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What to expect when you visit an audiologist

The steps for you and your family to receive the technology and support for better hearing.

No two ears are the same. Even your two ears respond to noises differently, so the resulting blend of sound is completely unique to you. 

Since every person experiences sound in different ways, we believe that everyone deserves the same care and attention that we provide our own families. This means making sure you understand what to expect at every step and provide you with the information to make confident decisions.

The journey to better hearing is distinct for every person, but there are three important parts in particular:
  1. Care: It all starts with someone who will listen to you and understand your hearing challenges and how they are impacting your daily life.
  2. Treatment: There are options to manage, prevent and improve hearing health. We will guide you through the options that will work best for you.
  3. Technology: We live in an incredible time when assistive devices come in all shapes and sizes. If required, we can help you select the best device for your ears, needs and daily routines.

Here’s what you can expect when preparing to visit an audiologist and from your visit. And since the journey is different for everyone, we invite you to call or email us with any questions before you book an appointment. Or have a look at our frequently asked questions to see the most common questions we receive. 


When you should schedule an appointment

The short answer is simple: If there are challenges impeding your hearing, then you should schedule an appointment. 

In reality, it can be difficult to know whether you are in need of hearing care. Your “normal” hearing may not be the same as it used to be, and hearing health tends to gradually change, so the differences between then and now can be barely noticeable. 

Children’s hearing health is incredibly important, but kids may not know what good hearing is like. Our clinic and team specialize in kids to adults, so we encourage you to book an appointment if you or their teachers have any concern about their hearing.

If you are unsure whether your hearing is as good as it used to be, the best thing to do is to contact Professional Audiology. A brief conversation with our team will remove any uncertainty over whether an appointment will be helpful. 



How to prepare for your appointment

The goal of a hearing evaluation is to give you answers to questions you may have and to other questions you may not know you have.
Our team and audiologists will guide you through the assessment and evaluation, but there are a few ways to prepare for the appointment so you leave with all the answers you need.

Reflect on the history of your hearing health

Changes in hearing health can sometimes be subtle and occur over long periods of time. Our questions will pinpoint any potential or real challenges, but it is useful to take a few minutes to reflect on any changes you have experienced.
  • How has your hearing changed from five years ago? Ten years ago?
  • Have your family or friends noticed any changes in your listening?
  • Does your family have any history of hearing loss or challenges?
  • It is also essential that we understand your general health, including any medications, allergies, problems with excessive earwax, and ear infections or head colds. 

Consider the challenges you are experiencing
We want to learn about your daily routines so the solutions will match your day-to-day life. There may be a variety of options available to you, so our recommendations will be aligned with the specific challenges and opportunities of your lifestyle. 
  • How often are you in noisy settings? How often are you in very quiet settings?
  • What are the common ways you communicate with others – phone calls, face to face, group settings?
  • Where do you notice the biggest difficulty in hearing and where are the difficulties not noticeable?

What to bring to your appointment
We recommend bringing a list of questions you may have, but we understand that you may not know what to ask. You may not know what the best questions to bring up are, especially if this is your first appointment. We welcome your questions at any time – before you schedule an appointment or after. The best way to send us your questions is by filling out our contact form or giving us a call.
You are also welcome to bring a family or friend to your appointment. Another set of ears can be comforting and supportive.

The appointment – what to expect
The process starts on the outside of your ear and works inward. Our team (including Murphy, the office mascot) will guide you through an evaluation and assessment. Here is a rundown of a usual appointment. 

Background discussion
We begin by learning about your general health, lifestyle and hearing challenges that you have experienced. This conversation gives us a chance to learn what is important to you and identify the next steps in the assessment.

This discussion not only provides us insight into your hearing health, but it also helps us understand why hearing is important for your day-to-day life. And it is always a treat to meet or catch up with the people and families that come to Professional Audiology.

Hearing tests
Continuing with our outside examination, we’ll review the health of the outside of your ears and then move to the inside. The tests we select are based on our initial assessment of your hearing health and the size of your ears. We have a range of assessment equipment for both adults and kids, so we can make sure the results are adequate and you are comfortable the entire time. 

You don’t need to know the details of how these tests work, but we are always excited to share with you the science and technology that make hearing tests possible. Here’s a quick overview of the most common tests.

