1. Jot down any symptoms you might be experiencing.

2. Think of any questions you may have for your hearing professional.

3. Make a list of loud noises you've been exposed to over many years through your past careers, hobbies or lifestyle.

4. If you have a family member that helps at appointments or might remember times that you’ve had trouble hearing bring them with you.

5. Look into the variety of hearing aid types and funding options that are available.

During your hearing test, our hearing aid practitioner will use an otoscope to examine the inside of your ears. This painless procedure helps us to identify any potential blockages or signs of infection that may be contributing to your hearing issues. It's worth noting that in some cases, hearing problems may not be caused by hearing loss, but rather a buildup of earwax.

Following the otoscope examination, we will ask you to sit in a soundproof booth, where we will perform audiometry. This test is designed to determine whether you can hear specific ranges of sound. During this assessment, we will ask you to listen to sounds at varying frequencies and volumes in each ear. We will also play a series of words at different volumes to pinpoint any potential hearing difficulties across the spectrum of frequencies. Our audiometry test is a crucial component of your hearing assessment, as it allows us to precisely evaluate the extent and nature of your hearing issues.

Once the audiometry test is completed, our hearing professional will carefully review your results and explain the audiogram to you. Through this visual representation, you will be able to identify any areas where your hearing may be compromised, and we will also be able to determine if additional testing is needed. Based on the results, our hearing professional will then assist you in determining whether you need further follow-up appointments, should you wait and monitor for any changes, or should you consider using hearing aids to improve your hearing.

Additionally, we can provide your physician with a copy of the results on the same day, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your hearing health.

The frequency of hearing tests can vary depending on a person's age, medical history, and other factors. However, it is generally recommended that adults should have a hearing test at least once every 2 years up to the age of 50, and then every year thereafter. People who are at higher risk of hearing loss, such as those who work in noisy environments or have a family history of hearing loss, may need to have more frequent hearing tests. It's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or a hearing care professional to determine the best schedule for your individual needs.