Hearing Tests & Assessments for Adults
Hearing tests can be done for a variety of reasons. We frame our appointments based on our Patient’s needs, so that they get the most appropriate assessment and benefit from the right amount of testing and counselling.
Regardless of the type of assessment you may need, we pride ourselves on using a medical-based, patient-centered and holistic approach in our appointments, meaning that we always take the time to look at the big picture to determine if your symptoms are related to your hearing system or if they are impacted by other factors. We also have a large network of health professionals to refer to should you require further help in your rehabilitation solution.
Our ability to make our patients feel at ease, our knowledge in testing and our ability to counsel and explain the results also makes us a uniquely qualified team of Audiologists to work with.
Employment Hearing Test
This appointment is for Patients who require a hearing test for a work application. Ex: Pilots, RCMP, etc. This appointment includes the completion of all required documents and reports.
Medical Hearing Assessment
This appointment is meant for Patients who experience ear-level symptoms such as pressure, blockage or pain in their ears, and also experience hearing difficulties possibly due to these symptoms. This would also be for a Patient who needs a hearing assessment before seeing an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist, and/or to rule out any other medical conditions. This appointment includes a thorough medical report for your Physician or Specialist, if required.
Hearing Assessment for Hearing Difficulties & Hearing Loss
This appointment is meant for Patients who are experiencing hearing difficulties, who are looking to figure out what may be causing them and who may be looking for help.
During these consultations, we look at all the factors that may impact your hearing, how you process speech sounds in noisy environments, as well as the integrity of the hair cells in their inner ear; through more advanced equipment and counselling tools. Our hearing assessments provide our Patients with an in-depth comprehension of their hearing, as well as the reasons why they may be struggling.
We structure our appointments so that we have additional time to provide appropriate counselling, as well as discuss acoustics rehabilitation options if required, such as hearing aids, reviewing strategies or perhaps needing to be referred to other health professionals.
Detailed medical and rehabilitation recommendations can be made after this consultation, and also includes a medical report if required.
Hearing Assessment for 3rd Party Funders
Our Audiologists are registered and trained in performing hearing assessments for various 3rd Party Funders, which includes:
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
- Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Ontario Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD)
- Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit (NIHB)
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
- Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB – NS)
- Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB – Man)
- Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)
Our team makes sure to perform the required testing for your application, whether for hearing loss or for tinnitus, as well as help you understand the process of your application. This appointment includes a medical report if required, as well as any form filling for your application. If your funder is not listed, let us know! We may be able to register with them so you can have access to their program.
Hearing Loss Simulation
Looking to make sense of your hearing loss or a family member’s hearing loss? We can help you! Our audiologists are trained to provide extensive counselling on hearing assessment results so that it makes sense for you. We can also simulate your hearing loss for your communication partner, should they accompany you to your appointment, so they can better understand how you hear.
If you have had a recent hearing assessment, we can base the counselling & simulation based on those results. If you require an updated hearing test, schedule a Hearing Assessment Consultation instead, and bring your communication partner to the appointment. (ex: spouse, family member, friend, etc), so we can include the simulation in the counselling portion of the consultation.
How long do appointments take?
Appointment durations vary depending on the services required. Most of our consultations for adults are 90 minutes. This includes discussions of your case history, the assessment itself, and any necessary counselling/education and recommendations. This length of appointment ensures we have ample time to address all your questions thoroughly.
What is included in the Hearing Assessment Consultation?
During your visit, the Audiologist will review your detailed case history. The assessment itself may include several tests that allow us to verify the condition of your outer, middle and inner ear, as well as how you process speech clarity. As an example, our typical assessments may include an otoscopic examination, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs), standard pure-tone audiometry, which includes both air and bone conduction; as well as speech audiometry tests such as Speech Reception Threshold (SRT), Most Comfortable Level (MCL), Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL), and word recognition, along with a speech-in-noise test. We choose which tests are relevant based on the patient history and responses throughout the assessment. Post-assessment, we discuss the results and their implications for your auditory health, addressing any symptoms you’ve reported, and provide relevant recommendations.
Does a hearing assessment include a medical report?
A medical report is included with most hearing assessment consultations, which can be forwarded to any relevant health professional required. A hearing assessment for employment reasons does not include a medical report but includes completion of required documentation.
Do you refer to other specialists pending on the assessment results?
Yes. A hearing assessment allows us to determine if there is a concern for hearing, but also within the auditory system. We have medical criteria that we go by to help determine if further medical referrals are required or not, and if the involvement of your family Physician and/or an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist; or any other health professionals, may be required.
Are hearing tests covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover hearing assessments under Audiology Services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider beforehand to understand your specific coverage.
Can I bring someone with me to my hearing assessment?
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring a companion to your appointment. They can provide additional insights during the assessment and assist in discussing findings and recommendations. If your results show a hearing loss, we can also simulate your hearing loss for your accompanying person, so they can understand your hearing loss better.