Visual assessment: The parts of the ear can be tiny, but we can use an otoscope to observe the condition of the outer ear. This is the same device that your doctor uses to look into your ears, which includes a small light and magnifying lens. We look for infections, excessive earwax, debris and the overall state of the ear canal.

Tympanometry: We measure the flexibility of the ear drum with a tiny puff of air. This test works by measuring how much air and sound are bounced back from the ear drum. Using this test, we can evaluate the state of your middle ear – which contains the smallest bones in your body!

Pure-tone testing: This is a listening test during which we will play a variety of tones and see which ones you can hear or not hear. We’ll play some high tones and low tones, and a bunch of sounds in between. From this test, we can compare your hearing with normal results to see what pitches you can hear properly and what pitches you may be having trouble with. This test can be used to assess tinnitus by playing pulsing tones.

Speech testing: Tone testing is useful to measure how well you can hear specific pitch ranges, and speech testing is useful to determine how well you can hear words that sound similar. We will play a variety of words and ask you to repeat the words. This test is useful because it emulates a hearing challenge that is very common – and often the very reason for the assessment.

Tests for kids: Many of our tests work by playing a sound or tone and asking you whether you heard it or not. For young kids, we can use different techniques to monitor how they respond when we play certain sounds. Our clinic was designed to be kid-friendly, which makes it easier for us to complete the hearing tests and makes the experience pleasant for the little ones. We get better results, and your children are excited to return!

Understanding your results
Our assessment gathers information on the state of your hearing and then we are able to compare that with normal results. We can pinpoint the type, extent and characteristics of your hearing loss. 

The next step is to match your results with the hearing challenges you experience. Most of the time, there are clear connections to the assessment results and the daily challenges you indicate. Sometimes, the challenges you are experiencing don’t match up with the results we see on paper. This is uncommon, but we will take the time to double-check your background, challenges and results. We strive to fully understand what is happening and make sure it makes sense to you. 

Unlike many other medical appointments, hearing tests can be reviewed and evaluated immediately. We will be able to discuss your results while the tests are fresh on your mind. 

This is the most important step to us. We will take the time to review the what and why of your hearing results so you can be comfortable in the next steps. And we also find it exciting to be able to share more about how the ear works and how we can make your hearing better!


After your appointment
There are an incredible number of options available to improve hearing, but that means it can be difficult to decide the best next step. Our goal is for you to be excited and confident about the treatment and technology you select.

Our assessment process is designed to provide us with the data to be able to provide you with the information to make a confident decision. When you leave your appointment, you will know:
  • How your hearing compares with normal hearing
  • Why you hear the way you do
  • What options (including technology and rehabilitation) are available so you can hear better
  • Our recommendations based on your hearing, lifestyle and needs
We find that most questions arise when the appointment is complete – once our clients have had time to consider the options for the next steps. We always welcome you to contact our clinic so we can provide the information you need. 

Selecting a new hearing aid
One option is a new hearing aid. The available technology is incredible and we know it can assist you with hearing in all types of situations, and we also know it can be difficult to decide on the best type of technology. 

We don’t expect you to know what type of hearing aid you want. In fact, hearing technology is always rapidly changing, so we take it upon ourselves to keep up with the available brands, types and options that you may be interested in. Our process to help you find a hearing aid is not based on the available hearing aids, but rather based on you and your lifestyle. These are the types of questions we use to match you with a hearing aid:
  • What type of setting do you work in? Is it a loud workplace or a quiet one? 
  • What type of setting is your home? 
  • Do you often talk on the phone? Do you often listen to music? Do you often watch television?
  • What is your budget?
The benefit of hearing technology is that there are many options available. But that is also the challenge. 
Our goal is to improve your hearing health. We are not a hearing aid store, but rather professional audiologists who will match the solutions to what you need.

Hearing health is an ongoing journey
From your first appointment to years after, Professional Audiology wants to match your care, treatment and technology with the hearing you’re currently experiencing. It is an ongoing journey, but we keep up with our clients and technology so you don’t have to worry about your own hearing.

We have always been focused on specialized treatment for the entire family, including children. Kids go through many changes and hearing should not be an additional variable in their own journeys. Our care and treatment options provide consistency and support for all ages. 

Contact us to schedule an assessment. We can then outline the next steps to put you on a path to better hearing.

