Should You See An Audiologist?

How do you know for sure if you have a hearing loss? With the gradual rate at which hearing loss typically develops, it can sometimes be hard to tell.

The following hearing self-assessment and hearing screening can help you consider the degree of difficulty you are experiencing with your hearing and whether or not you might need a more complete hearing exam conducted by a trained professional. The questions have been adapted from a self-assessment tool created by the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Please take the time to think about each question, and find out if you should seek further help for your hearing.

When To Get A Hearing Test

Most hearing loss develops gradually, so the signs are difficult to detect. Ask yourself these questions to evaluate how you are hearing.

  1. You hear, but words are not clear
  2. Others mumble or speak too softly
  3. You ask others to repeat themselves frequently
  4. Others say your TV volume is too loud
  5. Your hearing is worse in one ear
  6. Conversation in a noisy restaurant or social setting is more difficult
  7. You are exposed to loud noise or music
  8. You’ve taken chemotherapy or IV antibiotics
  9. You’ve taken medications for (1 or more):
    • Diabetes
    • Blood pressure
    • Heart
    • Kidneys
    • Osteoporosis
    • Depression
  10. You have memory loss or dementia
  11. There is hearing loss in your family
  12. You experience dizziness/balance issues or have a history of falling
  13. You experience tinnitus, a noise or ringing in the ear(s)
  14. You’re age 50 or older

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may want to schedule a hearing test at Champlain Valley Audiology. Through testing, an audiologist can tell you whether you have a hearing loss as well as its nature and extent. If a hearing loss is detected, an appropriate course of action will be recommended.

We encourage you to contact us about scheduling an appointment for any of our services if your hearing, even slightly, negatively affects your daily life. We hear you, and we’re here for you.

Hearing Assessments at Champlain Valley Audiology

We conduct our initial hearing assessments with a straightforward, four step process for pediatric and adult patients.

Step One: Information Gathering

We will discuss the hearing or tinnitus concerns as well as obtain past and present pertinent medical history.

Step Two: The Examination

Testing is conducted in a quiet sound reduction booth. Testing may be performed using a variety of headphones as well as automated testing of the cochlea, auditory nerve, and middle ear space.

From this assessment, the audiologist can determine the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as which specific speech sounds can be heard or not heard.

Step Three: The Testing

Testing is conducted in a quiet sound reduction booth. Testing may be performed using a variety of headphones as well as automated testing of the cochlea, auditory nerve, and middle ear space.

From this assessment, the audiologist can determine the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as which specific speech sounds can be heard or not heard. If the patient is being seen for tinnitus evaluation, additional tinnitus testing will also be conducted at this time.

Step Four: Results and Recommendations

Results of your hearing or tinnitus test will be thoroughly discussed with you. You should leave with an understanding of how much hearing loss you have, what likely caused your hearing loss, if you are at a higher risk for medical problems as a result of your hearing loss, and what recommendations should be considered.

Additionally, if hearing loss is found, we will recommend and explain the benefits of suitable solutions (if necessary) for your degree of hearing loss and your lifestyle. If there is anyone you would like to hear the test results and be part of the treatment recommendations, we encourage you to bring this person with you. Typically a good deal of information is shared at this time.

Champlain Valley Audiology Office

Champlain Valley Audiology Hearing Test Room

Still Not Sure If You Need A Hearing Test?

The following online hearing test is an excellent place to start if you are unsure whether or not you should come to see us for a formal hearing test and evaluation. It is free to AARP members and only a small fee for Non-AARP members.

AARP Members

Free Online Hearing Test

Non-AARP Members

Paid Online Hearing Test

Treatment or Management of Hearing Loss May Include:

Hearing Aids

Amplification with hearing aids is the preferred treatment for most types of sensorineural hearing loss and some conductive or mixed hearing losses. Hearing aids can provide significant improvements in understanding speech. We will look at the results together and you will be provided with the expected degree of improvement in communication with specific hearing aids if hearing aids are an option for your hearing loss

Corrective surgery, auditory implants, or possible medical treatment of hearing loss

If the hearing loss involves the middle ear system, in part or in whole, you will be referred to an otologist (Ears, Nose & Throat ENT) physician for evaluation of treatment of the hearing loss involving medical intervention. If medical treatment is not recommended or pursued, hearing aids may be a very good solution for this type of hearing loss pending medical clearance.

Tinnitus Treatment or Management

Please visit our Tinnitus Care Center for more information about tinnitus evaluation and treatment.