Diagnosis of hearing loss
In adults, hearing loss may be very gradual, as in age-related hearing loss, or it can be very sudden, as in some viral infections of the inner ear. You should see your GP or a registered UK hearing aid dispenser, if you, your friends or family think that your hearing is deteriorating. The services of registered hearing aid dispensers are usually free of charge and without waiting times.
Common Symptoms:
You may have a hearing problem if you experience any of the following:
- Others complain that you have turned the TV or Radio up too loud
- People appear to mumble or you can't clearly hear every word that is being said particularly when there is background noise, in crowds or when voices are high pitched (e.g. children)
- You ask others to repeat themselves
- You have difficulty hearing the doorbell or the telephone ring
- You have difficulty hearing at a distance in public gatherings, concert halls, churches etc
- You are not sure where sounds are coming from - in front of or behind you, or even from left or right
If you suspect that you have any of these symptoms, it will be in your best interest to book an appointment as soon as possible to see a registered hearing aid dispenser to get a free screening or diagnostic hearing test. Examination of each ear is followed by an audiometric hearing assessment which will enable the dispenser to determine if a hearing aid is required and if so which model would be most suitable for you.
How to read an audiogram:
Please click twice on the above graphic
An audiogram is a graph that shows the quality of a person’s hearing. The basis of an audiogram is a hearing test.
The audiogram shows the hearing threshold level as the softest sounds a person can hear at different pitches or frequencies. The frequency is depicted on the horizontal axis, the loudness on the vertical axis.
Different sounds are characterised by different frequencies and loudness. The graphic demonstrates this based on different sound examples. Click on the graphic to show the position of different sounds and different letters (e.g. the "s" sound is high in pitch and quiet).
The hearing threshold level divides the audiogram in to sounds that can be heard by a person and sounds that cannot be heard by the person. All sounds with a loudness/frequency position above the hearing threshold level cannot be heard. Sounds with a loudness/frequency position below the hearing threshold level can be heard. A separate line (not shown in the graph) indicates a person’s uncomfortable level for sounds, with a loudness/frequency characteristic that is perceived as too loud.