Never had a hearing test?

Here’s what to expect step-by-step!

by Kaitlyn Ostrowski, AuD

  1. Our audiology assistant will greet you and check you in for your appointment.
  2. We’ll show you to our audiology testing booth, otherwise known as the sound booth.
    1. The sound booth is meant to be sound proof and so you won’t hear any noise from other areas.
    2. The sound booth is a nice-sized space. There is plenty of room for you and the audiologist to move around and there are two large windows making it feel even more open.
  3. While you’re in the sound booth, I’ll ask questions to get an understanding of your main concerns and your hearing history.
  4. I’ll looking in your ears, which may be much like a doctor looking into your ears before. Depending on your symptoms and history, I may do a pressure test to see how well your ear drums are moving. You’ll feel a quick change in pressure and it may feel as though you are going up on a little hill – like when you’re in a car.
  5. We’ll put headphones over your ears or ear buds in your ears for the hearing test.
  6. During the hearing test, you’ll hear a series of beeps, some louder and some quieter. I’ll ask you to push a button, raise a hand, or give another sign each time you hear a beep.
  7. After completing the beep portion of the test, I’ll ask you to repeat back some words. Some of these words will be louder and some of the words will be quieter.
  8. I’ll then place a headband behind your ear and ask you to respond whenever you hear more beeps.
  9. All of this information together helps me get the best understanding of your individual hearing ability and any hearing loss.

Depending on your needs, I may do additional testing, but this is what to expect during your hearing test. I’m looking forward to seeing you and helping you hear as well and as clearly as possible!

FAQs about hearing aids

A hearing test is conducted while you’re sitting comfortably in a soundproof room with windows so the audiologist can see you. You’ll wear headphones and respond by raising your hand or pressing a button when you hear various sounds.

You’ll never know until you visit an audiologist for a hearing test.

Sometimes hearing aids are covered by insurance but not always. It’s best for each person to check with their insurance provider.

Click to download the guide: What to know when buying hearing aids.

FAQs about over-the-counter hearing aids

Individuals have varying perceptions of their levels of hearing loss and may have more severe hearing loss than they perceive. An audiologist would be able to determine your exact degree of hearing loss and help determine if you would be an OTC candidate or not. There are also medical conditions with hearing loss that require further medical evaluation and need to be ruled out, such has one sided hearing loss or a sudden onset of hearing loss.
If you are under the age of 18 you are not able to obtain OTC devices and will require further medical evaluation by an audiologist or other hearing provider.

Audiologists and hearing care providers can provide more advanced support and services with your prescribed hearing aids to better serve each unique patient.

Hearing aids are a significant cost and it is an important factor in making an amplification decision. For some individuals OTC devices are a good option, but they are not meant for everyone and that is why it is important to see an audiologist first. Many audiologists do not make commissions on hearing aid sales and our audiologist is here to make the best recommendation based on your specific situation and listening needs, whatever that may be.

OTCs are currently approved for adults 18 and over with mild to moderate hearing loss.

OTCs are meant for people who have mild to moderate hearing losses. People may not fully understand their degree of hearing loss and may believe their hearing is better than it is. Therefore, a hearing evaluation with a professional is recommended. Your audiologist can then discuss with you if you would be an OTC candidate or require prescription hearing aids.

If you are under the age of 18, have a sudden hearing loss, one sided hearing loss, ear pain or drainage, dizziness, or tinnitus then you should be medically evaluated before using OTC or prescription hearing aids.

It is very important to consult an audiologist and Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) physician right away if you are experiencing a sudden loss of your hearing.

There are no specific steps you need to follow prior to making the purchase if you meet the predetermined criteria. It is a good idea to have your hearing evaluated first before making the purchase to determine if you are a good OTC candidate.

Not necessarily. The OTC hearing aids are self-fitting, meaning you as the consumer make small changes on the devices or in an application yourself. An audiologist is not able to make more fine-tuning changes to the sound of the devices.

Your OTC hearing aids may not be able to be serviced at Winona Health or other hearing care providers. The audiologist may look at the device and counsel you on its care, maintenance and use, but there are no additional adjustments that the audiologist can make or any specific repairs that they can do. For any appointment related to your OTC devices there is typically a clinic visit charge.

There are currently no regulations on a trial period or return policy for OTC hearing aids.

OTC hearing aids are self-fitting and do not require a hearing evaluation prior to a purchase. They have lesser technology and sound processing in the devices and cannot be adjusted by audiologists or dispensers. They have specific regulations on the sound output of the devices making them safe to use. They are not fit based on the individual’s hearing loss and are only meant for individuals who have mild to moderate hearing losses.

Prescription hearing aids have specific sound processing and higher levels of technology in the devices. They are specifically programmed for your hearing loss and based on how the sound is processed in your ear. Audiologists can make several fine-tuning adjustments to the devices to help with sound processing. These devices can also be repaired by the audiologist or the manufacturer. Prescription hearing aids can also be dispensed for a wider range of hearing losses.

OTC hearing aids have lesser technology and sound processing making them less expensive and they do not include professional fees that are associated with prescription hearing aids, such as the fitting and adjustments of the devices. OTC hearing aids are a good option for some individuals, but they are more of a one size fits all solution where as a prescription hearing aid is fit to your specific hearing loss and listening needs.

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