If you’ve never had a hearing test before, you probably don’t know what to expect. That can be exciting. That’s why we like to tell you how a hearing test works, because there’s nothing exciting about it. And no, a hearing test absolutely does not hurt!
Step 1: the Amsterdam Questionnaire
Prior to your appointment, you will be asked to complete the Amsterdam Questionnaire. This questionnaire paints a picture of your situation and hearing problems. We use this questionnaire as the basis for your hearing test. Completion of the questionnaire is also required by Zorgverzekeraars Nederland to be eligible for any reimbursement on your hearing aid(s).
Step 2: the intake
When you come to your appointment, you will first get a nice cup of coffee, and the hearing care professional will ask you a few questions. These questions are in addition to the questionnaire you filled out and are about yourself, your medical history, whether you already wear hearing aids and the hearing problems you are currently experiencing. This allows the hearing care professional to get a complete picture of your wants and needs.
Step 3: the first part of the hearing test – the tone test
For the first part of the hearing test, you will be given headphones and a push button in your hand. The hearing care professional starts the test, which plays tones at different frequencies alternately in your left and right ear. Your ears are thus measured separately from each other. All you have to do is press the button when you hear a beep. After this test, the hearing care professional will decide if additional tests are needed. If not, the results will be discussed with you directly as described in step 6.
Step 4: the second part of the hearing test – the bone conduction test
The second part of the hearing test is not much different from the first, but in this case, instead of headphones, you will be given a special headband with a vibrating block on it. This is called the bone conduction test, which allows us to determine the origin of the hearing loss. Again, you will be asked to press the button when you hear a beep.
Step 5: The third part of the hearing test – the speech test
In the third part of the hearing test, you are again given headphones, but words rather than tones are offered. You will be asked to repeat these words. This speech test allows the hearing care professional to determine if a hearing aid is actually useful.
Step 6: discussing the result
When the tests are finished, the hearing care professional will show you a graph called an audiogram. This shows how good your hearing is at different frequencies. If there is any hearing loss, the hearing care professional will advise you on how to improve it. If a hearing aid can help you, the hearing care professional will explain which types and features are convenient and suitable for you. Also discussed with you then are the costs and fees, and the options for remote hearing care.
Step 7: fitting and trial period
Once you have made your choice, we will order your hearing aid(s), and schedule another appointment for the fitting. After the fitting, you will enter a trial period during which the hearing care professional can further optimize your hearing aid(s) while you use them in your daily life. In many cases, this can even be done remotely, so you don’t have to return to the store.
