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Dr. Craig, what are your thoughts on online hearing screenings?

Aug 25, 2020

Over the past several years, online hearing screenings have become increasingly common. They can be found in multiple places online, including the websites of hearing aid manufacturers and some hearing care providers. Although they can sometimes be a useful marketing tool, I do not recommend them or use them on our website for several reasons.

To get a valid hearing exam, even just a basic screening requires a sound-treated environment (a sound booth), testing equipment approved by the FDA and calibrated on an annual basis, and testing performed by a trained professional. Even under those strict circumstances, the testing has a margin of error. If someone takes an online hearing screening, it does take into account what type of headphones they are using, the specifics of the computer or other device that they are using to take the test or the amount of sound in the environment. For these reasons, online hearing screening cannot be considered reliable in any way.

Suppose you or a loved one has symptoms of hearing loss such as playing the television louder than usual, asking people to repeat things, or having difficulty hearing when there is background noise. In that case, the best option is to have an in-person hearing exam performed by or under the care of an audiologist. Doing so will allow you to get a valid, reliable measurement of your hearing and can also rule out any issues such as earwax build-up or any medical conditions that may need to be treated by a physician.

If you believe that it is time for you or someone you love to have their hearing evaluated, feel free to call us at (870) 268-1488 or request your appoint by clicking this link: schedule my hearing consultation now

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