Hearing Test and hearing health evaluation

Assess your hearing quickly and professionally

The hearing assessment is the first crucial step to a better hearing and understanding. It consists of a series of tests giving the audiologist a good overview of the integrity of your ear. The hearing assessment is carried out in most cases on the first visit and during regular follow-ups to see the progression of the hearing loss. At Entendre + Hearing, we pay special attention to this step that is often crucial for the success of the following interventions.

What happens during a hearing test?

A hearing test usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The purpose is to determine if you have a hearing loss and, if so, it’s degree. Many people like to be accompanied by a family member or a close friend. Here’s what you can expect during this visit:

1. An evaluation of your hearing history: In a relaxed atmosphere, our audiologists talks with you to learn about your hearing. We will ask you several questions about your medical history, your family history of hearing loss, your exposure to noise and the listening situations that are the hardest for you. This step allows the audiologist to understand your needs to help direct the next interventions.
2. Verification of your ear canal ensures us that your ears show no infection. It is also possible that your ears are blocked with earwax. If this is the case, we will offer cleaning service, done ​​by an audiologist.
3. Hearing tests to determine your hearing capacities:
   • Pure tone audiometry is performed in a soundproof booth. You will hear sounds that vary in loudness and pitch through calibrated headphones installed on your ears. You will need to respond by pressing a button whenever you hear the sound. We will quickly and accurately determine the extent of the softest sounds you can hear. It is through a visual tool we call the audiogram that we can later present these results.
   • Speech audiometry takes place in the same environment, but this time you need to repeat the words heard. This test checks the level for which you can effectively understand the words. This test can also be performed in noise if the patient has difficulty in this condition.
   • If necessary, tympanometry will be realized. This test allows the audiologist to assess the condition of the middle ear (the eardrum and ossicles). You will feel a slight pressure in your ear, and it is possible that you hear a low-pitched sound. You will simply need to remain silent and motionless for several seconds.
   • Other more specialized tests may be performed if necessary. Consult our services for more details.
4. Finally, the audiologist will have an audiological conclusion.

Your audiologist will share the results and identify with you the possible solutions. These solutions may include communication strategies (tricks to better communicate), hearing aids or other hearing solutions to choose as needed. If you need hearing aids, we will help you choose the model to meet your needs in terms of hearing loss, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences and budget.

We always invite our patients to come accompanied. A lot of information is given during a hearing test, and it is often a good idea to have a second person to remember everything.