Hearing Testing

What You Need To Know About Hearing Tests

What Is a Hearing Test?

A hearing test can determine whether you are experiencing hearing loss, as well as the degree of severity of your condition. A comprehensive hearing test report will include:

• Visual Otoscopy: The examination of the outer ear canal and eardrum using an ear light tool known as an otoscope
• Impedance: An assessment of the function of the middle ear
• Pure tone: A diagnostic test that measures hearing sensitivity
• Speech Reception Threshold (SRT): The softest level (dB HL) at which a patient can accurately repeat spondees (two-syllable words) 50% of the time

Why Should I Get a Hearing Test?

A comprehensive diagnostic hearing test can help define the type of hearing loss you have, as well as the available treatment options that may be necessary. Appletree offers diagnostic hearing tests to determine if there is any level of hearing impairment. Only by getting diagnostic hearing tests can you know the current level of your hearing. If there have been any changes in hearing level, your physician will make appropriate adjustments to your treatment or establish a new treatment plan. Most cases of hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids or other instruments.

Symptoms

There are many ways to recognize the early to mid-stage symptoms of hearing loss, including:

• Muffling of speech or other sounds
• Difficulty understanding words or hearing consonants
• Frequently asking others to speak slower or louder
• Needing to turn up the volume of TV or radio
• Withdrawal from conversations

What Are the Lasting Complications of Hearing Loss?

Some of the complications of hearing loss may include:

• Decline in the quality of life
• Onset of depression and feelings of isolation
• Cognitive impairment

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How Can I Access This Service?

In-Clinic

This service is available at all Appletree Medical Centres. Appointments are required.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Hearing tests are available at select Appletree Medical Centres. During the appointment, a licensed professional will begin a thorough examination of the ear and record the results on a graph called an audiogram. The audiogram is a chart that represents different volumes and pitches of sounds. When testing your hearing, we determine the quietest sounds that you can hear.

After Your Appointment

Access our Patient Portal to view test results and book future appointments. Our portal is safe, secure and easy to use.