Your hearing test is evaluated using an audiogram. This shows test sounds on a scale and provides information on the hearing threshold level in decibels. A hearing test isn’t a pass-fail exam, but the results can show whether you have hearing loss in one or both ears and how much hearing is gone. Here's how it works:
- It indicates how loud different sounds must be before they are first heard.
- If you have hearing loss, our hearing care professional will explain the result of the audiogram to you.
- It is a reflection of your hearing ability, so it shows how far your hearing ability deviates from normal hearing ability for each ear.
If your hearing test shows you have a hearing loss, our clinicians will explain the next steps. Our full assessment also includes things like visually inspecting your ears to see if you have impacted earwax or other visual signs of blockages or damage to your ear. In some cases, such as earwax blockages, we can offer a direct solution that can restore your hearing to your normal levels. We may also refer you to your family doctor or an ENT specialist for a service they can provide to help.
But for most people, the best solution is to try hearing aids. In this case, our hearing care professional will explain your options, how they work, how much they can cost, and so on.
Hearing Tests for Children
Some of our clinics can perform hearing tests on children, though it will depend on their age. During the hearing test, the hearing care professional will ask young children to do a simple activity such as placing a ring on a peg when they hear a specific sound.
Older children may have to press a button or raise a hand when they hear the sound until the child no longer reacts. If you want to know which of our HearCANADA centres are able to offer pediatric hearing tests and services for your child, please contact us.