Before a hearing test can give accurate results for your hearing, your audiologist will check your ears for wax. As much as a small amount of wax can cause muffled sound and affect the results of your hearing test.
The Otoscope Examination
An otoscope is a hand held device with a light and magnifying lens in the end. The audiologist looks down the end of the otoscope into your ear canal and will be able to see any wax against or near your eardrum.
Video Otoscopy for a Clearer View
Using video otoscopy to view the ear of the patient allows the audiologist to view the ear canal before the hearing test as well as view the result after wax removal. It also helps audiologists to judge the amount of wax as well as the position of wax in the ear canal.
Why Partial Blockages Still Matter
For those with full blockages in their ears, it is obvious that they would not be able to have a hearing test due to the hearing loss caused by the blockage. However, partial wax build-up in the ears can also affect hearing test results. How earwax build-up can affect hearing is well documented on the NHS website and states that muffled sound is caused by blockages before any nerve damage is caused.
What Happens if Wax Is Found
Once audiologists have detected any wax in your ears they will remove it before conducting any hearing tests. A hearing test appointment in Bristol can include a hearing test as well as the removal of any wax from your ears. These are called audiology appointments in Bristol.
Bristol audiology – earwax removal and hearing tests.
More on Audiologist Bristol can be found at https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol/.
How to Prepare Your Ears Beforehand
Ear drops such as olive oil ear drops can be purchased from most pharmacies. These drops can be put in the ear for a few days before the appointment to help loosen the wax. This will make the wax removal much easier and will reduce the chance of any further problems.
It is important to get a proper hearing test done. If your ears have been ‘blocked’ before, you may already know that it is best to have your ears cleared before a proper hearing test can be done.