Hearing tests are an essential part of taking care of your overall health, and it’s natural to feel a bit anxious before undergoing one. However, test anxiety should not prevent you from getting the hearing care you need. By learning about the testing process and exploring a few relaxation methods, you can enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed testing experience.
Understanding the Hearing Test Process
Before we dive into destressing methods, let’s briefly look at what happens during a hearing test. Typically, a hearing test involves a series of evaluations to assess your hearing abilities, but the most common is the pure-tone hearing test. Most pure-tone hearing tests will follow similar steps:
- You will sit in a sound-treated room and wear headphones or earphones.
- A machine called an audiometer will play sounds at different frequencies and volumes.
- When you hear a sound, you will signal in some way that you have heard it. Signals may include hand-raising, button-pressing or verbal confirmation.
- Your hearing specialist will chart your responses on an audiogram. Based on the audiogram, your specialist will determine the hearing loss type and severity.
An estimated 30 million U.S. adults have hearing loss, and hearing tests are often the first step in seeking treatment. Remember that hearing tests are painless and performed by trained, caring professionals who are there to help you.
How Can You Destress Before Your Test?
Taking a test, whether science, math, English or hearing, is one of those things that many find stressful. Now that you know a little more about how a hearing test is conducted, you can begin to think about the best ways to find relaxation and calm before your test. A few common relaxation options include:
- Reading a book. Grab your next read from BOOKOFF San Diego and set aside some time the night before your test to read a few chapters. This will help you take your mind off any lingering test anxieties.
- Yoga and meditation. Many people use yoga and meditation as a way of relaxing. Consider taking a class or doing a few at-home online yoga classes.
- Go for a run or walk. Head to a local park for a run or walk to help you relax and get your blood moving before your test.
- Speak to your audiologist. Open communication with your audiologist is key to a stress-free testing and treatment experience. If you have concerns or fears about the hearing test, don’t hesitate to share them. Your audiologist is there to support you and address any questions or anxieties you may have.
Don’t let test anxiety prevent you from receiving the hearing care you need. Take a deep breath, practice self-care and approach your hearing test confidently and calmly. Contact San Diego Hearing Center today to schedule your hearing test.