How to Do a Vision & Hearing Test
In our society it is very common for people to suffer unknowingly from visual or auditory impairment. Many times the loss is so gradual the person experiencing it doesn't notice until the condition has progressed to the point of being obvious to everyone else. Taking a simple test can help you to understand where the trouble might be and can be your first step in successful management of the problem; as with most things early detection is critical for the most effective treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Eye Chart
- Tape
- Tape Measure
- Squeaking toy
- Jar
- Dried beans
- Tin can
- Paper clips
- Baby rattle
- Christmas bell
Instructions
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Test Vision
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1
Print out a copy of the standard Snellen vision eye chart. It is the one used in the doctor's office and is designed to test distance vision.
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2
Tape or tack the chart on a wall at eye level.
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3
With a tape measure, mark the distance exactly 10 feet from the eye chart. Designate the 10 foot line by placing a piece of masking tape on the floor.
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4
Stand on the line and cover your left eye with the palm of your hand. Using your right eye only, read the chart from top to bottom and left to right. Enlist the assistance of a friend or use a tape recorder to document your responses.
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5
Read the chart again, this time with your right eye covered.
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6
Check your responses against the chart making note of any errors and paying specific attention to the last line you were able to read without making a mistake.
Test Hearing
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7
Gather the following items: A toy that squeaks when squeezed, a jar with a handful of dried beans inside, a tin can with a few paperclips inside, a baby's rattle and a Christmas ornament with a bell. This combination of items presents a range of pitches which can be easily recognized by an adult with normal hearing.
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8
Have someone stand approximately 2 feet behind you with all these items nearby.
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9
Cover your left ear. Have your assistant select and item at random and use it to make a noise.
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10
Identify the noise without looking and have your assistant record any incorrect responses. Repeat this until all the items have been used at least twice.
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11
Repeat the test, only this time with your right ear covered. If you are unable to identify any of the individual sounds, or if you are able to hear the sounds in one ear and not the other, you may require further assessment.
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12
Go to an online source for a more stringent hearing test (see Resources for link) or schedule an appointment with an Ear Nose and Throat specialist if your hearing test results are unsatisfactory.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For the vision test, make sure the room is well-lit and the chart is printed on white paper in black ink without smudges or smears. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, you should wear them for the at home vision test.
Normal adult vision ranges from 20/20 to 20/40. If your vision tests outside of this range you should make an appointment to see an optometrist.
Resources
- Photo Credit wikimedia commons
