It’s not always easy to determine if you have hearing loss. Sometimes, just turning up the volume on the radio or TV seems to take care of the problem. But when family and friends notice that you’re asking them to repeat themselves more often or that the television volume is uncomfortable for them, it’s time to consider a hearing test. Here are four frequently asked questions about hearing tests.

1. What do hearing tests evaluate?

Hearing tests help to determine if any hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural, or both. Conductive hearing loss means that the sound is not travelling to the inner ear and could be due to a blockage or infection. It usually is not permanent. Sensorineural loss means that the nerves that help you hear are damaged and that loss is permanent.

Hearing tests also can help determine if the cause of any hearing loss is related to a medical problem, such as a head injury, tumor, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

2. Is there just one hearing test?

For adults, a complete hearing test involves several exams. You may be familiar with the pure-tone test. It involves wearing headphones in a soundproof room and listening to sounds. The sounds are played through the headphones separately into each ear to determine how well you hear volume and pitch.

Speech testing involves words instead of sounds. The words are whispered or spoken softly, gradually getting louder to determine how well you hear soft sounds. This test may be performed live or recorded.

A tuning fork test helps look for conductive or nerve issues. The tuning fork is tapped and held behind your ear and you not when the sound fades and whether it’s louder on one side or the other.

3. How long does testing take?

Expect to be at the audiologist’s office for about an hour. The testing itself may take about a half hour and then the audiologist will discuss the results with you, which can also take about a half hour. You will also hear about potential treatments.

4. Why should I see an audiologist?

Fewer than 15 percent of primary health care providers give hearing tests, so it’s likely your hearing hasn’t been tested in many years. If you are in your mid-50s, even if you haven’t determined any hearing loss, it’s a good idea to have your hearing tested so you have baseline results for future tests.

An audiologist is a medical professional that does more than just evaluate your hearing. Audiologists hold an advanced degree and provide testing, diagnosis, treatment and counseling.

Hopefully, these four questions about hearing tests have provided the information necessary to help you determine if it’s time for you to see an audiologist to have your hearing evaluated. Just as we have annual eye exams, regular dental exams and health check-ups, regular hearing tests are an important part of a healthy lifestyle.