What to Expect at First Visit

A comprehensive hearing evaluation is a painless, non-invasive, quick and inexpensive exam,

typically taking 30 – 45 minutes for most adults.

Case History

Before beginning the evaluation, you will be asked a series of questions about your

general health, as well as specific information regarding the symptoms of hearing loss

and/or associated ear conditions. This information is used along with the objective test

results to make the diagnosis and to determine the most effective and appropriate course

of treatment.

Otoscopic Inspection

Next, a visual inspection of your ear canal and eardrum is performed with an otoscope

(or ear light) to determine if any blockages or abnormalities exist in the outer ear that

could contribute to hearing loss. Any conditions identified, such as earwax build-up or

perforation of the eardrum, are noted and the appropriate medical referrals are made if

necessary.

Audiogram

The amount of hearing in each ear is measured in a quiet environment such as a quiet

room or sound treated test booth. A series of tones of different frequencies (or pitches)

as well as speech signals are presented to each ear through earphones. The tones used

during the hearing test are those that are most critical for understanding speech. You’ll be

asked to respond to the test signals either by a hand raise, pushing a button, or in the case

of speech signals, repeating what was heard. The lowest level you can hear each signal

at least half the time is called your threshold. The thresholds for each ear are plotted on a

chart called an audiogram.

Other Tests

Further tests may be conducted during the hearing evaluation. Your ability to understand

words or sentences at different levels may be assessed; tympanometry, or testing of

middle ear function may be conducted; and tests that assess the auditory system from the

inner ear to the brain may be performed.