A hearing evaluation (hearing test) is an in-depth assessment of your hearing and auditory system. The purpose is to determine your hearing health. If a hearing loss is detected, the Audiologist will determine its nature and degree. The evaluation starts with a detailed in-take questionnaire about your health and hearing history. Your hearing difficulties are also identified. Then you will be brought into a sound-proof booth for testing. The Audiologist will administer several tests to determine if there is any wax build-up or blockage in your ears, and then will typically check your hearing with earphones (or headphones); speakers can be used for some cases (for example younger children). Two aspects are assessed during this evaluation: volume (softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies/pitches) as well as speech clarity (is your brain able to make out what your ear is hearing?). After the evaluation, the Audiologist will discuss the results in detail with you. If a hearing loss is identified, management is usually recommended by the means of a hearing aid or other assistive listening devices. The Audiologist will then proceed with a Hearing Aid Selection appointment. The Audiologist may also provide intervention for hearing related disorders, such as tinnitus or sound sensitivity and will also discuss preventative measures for hearing loss.

For a possible medical issue, you will be referred to an Ears-Nose & Throat Specialist (ENT) before possibly proceeding with amplification.