Your Hearing Test: What to Expect

hearing test

What to Expect

Did you know hearing tests typically take less than 30 minutes?

Step 1: Before your appointment 

Before you arrive for a hearing test, take a moment to note situations or environments in which you’ve had difficulty hearing – for a lot of people this is understanding conversations in noisy environments like restaurants or at parties. Trouble hearing the TV is another common complaint. Work meetings may be difficult for you to hear as well. Everyone has a unique story to share so come prepared to discuss what your needs are. 

Many people find it’s helpful to bring a friend or family member to the appointment to share their observations and note important details and instructions. Communication requires two or more people, so having someone with you often reveals insightful information that you might not have been aware of. You may not realize how much your family member talks to you about a subject when you have actually heard something completely different. You may also not realize how often you agree to something you probably shouldn’t have agreed to.  


Step 2: During your appointment 

Information Gathering: You may be asked to complete basic forms. You will be asked about your hearing history to understand any medical issues that could be affecting your hearing. A communication assessment may be used to determine when and where you are experiencing difficulty hearing.  

Ear inspection: Your outer ear, ear canal, and eardrum will be examined. This will not be invasive or uncomfortable. We then test your ear for any pressure caused by trapped air or fluid which might be indicative of an infection.  

Hearing Test: Your hearing will be tested in a sound booth or soundproof room. You will be asked to indicate when you can hear various levels of sounds or tones in each ear. We are trying to pinpoint the lowest sound you can hear at each frequency.  

Review Results: Your audiologist will review the hearing test results with you and identify if you have a hearing loss. If you do, together we can discuss treatment options, which may range from communication strategies, hearing aids, and other assistive devices, to a referral to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist (ENT) if warranted. We work closely (in the same building) with 3 local ENTs so the referral process is seamless.  

Step 3: If hearing aids can help 

If you do have a hearing loss that is treatable with hearing aids, your audiologist will review your options with you. Together you will evaluate: 

  • What style best suits your lifestyle and ear shape 

  • What features and performance levels you require based on your listening difficulties 

  • What hearing aids fit your budget 

  • The benefits of wearing two hearing aids 

  • Doing a risk-free hearing aid trial, if appropriate 


Today’s hearing aids are different 

Digital technology has allowed hearing aids to make huge advances, including sophisticated automatic adjustment as your listening environment changes, and seamless integration with other technologies, such as telephones and mobile phones. Aesthetically, hearing aids are now amazingly small and more discreet than ever before. However, hearing aids are not for everyone. One of the main benefits of coming into a clinic like Atlantic Hearing is finding out where your hearing is at, what options are out there, and educating yourself so you can make an informed decision.

At Atlantic Hearing Clinic there is zero sales pressure. We have a clinical Audiologist on staff to ensure you get back into the conversation.

 

Are you ready to get your hearing tested?

 

* Ref: Your Hearing Test: What to Expect, Unitron Canada. 

Kara McLean