Hearing Testing and Evaluations
Hearing loss does not always show up suddenly; it is typically a gradual process. You may not notice that you're asking people to repeat themselves more often or that you've had to turn the TV volume up again. Many people live with hearing loss for many years without realizing just how much it is affecting their lives.
When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to more than just a few missed words. It can cause stress in relationships, lower your confidence when out in public, or even affect your memory and overall cognitive health. A hearing test is the first step in understanding what is happening and what can be done about the issues.
Signs You May Need a Hearing Test
You often ask others to repeat themselves.
It’s hard to follow conversations in noisy places.
You think people mumble, especially on the phone.
Family or friends mention that you don’t hear well.
You turn up the TV or radio louder than others prefer.
You feel tired or frustrated after lengthy conversations.
What to Expect During a Hearing Evaluation
At Shroeder’s Hearing Aids & Audiology, your comfort comes first. We will start with a detailed conversation about your hearing concerns, medical history, and lifestyle. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you to help personalize your care and be a lasting part of your support system.
We will guide you through a series of gentle, non-invasive tests designed to check how well you hear in various situations and sounds. Our comprehensive diagnostic process includes a speech understanding and discrimination test to evaluate how clearly you hear words in quiet and noisy environments. We then use real-ear measurement (REM) or real speech mapping to verify how well hearing aids would amplify sound inside your ear. Finally, we use voice and sound customization to highlight familiar voices and fine-tune devices. As we go through this process, we explain each step to help you feel confident and informed.
Understanding Your Test Results
Once you have a complete evaluation, we will go over the results in detail using an audiogram. An audiogram is a chart that shows the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches or frequencies. We will explain important terms like frequency, decibels (dB), and hearing loss levels.
We will further discuss how your hearing affects your daily life and potential solutions that are available. We aim to help you understand your hearing health and feel empowered in your next steps.
Next Steps After a Hearing Evaluation
Every individual’s hearing needs differ, so our treatment recommendations are based on your unique test results and lifestyle. If your hearing happens to be within the normal range, we may simply suggest monitoring it annually. If we detect hearing loss, we will then guide you through the best possible solutions for your case.
Your next steps may include monitoring due to mild hearing loss and regular check-ups. You may need to explore hearing aids or assistive listening devices tailored to your individual needs. Some people may be referred to a medical specialist if the evaluation shows signs of some underlying condition that requires further testing. No matter the outcome, we are here to support you, not sell you something you do not need.
Affordable Hearing Aids for Every Budget
We believe better hearing should be available for everyone. That is why we offer such a wide range of hearing aids at different price points and technology levels. Whether you are looking for more advanced features or simple support, we will help you find a match that fits your budget and needs.
We further provide flexible pricing plans to make hearing aids more affordable for your budget, financial support through the Senior Connection Scholarship, and a two-week free demo option so you can try out your hearing aids in real-life situations before making a decision. Most importantly, we are committed to the goal that no one leaves without a solution.