Are you concerned about your hearing? Let's learn about hearing tests for adults.

Sometimes when you go to see a doctor, they may suddenly ask you to get a hearing test. Don't panic when they say that, and don't think, "Oh, is something wrong with my ears?" This is just a routine test, just like checking your blood pressure or blood sugar levels , to make sure your ears are working properly.

As our bodies change with age, hearing loss can also occur. For example, about 14% of people between the ages of 45 and 64 have some degree of hearing loss. But this number increases to more than 30% after the age of 65. That's why doctors recommend that you have your hearing checked every few years. Experts say that it's best for adults to have this test every 10 years until they reach the age of 50, and every 3 years after that.

Why do we need this hearing test?

Some people may notice that their hearing is slightly impaired. For example, they may have difficulty hearing someone clearly in a crowded place, or their family members may constantly complain that the TV is too loud.

But not everyone realizes that they have a problem this way. Because hearing loss often doesn't happen all at once, but gradually, very slowly. So, even if you don't feel any difference, if your doctor tells you to get this test done, don't put it off.

There can be many reasons for hearing loss in adults:

• Frequent exposure to loud noises: Some jobs (e.g. factory, bus conductor) require exposure to loud noises .
• Household chores: The noise made when using equipment like the lawnmower or grinder in the yard.
• Actions such as shooting: the use of weapons such as guns.
• Listening to music at high volume: Listening to songs at high volume at live music concerts or with headphones.
• Ear wax buildup: This is also a common cause.
• Head injury: If the head is hit hard in an accident.
• Ear infections : Untreated ear infections.
• Certain medications: Hearing loss can also be a side effect of some medications.
• Hereditary conditions: If someone in the family has these problems.

What happens when I go for the test? Is it painful?

First of all, the entire test only takes about 30 minutes, and it's not painful at all.

Most often, this test involves putting on two headphones and playing short tones (like "tee... tee...") of different levels and intensities (pitch) in one ear at a time. When you hear the sound, you are asked to press a button on your hand. This can tell you whether you can hear high-pitched sounds, low-pitched sounds, soft sounds, or loud sounds, and whether the problem is in your right or left ear.

In some tests, instead of these tones, words are played at different levels of volume and the subjects are asked to repeat the words they hear. This is done in a completely soundproof room. This is because some people have difficulty distinguishing between voices when there are other sounds around them.

How to understand the test results?

This is not a 'pass' or 'fail' test. It shows whether you have a hearing loss in one or both ears, and if so, to what extent.

The intensity of sound is measured in decibels . Simply put, when someone whispers in your ear, it's about 30 decibels. When we normally talk, the sound is about 60 decibels. If you come close to your ear and shout, it starts at about 80 decibels.

You can get a better understanding of these levels from the table below.

Don't be surprised if your test results show some degree of hearing loss, especially if you were unaware of the condition. In such cases, your doctor may refer you to an ear , nose, and throat specialist ( ENT specialist) or an audiologist .

What can you do if you find out you have hearing loss?

Unfortunately, hearing loss cannot be completely restored. But don't worry. Instead, there are many things you can do to compensate for the loss and preserve what hearing you have left .

• Hearing Aids: If you have to use a hearing aid, don't worry about it. They're not like the big machines our grandparents used in the past. The ones we have now are so small that no one can see them. There are different types, such as those that fit behind the ear, those that fit inside the ear, and those that can be hidden inside the ear.
• Assistive devices: There are special devices that can help you hear things like phone calls and television sounds better. There are also devices that can be used in theaters and lecture halls.
• Lip reading: With practice, you can understand what someone is saying by looking at their lips when they are speaking. This is also a good help.
• Protect your ears: This is the most important thing. Your doctor will advise you to wear earplugs when you are in loud places, such as when mowing the lawn, grinding, or going to concerts. This can help prevent further damage to your hearing.