Hearing Tests & Communication Needs Assessments
A comprehensive evaluation is the first step on your journey to better hearing.
While a standard hearing test is essential for detecting changes in your hearing, it is only one small piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving communication.
At Integral Audiology, we believe in treating the person, not just the hearing loss, which is why we offer comprehensive Communication Needs Assessments alongside thorough Hearing Tests. This approach helps us identify not just a hearing loss, but to better understand each individual’s unique challenges, preferences, and goals. This complete diagnostic approach ensures solutions are tailored to the individual, not just the test results.
What happens during a hearing test?
1 - Otoscopy
Your provider will look in your ears to make sure there is a clear visualization of your ear drum. If wax is in the way, we may recommend earwax removal prior to testing.
2 - Tympanometry
Your provider will run a test of middle ear function. This checks the overall health of your ear drum.
3 - Pure Tone Testing
Your provider will play tones in your ears and have you respond when you hear one. This tests the softest sounds that your ears are able to detect.
4 - Speech Testing
Your provider will have you repeat words that you hear. This gives us a better picture of how your brain processes and understands speech.
5 - Speech in Noise Testing
Speech in Noise testing is especially important for individuals who struggle to follow conversation in background noise.
6 - Audiogram Review
Once the hearing test is completed, your provider will review the results with you.
What happens during a Communication Needs Assessment?
When it comes to hearing care, it’s about more than just the results of a hearing test. A Communication Needs Assessment is a crucial part of the diagnostic process, helping us understand how hearing challenges impact your daily life.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Discuss Your Hearing & General Health History
We begin by learning about your hearing and overall health. We’ll ask about any changes in hearing you’ve noticed, previous treatments, or specific issues you’ve experienced. This helps us understand where you’re coming from and what might be affecting your hearing. Because hearing affects other aspects of overall health, we will also address any additional concerns that may be impacted such as cognitive or balance decline.
2. Discuss Your Lifestyle
Your daily activities and routines are unique to you. Whether you’re attending meetings, enjoying dinners out, or spending quiet time at home, we’ll explore how your hearing impacts the things you love doing.
3. Identify Communication Challenges
Every environment presents different challenges. Together, we’ll identify the situations where you find it most difficult to hear and understand others, such as in noisy places, during phone calls, or in group settings.
4. Set Your Communication Goals
What do you hope to achieve with better hearing? Whether it’s participating more actively in conversations, reducing frustration in noisy environments, or connecting more easily with loved ones, we’ll work with you to define clear goals.
5. Involve Loved Ones
If it is something you are comfortable with, we encourage loved ones to join the discussion. Their input can provide valuable insights and help us better understand how hearing challenges are affecting your relationships.
6. Explore Technology and Treatment Options
When applicable, we will introduce hearing aids, assistive devices, or other technologies that can meet your specific communication needs. Together, we’ll discuss how these solutions can help improve your ability to hear in various situations.
7. Create a Personalized Plan of Care
Finally, we’ll design a care plan just for you. This plan will address your hearing and communication goals, ensuring you feel confident and supported every step of the way. This may include hearing aids, strategies for better communication, or other solutions to meet your unique needs.
FAQs about Hearing Tests
Who should have their hearing tested?
- Anyone over the age of 50
- Individuals who have noticed a sudden change in hearing
- Individuals who experience ringing or tinnitus
- Individuals who spend time in noisy environments
- Individuals who struggle to understand speech in noisy environements
How long does a hearing test take?
We schedule 30 minutes for a hearing test, but you should only expect to be in the sound-treated booth for up to 15 minutes.
How often do I need to have my hearing tested?
Adults over 50 or anyone with a known hearing loss should have their hearing tested annually, while individuals 18-49 should have their hearing tested every 3-5 years.