When and why should you schedule a hearing test in Ottawa?

 

If you’re asking this question, the short answer is probably, “Now!” Hearing is one of our most important senses, and it’s important to make sure that our ears are functioning properly. Luckily, finding out if you have a hearing problem or not is as simple as booking a hearing test in Ottawa with an audiologist. The sooner you get your hearing checked, the sooner you can start taking steps to protect your hearing and prevent further damage, or takes steps to manage your hearing difficulties better. 

Signs Of Hearing Loss  

There are many different reasons why people might book a hearing test, but some of the most common reasons include: 

• If you’ve been exposed to loud noise, either suddenly or over a long period of time 
• If you’re having trouble hearing people speaking, even in quiet environments 
• If people have told you that you’re speaking loudly or asking people to repeat 
• If you feel people you are conversing with are often mumbling  
• If you’re finding it hard to follow conversations, especially in noisy places 
• If you’re struggling to hear the TV or radio at a normal volume 
• If you’re avoiding or removing yourself from social situations because of your hearing 

People often think that hearing loss only impacts the older population, but this is simply not true. Even though statistics show that 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 have hearing loss, it can in fact impact people of all ages.  

Hearing loss may also present itself differently from person to person, whether we are looking at a hearing acuity issue or processing difficulties. Regardless of your age, as soon as you are experiencing hearing difficulties, it is important to get your hearing assessed by a professional.  

Seeing an audiologist in Orléans is the best way to find out if you have a hearing problem and what can be done to help, and provide you with acoustic rehabilitation options or strategies.  

Link Between Hearing Loss & Cognitive Effort Or Fatigue 

Hearing loss can have an impact on our daily life, including leading to increased cognitive effort and overall fatigue. This is because the brain has to work harder to process and interpret auditory information when your hearing is impacted. This can lead to mental fatigue and experiencing more difficulties with cognitive tasks such as focusing, memorising things and multitasking. 

Booking a hearing assessment in Ottawa can help identify any hearing loss, and steps that can be taken to protect your hearing and reduce the amount of cognitive effort required.  

Link Between Hearing Loss & Social Isolation   

Hearing loss can also lead to social isolation. This is because people who can’t hear very well can find it difficult to communicate with others, which can lead to feelings of frustration and often make them avoid or withdraw from social situations. If this sounds like you or someone you know, contact an audiologist in Orléans to schedule a hearing test. They will be able to help identify the reasons for your difficulties so that steps can be taken to help you hear better and improve your daily communications and social interactions.  

What Happens During A Hearing Test? 

A hearing test is a painless and non-invasive way to check how well your hearing system is working. During the assessment, the audiologist will carry out a series of tests to assess your hearing ability.   
These tests may include: 

• Looking in your ears to determine if there is anything blocking your ear canals  
• Measuring your middle ear to make sure the soundwaves are transmitting well 
• Asking you to identify different sounds and repeat words  
• Measuring how clear you can hear speech in various testing settings   

The results of the test will help to identify any problems and provide you with a better understanding of your hearing difficulties and help determine the best course of treatment for your acoustic rehabilitation, should it be required.  

Originally Posted on Echo Audiology