Hearing Assessment
Before your hearing test, we take the time to understand your lifestyle and any concerns or needs you may have about your hearing. We conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment to gain insight into your unique hearing experience. This assessment will provide valuable information about the type, degree, and configuration of any hearing loss. Once we have the results, we can offer personalized recommendations tailored to you.
What to Expect
We test both adults and children ages 4 and up. The following will occur during a hearing test:
Otoscopy to ensure your ears are clear of wax and to check for any abnormalities that require medical attention
Tympanometry to check middle ear functioning
Pure-tone audiometry to determine hearing thresholds at different frequencies
Speech testing to assess your ability to discriminate words in quiet and noise (if age appropriate)
Report with recommendations provided to you and your family physician
Conditioned Play Audiometry
Young children’s hearing is tested using conditioned play audiometry. During conditioned play audiometry, your child will hear tones at different frequencies. Every time your child hears a sound, he or she will be asked to do something (e.g. put in one piece of a puzzle, drop a toy in a bucket). We can determine your child’s hearing thresholds this way.
Conventional Audiometry
When testing hearing for older children and adults, we do conventional audiometry. You will hear tones at different frequencies, some of which will be very soft. Every time you hear a sound, you will press a button or raise a hand. This is used to determine your hearing thresholds.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Tinnitus - ringing, buzzing, roaring, or other noises in your ears or head
Mixing up words, especially in a crowded place
Feeling like other people are mumbling or muffled
Frequently asking for repetition
Asking people to speak louder or slower
Needing to turn up the volume of the TV or music
Hearing loss usually comes on slowly. If you are over the age of 60 or regularly exposed to noise, you should check your hearing every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hearing tests covered by OHIP?
Hearing assessments are not covered by OHIP and are therefore paid for privately. Some insurance plans will cover audiology appointments.
Is hearing loss permanent?
Certain types of hearing loss are temporary and can improve. Other kinds of hearing loss are permanent. A hearing assessment shows the type of hearing loss and can indicate whether it is temporary or permanent.
I don’t think I have hearing loss, should I get a hearing test?
It is difficult to perceive your own hearing loss and most people with hearing loss are unaware of it. A hearing assessment is the only way to accurately determine hearing.