Should I Get a Hearing Test?
- When meeting someone for the first time, you are unable to hear them clearly.
- You listen to the television or radio at a volume level which is uncomfortably loud for others in the room.
- You frequently ask people you are speaking with to repeat themselves because it sounds as if they are mumbling or their speech is muffled.
- You have frequent ringing in your ears that doesn’t go away.
- You find it difficult to hear conversations in noisy places – such as restaurants, airports or parties.
- You are unable to hear important sounds that occur during your day, including the alarm clock, cell phone notifications or the timer bell on the oven.
- You have trouble hearing phone conversations, particularly cell phone conversations or phone calls with a great deal of background noise.
- You feel as if your inability to hear is impairing your social life.
- You find yourself trying to read lips.
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, call or text Professional Audiology Clinic at 587-417-5223 and make an appointment for a hearing test in Edmonton or Sherwood Park.
A hearing test can detect issues as simple as an earwax obstruction, or as serious as permanent hearing loss. During your hearing test at Professional Audiology Clinic in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, we will measure the threshold at which you are able to hear specific sounds by having you listen to a series of tones at different volumes. The hearing test will also measure how well you hear and understand speech. This may include testing to determine how well you hear speech when there is considerable background noise.
After the test is completed, your hearing aid professional will create an audiogram that shows your hearing sensitivity. Using frequencies measured in Hertz (Hz), and loudness measured in decibels, the audiogram measures the lowest volume levels at which you can hear certain sounds. The louder it takes for a sound to be heard, the greater the level of hearing loss.
We will review your hearing test results with you and determine your degree of hearing loss. Afterward, you can discuss potential treatment options and which hearing aids will work best for your situation.
If you suffer from any form of hearing loss, call or text Professional Audiology Clinic at 587-417-5223 to set up an appointment and discuss treatment options.
What Happens During a Hearing Test at Professional Audiology Clinic?
Not sure what to expect? Your appointment at Professional Audiology Clinic in Edmonton is straightforward, comfortable, and typically takes about 60–90 minutes. Here’s what happens from the moment you arrive:
1. Health and Listening History Your appointment begins with a conversation. Your audiologist will ask about your health history, any medications, noise exposure, and — most importantly — the specific situations where you notice difficulty hearing. Bringing a family member or close friend is encouraged; they often notice hearing changes that patients themselves have adapted to and may overlook.
2. Physical Ear Examination (Otoscopy) Before any testing begins, your audiologist examines your ear canals using a small scope. This checks for earwax buildup, signs of infection, or any physical issues that might affect the test results. In many cases, earwax alone can account for noticeable hearing difficulty.
3. Pure-Tone Audiometry Wearing headphones in a soundproofed booth, you’ll listen to tones played at varying pitches and volumes and indicate each time you hear a sound. This maps out the full range of your hearing sensitivity across frequencies — the results form the foundation of your audiogram.
4. Speech Recognition Testing Your audiologist will assess not just whether you can hear sound, but how clearly you understand speech — including in the presence of background noise. This reflects real-world listening challenges and helps determine the most appropriate treatment path.
5. Additional Tests as Needed Depending on your results, your audiologist may perform additional assessments such as tympanometry (middle ear pressure testing) or bone conduction testing to identify the type and origin of any hearing loss detected.
6. Results Review and Next Steps Your audiologist will walk you through your audiogram in plain language, explain your degree of hearing loss if any exists, and discuss your options — including whether hearing aids, further follow-up, or simply monitoring is the right approach for you. You will receive a copy of your results, which can also be forwarded to your family doctor or specialist at no charge.
Evening appointments are available by request. Complimentary parking is available at both our Edmonton and Sherwood Park locations.
Call or Text 587-417-5223 to Book Your Hearing Test
Is a Hearing Test Covered in Alberta? Here’s What You Need to Know.
One of the most common questions we hear from patients in Edmonton is whether their hearing test or hearing aids are covered by insurance or a government program. The answer depends on your situation — and for many Albertans, meaningful coverage is available.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) The AADL program provides subsidized funding for hearing aids to eligible Alberta residents. Eligibility is based on age and annual taxable income. Seniors and lower-income adults may qualify for a significant portion of their hearing aid costs to be covered. Our team can help you understand whether you qualify and assist with the application process.
Alberta Health Care (AHC) A standard diagnostic hearing assessment is not covered under Alberta Health Care for routine adult hearing loss. However, some physician-referred diagnostic testing may qualify depending on the circumstances. Our audiologists can advise on referral pathways where applicable.
Private Insurance and Employee Benefits Many Albertans have partial or full coverage for hearing tests and hearing aids through group benefit plans and extended health insurance. Coverage amounts and policies vary, so we recommend checking with your provider before your appointment. We are happy to provide the necessary documentation for reimbursement claims.
Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta (WCB) If your hearing loss is related to occupational noise exposure, WCB Alberta may cover the cost of both hearing testing and hearing aids. Professional Audiology Clinic is authorized to provide services on behalf of WCB Alberta.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF / RCMP) Active members of the CAF and RCMP, as well as eligible veterans, may qualify for coverage of hearing health services through Veterans Affairs Canada or the Canadian Armed Forces health benefits program.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) First Nations and Inuit patients who are registered NIHB clients may be eligible for coverage of hearing tests and hearing aids through Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
Not Sure What You Qualify For? Our team will help you navigate your coverage options at your appointment. Many patients are surprised to discover that funding is available to them — the key is simply asking. If you qualify for a program, we’ll assist with the paperwork so you can focus on your hearing, not the administration.
Call or Text 587-417-5223 to Discuss Your Coverage Options
Reviewed by the audiologists at Professional Audiology Clinic
Still have questions? Ask one of our audiologists!
