To treat hearing loss, a comprehensive hearing assessment is the first step. Before we even begin assessments, we take the time to talk to you. We want to understand how your hearing loss is affecting your life, and what outcomes you are seeking with your hearing healthcare. After this brief conversation, you will then undergo an audiological evaluation and hearing assessment using state-of-the-art technology. These assessments will be able to determine your individual hearing profile – or an outline of your unique hearing strengths and weaknesses. We will evaluate how you hear speech in quiet and in noise. We may also determine the health and mobility of your eardrums and middle ears via tympanometry, using our specialized equipment. Additionally, we will be able to discuss your results immediately, at the very same appointment.
Whether it’s an ongoing case of hearing loss or you are just developing symptoms of the condition, having your hearing tested is an important piece of getting the right treatment plan! The team at Coastal Hearing Clinic performs a series of hearing exams to determine not only if a hearing loss is present, but the severity of your condition and what devices might be most beneficial for you moving forward.
Why Is a Hearing Evaluation Important?
Hearing tests are essential for understanding your hearing health. They show which sounds you might be having trouble with. Based on these results, experts can suggest if you need a hearing aid and which one would be best for you. Getting a hearing test when needed can help improve your communication and overall well-being. Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for a hearing test can lead to proactive interventions, ensuring clearer communication and enhanced quality of life. The most common hearing loss symptoms include:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Turning up the volume on the TV or radio to a level that others find too loud.
- Struggling to hear phone conversations.
- Feeling that others are mumbling when they speak.
- Avoiding social situations or gatherings because of difficulty hearing.
- Feeling fatigued or stressed from straining to hear.
What to Expect During Your Hearing Evaluation
Having your hearing tested is a simple process and is non-invasive. From checking in and meeting with your specialist to the actual testing and discussion of results, our team is happy to walk you through each step and answer any questions along the way!
We recommend that you bring a family member or close friend to your appointment with you. You’ll receive a host of important information and will have a chance to ask questions as well, making it easier to remember these details if someone accompanies you. Plus, you want someone there who can support you and ask any questions you may forget to ask yourself.
The actual testing process is fairly straightforward. There are several types of hearing tests, such as pure tone, speech testing and word recognition, but we’ll come up with a series that is suitable to your specific needs and symptoms. After you complete the test, we’ll review your results and let you know if you have any hearing loss and how severe it is.
Hearing Aid Evaluation Follow-Up
The results of your hearing test will determine what happens next in your hearing care plan. Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss and can greatly improve your quality of life, making it easier to talk with family and friends or even coworkers. We’ll talk with you about the options that are most suited to your hearing loss needs and then take the necessary steps to finding the perfect solution!