram. If they find that you have hearing loss, they recommend appropriate treatments like hearing aids or protective earplugs. The results of your test might show that you have one of the following hearing loss types:

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when something stops the sound from going through your outer or middle ear and into the inner ear. 

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of some form of malfunction or nerve problem in your inner ear. 

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. 

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder happens when the inner ear, or nerve damage in your ear, causes sounds to appear disorganized when interpreted by your brain. 

No matter which type of hearing loss you have, a hearing exam can set you on the right treatment path. To book your hearing test, call Professional Hearing Center or schedule an appointment online today.