Going to the audiologist for the first time can feel a little scary. I know because I was nervous before my first appointment too! But now I've been to lots of appointments, and I want to tell you what happens so you won't be scared. My dad is also going to add some tips for parents at the end.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a doctor who specializes in ears and hearing. They went to school for a really long time to learn everything about how ears work and how to help people who have trouble hearing. They're like superheroes for your ears!
Audiologists are different from regular doctors. They don't give you shots or check your throat. They just focus on your hearing. Most audiologists I've met are really nice and patient. They understand that kids might be nervous, and they take their time to explain everything.
Before the Appointment
Before you go to the audiologist, there are a few things that might help:
- Get a good night's sleep. Being tired can make the tests harder because you need to concentrate.
- Eat breakfast or a snack. An empty tummy can make it hard to focus.
- Bring a comfort item. I brought my favorite stuffed animal to my first appointment. It made me feel better!
- Write down questions. If you're wondering about something, ask your parent to help you write it down so you don't forget.
What Happens During the Appointment
Looking in Your Ears
First, the audiologist will look inside your ears with a special tool called an otoscope. It has a light on it and looks kind of like a tiny flashlight. This doesn't hurt at all - it just feels like they're peeking in your ear. They're checking to make sure there's nothing blocking your ear, like too much earwax.
The Sound Booth
For the hearing test, you'll probably go into a special room called a sound booth. It's a small room with really thick walls that block out all outside sounds. Don't worry - you're not locked in! The audiologist can see you through a window, and you can see them too. Some sound booths are decorated with fun pictures to make them less scary.
The Beep Test (Pure Tone Testing)
This is the main hearing test. You'll wear headphones, and the audiologist will play different beeping sounds. Some beeps will be high like a bird, and some will be low like a drum. Some will be loud, and some will be really, really quiet.
Your job is to tell the audiologist every time you hear a beep. You might raise your hand, push a button, or say "yes" - whatever the audiologist tells you to do. Here's an important tip: even if you're not sure you heard something, raise your hand anyway! It's okay if you're wrong. The audiologist just wants to know what you can hear.
The Word Test (Speech Testing)
The audiologist might also say words and ask you to repeat them. This tests how well you can understand speech, not just hear sounds. The words might get quieter and quieter. Just try your best to repeat what you hear. It's okay if you can't hear some of them - that's what we're trying to find out!
Other Tests
There might be other tests too, depending on what the audiologist needs to check. One common one is called tympanometry, where they put a little plug in your ear that changes the air pressure. It feels a little weird, like when you go up in an airplane, but it only lasts a few seconds and doesn't hurt.
The Audiogram
After all the tests, the audiologist will show you and your parents a chart called an audiogram. This is like a map of your hearing. It shows which sounds you can hear well and which ones are harder for you. The audiologist will explain what it means and answer any questions you have.
Don't worry if you don't understand everything right away. It took me a few appointments to really understand my audiogram. Your parents can help explain it to you later, too.
What Happens Next
Depending on what the tests show, the audiologist might:
- Say everything looks good! Not every hearing test leads to a diagnosis. Sometimes kids' hearing is just fine.
- Recommend more tests. Sometimes they need more information before they can tell you what's going on.
- Talk about hearing aids. If you have hearing loss, they might talk about whether hearing aids would help you.
- Refer you to other doctors. Sometimes they want you to see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for more evaluation.
Tips from Amelia's Dad
Hi, I'm Amelia's dad! Here are some tips for parents going to their first audiology appointment:
- Prepare your child. Talk to them about what will happen in simple, positive terms. Let them know it won't hurt.
- Bring your child's medical history. The audiologist might ask about ear infections, illnesses, or family history of hearing loss.
- Take notes. There's a lot of information, and it's hard to remember everything. Write things down or ask if you can record the conversation.
- Ask questions. No question is silly. Audiologists want to help you understand.
- Don't panic if there's a diagnosis. Getting answers is the first step to getting help. There are so many resources and supports available.
- Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, ask for clarification or a second opinion.
- Celebrate your child. Going through testing takes courage. Make sure to tell them how proud you are!
You've Got This!
I hope this article helps you feel less nervous about your audiology appointment. Remember, the audiologist is there to help you, and the tests don't hurt. Just do your best, and everything will be okay!
If you have questions or want to share your own experience, my dad and I would love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to send us a message!