What to Expect During a Hearing Test

Woman getting otoscopy

Hearing is a vital sense that impacts our communication, social interactions, and overall quality of life. If you're experiencing any of the following, it may be time for a hearing test:

  • Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments.
  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
  • Turning up the volume on your devices to an uncomfortable level.
  • Feeling isolated or disconnected due to hearing difficulties.
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    The Hearing Test Process

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    1. Scheduling and Preparation

    • Appointment: Begin by contacting our friendly team and scheduling an appointment. Our team of qualified hearing health specialists are ready to assist you. 
    • Medical History: Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any past ear infections, injuries, or exposure to loud noises.
    • Questions: Prepare any questions or concerns you may have about your hearing.
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    2. Arrival and Check-In

    • Arrival: Arrive at our hearing clinic on time for your appointment.
    • Check-In: You will be asked to complete some paperwork related to your medical history and insurance information.
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    3. Initial Consultation

    • Discussion: Our audiologist will meet with you to discuss your concerns, medical history, and any specific symptoms you've been experiencing.
    • Otoscopic Examination: In many cases, a visual examination of your ear canal will be conducted to check for any physical abnormalities or blockages.
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    4. Audiometric Testing

    • Pure-Tone Audiometry: This is the most common test. You'll wear headphones and listen for a series of tones at varying frequencies and volumes. You'll signal when you hear a tone, helping the audiologist determine your hearing thresholds.
    • Speech Audiometry: You'll listen to and repeat words at different volumes to evaluate your ability to hear and understand speech.
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    5. Tympanometry

    • Tympanometry: This test assesses the movement of your eardrum and the function of the middle ear. A small probe is placed in the ear to measure how your eardrum responds to changes in air pressure.

          This test will be conducted if needed during the evaluation.

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    6. Otoacoustic Emission (OAE)

    • Otoacoustic Emissions: OAEs measure the hair cell function in the inner ear and is a test to determine how the inner ear is functioning. Soft sounds generated by the test are transmitted to the cochlea vibrating the outer hair cells. This vibration sends back a sound that is picked up by the equipment that will indicate normal or abnormal inner ear function.

      This test will be conducted if needed during the evaluation.

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    7. Results Discussion

    • Explanation: Our audiologist will explain the results of your tests, discussing your hearing thresholds, any hearing loss, and its type and severity.
    • Recommendations: Based on your results, our audiologist will provide recommendations, which may include hearing aids, medical treatment, or further testing.
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    8. Next Steps

    • Treatment Plan: If hearing loss is detected, our audiologist and hearing team will work together with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
    • Hearing Aids: If prescribed, you'll discuss options for hearing aids, including style, technology, and fitting.
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    Getting a Hearing Test

    Getting a hearing test is a crucial step in maintaining your hearing health. It's a straightforward process that can provide valuable insights into your auditory well-being. If you have any concerns about your hearing or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, don't hesitate to schedule a hearing test with us.

    At Treasure Coast Audiology, we are dedicated to helping you hear better and improving your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your hearing evaluation and take the first step toward better hearing. Your hearing health matters, and we're here to support you on your journey to better hearing.

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    Patient Testimonials

    Robert Stoll
    Robert Stoll
    2023-04-29
    I took my stepfather there gor his appointment to get his and he was able to get in early.
    Jim Herdeman
    Jim Herdeman
    2023-01-20
    Dr. Hackney and her staff are outstanding!! She’s worked with me for > 5 years and has provided stellar support, service, and help. If you need assistance in dealing with hearing loss, GO SEE HER AND HER TEAM!
    Barbara Hazard
    Barbara Hazard
    2022-11-04
    I have rather serious hearing loss, which presents a challenge to any audiologist trying to fit me with hearing aids. I’ve been going to Dr. Hackney now for many years and simply cannot speak highly enough of her tireless efforts, and success, in helping me achieve the best hearing possible. I have, and continue to, highly recommend Dr. Hackney and her staff.
    Judy
    Judy
    2022-08-17
    Dr. Hackney and her assistant Heather have worked with my family members, my husband and many friends and we have all found them warm, friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. We have always been able to get help when we call whether it be a quick reset or a factory return. We cannot say enough about the quality of service we all have received from Dr. Hackney at Treasure Coast Audiology. We highly recommend them for all your hearing needs!
    E Scott
    E Scott
    2021-04-20
    I lost hearing early in life and have seen plenty of audiologists over the past 25 years. Dr. Hackney has been great - I've been very pleased with the hearing aids and service she's provided. In addition, Dr. Hackney's staff are truly a pleasure. They're remarkably warm, engaging, professional, and efficient. It's over an hour drive for me to get to Treasure Coast Audiology, but it's worth it!
    Larry Green
    Larry Green
    2018-01-08
    Dr. Hackney has given me my hearing back! Her caring and patient disposition is amazing. Not only was the initial visit fabulous, whenever I have an issue, whether it be batteries or a quick adjustment, her office responds quickly and in a timely fashion. They usually are able to see me that day. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hackney to anyone in need of hearing devices. Dr. Hackney and her staff are wonderful and meet my every need as a hearing impaired client. THANK YOU.
    Lee Coons
    Lee Coons
    2017-11-11
    Absolutely the best!!! Dr. Hackney;s experience and insight led to diagnosis of a benign tumor on the acoustic nerve in my right ear. I will be forever indebted to her for her help. In addition to this, I received outstanding professional and courteous service in the fitting for state of the art hearing aids. It doesn't stop there, the follow up service by Dr. Hackney and Heather Snell was beyond my greatest expectations. Highly recommended, wonderful service by wonderful people.
    Marco Stiner
    Marco Stiner
    2016-12-16
    Unbelievable caring and service!! The two operators (both named "Heather"!) at Treasure Coast Audiology have been like sisters to me. when I needed a new hearing solution they were the ONLY Audiology group on the Treasure Coast to consider my situation and work with me to find a true solution. The other NINE calls I made simply wanted to sell me their most outrageously priced hearing aids and did not care what lie they had to tell me in order to get me through their door to close me. This includes Doctors, Franchise locations etc. I unconditionally recommend Heather Hackney, her expertise, caring and generosity.