Services
Hearing Tests
Is It Time for a Hearing Test?
It’s a good idea to get your hearing checked even if you don’t think you’re having any problems hearing. A baseline assessment of your hearing can be used as a comparison years from now when you think you might be having a problem. However, if you find yourself answering yes to the following questions, then it’s definitely time to get your hearing checked.
Do others complain the TV is too loud?
Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy room?
Do you ask others to repeat themselves?
Do you avoid going out because you’ll struggle to hear?
Hearing Testing, Explained
1. Case History
We’ll begin the visit by asking a series of questions about your medical, work, and personal life as it relates to your ears and your hearing. Dr. Lake likes to obtain a detailed history of each patient.
3. Pure Tone Audiometry
While wearing headphones, your hearing levels will be measured using tones and words. This test will provide us with your sensitivity levels.
2. Physical Examination
The next step is an examination of your ears. We’ll thoroughly examine your outer ear and ear canal for any physical condition that might indicate a need for a medical referral.
4. Speech Recognition
A series of words will be presented at different loudness levels to assess how well you are able to process the spoken word.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
Hearing Loss & Dementia
Research not only shows a connection between hearing loss and dementia, but a Johns Hopkins study of older adults found that hearing loss actually accelerates brain function decline. Some experts believe that interventions, like hearing aids, could potentially delay or prevent dementia. Research is ongoing.
Hearing Loss & Your Heart
Cardiovascular and hearing health are linked. Some experts say the inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it’s possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body.
Hearing Loss & Depression
Research shows that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of depression in adults of all ages, but is most pronounced between ages 18 to 69. Research also shows that the use of hearing aids reduces depressive symptoms.
After your evaluation, Dr. Lake will review the findings of the visit, including any tests or procedures that were performed. She will also discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan. This is also your opportunity to get clarification on anything that you didn’t understand or to ask about the plans for future visits.
Get In Touch
Schedule Your Appointment
Office Location
15243 Forest Road, Suite D
Forest, VA 24551
P: (434)-266-9898
F: (434) 266-9848
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:30AM-4:30PM;
Friday: 8:30AM-4:00PM
Evenings and Saturdays by Appointment Only