What can I expect during a hearing evaluation?

During a hearing evaluation at Progressive Hearing & Balance, you can expect a thorough and comprehensive assessment of your hearing abilities. The process typically begins with a consultation where the audiologist will discuss your medical history and any hearing concerns you may have. This conversation allows the audiologist to understand your specific situation better and tailor the evaluation accordingly. Following the consultation, various tests will be conducted. These tests usually include pure-tone audiometry, where you will wear headphones and respond to different sounds at varying pitches and volumes. This evaluation helps determine the softest sounds you can hear. Additionally, speech audiometry may be performed, requiring you to repeat words or sentences at different sound levels. This part of the evaluation assesses your ability to understand speech, which is critical in everyday communication. Other tests, such as tympanometry, may also be conducted to evaluate the function of the middle ear. The entire process is generally comfortable and non-invasive. After completing the evaluation, the audiologist will review the results with you, explain any findings, and discuss potential next steps if necessary. This comprehensive approach ensures a better understanding of your hearing health and possible interventions.