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Hearing Test & Assessment
Whether you are coming in for a hearing test to establish a baseline, or if you already know you have a hearing loss, we will provide you with a thorough audiologic evaluation using comprehensive testing, best practices and providing explanations before, during and after.
The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether hearing loss is present and, if so, to identify its type and degree. The results can also help uncover possible causes and guide the hearing care provider in recommending the most appropriate treatment options—or in referring you to another professional if needed.
What to expect:
Otoscopy (visual inspection of your ear canals, ear drums and outer ears)
We will begin by looking at your outer ears, ear canals and ear drums. Typically we do this in our office using a Video Otoscope. This allows both the patient and the provider to see the inside of their ear canals and ear drums on a large screen and allows for pictures to be taken as part of the ongoing hearing health care.
Pure-tone and bone conduction testing
Pure-tone testing measures the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches, from low to high. Bone conduction testing is similar but uses a different type of headset that provides the hearing specialist with additional information. Together, these tests help determine whether the hearing loss is conductive (related to the outer or middle ear) or sensorineural (involving the inner ear or auditory nerve).
Speech Testing: SRT
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Speech reception threshold (SRT) testing is used to confirm the results of the pure-tone test. It measures the lowest volume at which a person can accurately recognize and repeat words, helping the audiologist better understand how well speech can be detected and processed.
Speech Testing: Word Recognition/Speech Discrimination
In order to understand how well you are able to recognize speech accurately when not able to see someone's lips, we use a test which asks you to repeat a word. The best practices for this test is for the patient to hear recorded and carefully calibrated speech. If you've ever had a hearing test, you will recognize this as the "say the word ...." part.
Speech in Noise
Most people find hearing clearly in a noisy environment is challenging. We use tests such as QuickSIN to help determine how much of an impact background noise has on your ability to understand speech.
How long does a hearing test take?
A diagnostic hearing evaluation typically takes about 30–40 minutes for the actual testing. However, it can take between 60 and 90 minutes depending on your results and your questions.
Before testing begins, the audiologist will take a full medical history and talk with you about any hearing concerns, including noise exposure, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or balance issues.
You’ll also have time afterward to review the results with your audiologist, ask questions, and—if hearing aids are recommended—discuss your options.
It’s a good idea to bring a family member or close friend with you. Since hearing loss often affects the whole family, having support at the appointment can make it easier to understand the information and recommendations. Plus, there will be a lot of information and it is nice to have someone else to help ask questions or help remember details.
This appointment is also an opportunity to build a relationship with your hearing specialist. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—you’ll want to feel confident about the information you receive so you can play an active role in choosing the hearing solutions that best fit your needs and lifestyle.
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