At Audiology Associates of Southern Oregon, we provide comprehensive hearing evaluations you can trust. Our goal is to give you a clear, accurate understanding of your hearing in a straightforward, comfortable setting. Read on to learn the importance of getting a hearing test and what you can expect during your visit.
Why Should I Get a Hearing Test?
Hearing can gradually change over time. You might not even realize how much you’ve been missing — perhaps a quiet moment with loved ones or the subtle sounds of nature while hiking near Crater Lake. A comprehensive hearing test is a proactive step that helps you:
Catch Changes Early
Hearing loss often develops slowly, making early detection key to more effective and straightforward treatment.
Nourish Your Brain Health
Research shows associations between untreated hearing loss and increased risk of cognitive decline. Addressing hearing loss may help support brain health, though more research is ongoing to understand this relationship fully.
Stay Truly Connected
Life’s richest moments — sharing stories, laughter, and more — rely on clear hearing. A hearing test helps preserve these vital connections with family and friends.
Establish Your Baseline
Just as you’d schedule a regular physical or eye exam, a hearing checkup allows you to understand your current hearing health. This empowers you to protect it proactively for years to come.
What Can I Expect During a Hearing Test?
Our comprehensive 3-step process is designed with you and your hearing journey in mind. The entire appointment typically takes about an hour, and you can expect to leave with clear answers and a sense of direction, never any pressure.
Step 1: A Friendly Chat
We begin by simply listening. We’ll learn about your hearing experiences, your daily lifestyle, and what you hope to achieve. This helps us understand any specific concerns and potential factors influencing your hearing, from your work environment to any medications you might be taking.
Step 2: Your Hearing Review
Next, we’ll gently examine your ears and explain how hearing works. If needed, we’ll conduct a thorough hearing test. This test is crucial for understanding the nature and degree of your hearing ability. During this part, we’ll evaluate:
Step 3: Clear Insights & Solutions
This is where we bring it all together. We’ll carefully review your test results with you, displaying them on a simple graph called an audiogram. We’ll explain it in plain, understandable language, showing how well you hear different pitches, from the softest whispers to the loudest sounds.
We’ll discuss what your unique audiogram means, whether your hearing is typical, or if you’re experiencing mild, moderate, or even severe hearing loss. Our goal is to ensure you fully understand your current hearing health.
Together, we’ll explore any necessary next steps, which could include protection, monitoring, or personalized treatment options. Should hearing technology be beneficial, we’ll guide you through the most advanced solutions available, always matching them to your specific lifestyle and hearing needs, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit.
Common Questions About Hearing Tests
We know you might have questions, and we’re always here to provide clear answers:
Got questions?
We’ve got answers and we’re standing by to help.