Many individuals experiencing hearing loss ask a very sensible question; can you pass a hearing test but still have problems hearing? There are a number of different answers to this very good question. The reality is that it all boils down to the degree of the hearing loss. As hearing loss worsens, the likelihood of passing the hearing test decreases. You may, however, have some hearing problems and yet pass the test; that doesn’t mean your hearing is not being affected in some way. You may be unable to hear some noises, yet you may hear specific frequencies and tones.
Your hearing and hearing tests
You can hear various frequencies because of your hearing. You may be able to hear lower or higher sounds than others, depending on the state of your ears. The tester in charge of your hearing test will assess the various frequencies you can hear, and even if you are unable to hear certain low sounds, you may be able to pass the exam. Some individuals find it easy to hear in a quiet environment but struggle in a noisy one – this may also affect the exam.
Surprisingly, if you have a good mindset, you may be able to pass the test. For example, if you are focused, have had enough sleep, and have eaten breakfast to avoid being distracted by hunger, the test may go better for you because you can focus. It’s also critical to maintain your calm. Some individuals prefer to close their eyes and focus only on their hearing. The important thing to remember is that this is not a worrying exam. If you do not pass, it just means that you are aware of any difficulties you are experiencing, and an audiologist will assist you in developing a strategy to solve them.
Failing the hearing test
You might follow every piece of advice provided and still fail the hearing test. Don’t worry, don’t panic – this is out of your hands, and having hearing issues isn’t the end of the world. All you’ll have to do is come up with a solution and keep your ears protected. A trained audiologist will be able to advise you on the next measures to take, as well as the best hearing aid for you if you need one.
It is important to preserve your hearing and choose a hearing aid that is appropriate for your budget, lifestyle, and other requirements. So, there is no point in ignoring the test or worrying about failing it (it’s not actually a question of failure or success – it’s a measure of your hearing, you can’t study for it).
Why do some forms of hearing loss go unrecognized?
Because hearing requires a complicated relationship between the ear and the brain, certain types of hearing loss may go unnoticed in the clinic. The central auditory system can compensate for severe inner ear loss by increasing its volume control, thus partly compensating for the deficit. This means that although you may hear well in calm, quiet environments, you may struggle to hear when there is background noise. These factors must be considered and will be considered when you are tested by a reputable audiologist.
What if you pass the test and are still sure you have hearing loss?
If you’ve had a hearing test and were told your hearing is good, you still need to seek answers if you’re having hearing difficulties. Your ears may be OK, but your auditory nerve or brain may be having difficulty processing sounds or other sensory information, for example.
Auditory processing disorders (APD) are conditions in which the nervous system fails to understand the sounds that enter the ears. This is a frequent condition among youngsters. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) causes the brain to struggle to keep up with incoming sensory stimuli, including noise. This means that you may pass a hearing test but yet struggle to communicate.
When taking a hearing test, you might be concerned about your performance, but all you need to do is your best. If you give it your all, you’ll be in a better position to find out what’s wrong and what you can do about it.
Call The Hearing Doctors at (630) 315-2899 to learn more about hearing tests and how they can help, as well as what to do if you’re worried about your hearing. The Hearing Doctors will be ready to talk with you and discuss what has been going on with your hearing, so get in touch today for more information.