How often should I get my hearing tested?

18 Apr, 2023
It’s routine for people to schedule medical checkups, like an annual physical, vision test or dental exam. But regular hearing tests are much less commonplace. Despite the integral role hearing plays in our daily lives, we just don’t tend to pay it as much mind. Your hearing is far from static, which is why we urge everyone—both young and old, known hearing loss or not—to get a hearing test and ensure you’re properly caring for all your senses. What happens during a hearing test? Hearing evaluations may be in-depth, but they are nothing to be nervous about. We won’t be poking and prodding you. Professional Audiology goes beyond the basic tests to better ensure our clients receive the thorough care they deserve. Here’s an in-depth overview of what happens during a hearing test. Hearing Screening A quick pass/fail test of your ability to hear different tones in each ear. It will indicate if you have hearing loss but will not go into any detail about the type or levels of degradation. If you fail a hearing screening, you should definitely get a full hearing test. Hearing Test Sometimes referred to as a hearing evaluation, these tests go in-depth into analyzing and diagnosing your hearing ability, your understanding of speech and assessing your outer, middle and inner ears. Components of a full hearing evaluation Your hearing is a two-part process, involving the physical action of hearing as well as the processing of the sound information once received by your brain. It’s crucially important to test based on both these factors to ensure you receive the proper care. There are a number of different tests that will be performed during your hearing evaluation. These include: Air conduction Otoscopy Bone conduction Tympanometry Word recognition Loudness discomfort levels None of these tests are invasive, and when combined, they offer our clients the fullest possible picture of their current hearing, and help highlight the best path to better hearing health. When should I get my hearing tested? There are many good reasons to receive a hearing test, and far fewer reasons not to. If you or someone you know has hearing loss, regular hearing tests are crucial to tell whether your loss is changing or degrading. If you’ve been receiving treatment for hearing loss, hearing tests will be able to gauge if that treatment has been successful in providing help and hopefully stemming the tide of further damage. If you work in a loud environment or frequent loud spaces like concerts, then regular hearing tests can be very helpful in guarding against further damage. Occupational hearing loss is unfortunately very common. If you ever notice a pervasive ringing in your ears, it is definitely in your best interest to receive a hearing test. Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, and while it can’t be treated the same way, a hearing test can certainly help you better understand your condition. If you’ve never received a hearing test before, it can be very helpful for future visits to have a baseline to compare to, so in the future it will be easier to determine if any loss has occurred. If for any reason, you or a loved one is questioning whether they may be suffering from hearing loss, then a comprehensive hearing evaluation can either quell those concerns or help lead you to the next step in determining how to tackle and prevent any further hearing loss. 

How hearing loops help when you’re out and about

18 Apr, 2023
There are plenty of situations in your day-to-day life that require a level of active listening. For anyone with hearing challenges, this can create a barrier that makes going about your regular business quite difficult. One solution for dealing with this is hearing loops, a very helpful technology that can make a huge difference for folks who are hard of hearing. What are hearing loops? A hearing loop is a unique sound system that is used to transmit sound directly to a user’s hearing aid or cochlear implant. Made up of a physical loop of cable that is placed around a designated area, a hearing loop transmits sound by generating a magnetic field in the area which delivers a signal to properly equipped hearing aids. When hooked up to a microphone, a hearing loop carries a speaker's voice wirelessly to listeners hearing aids and is best implemented in environments like church halls, theatre rooms and public spaces like banks, information centers and similar public-oriented service providers. How do hearing loops work with hearing aids? For a hearing aid to pick up the transmitted sound from a hearing loop, it has to be equipped with a called a telecoil. Also referred to as a T-coil, this technology is made up of a small coil of wire wrapped around a rod that acts as an antenna to pick up the sound being delivered by a hearing loop. All cochlear implants have telecoils equipped, and nearly 80% of hearing aids either have a telecoil included or are capable of using one. It’s important to ask that a telecoil be included with your new hearing aids, as it is such a helpful tool to be used when you’re out and about. How do I use a hearing loop? This is arguably the best part of hearing loop systems, as cochlear implants and T-coil-equipped hearing aids automatically pick up the signal, meaning you don’t have to do anything to enjoy the benefits of crystal-clear communication. Say you walk into a bank with a hearing loop system. Rather than having to struggle to hear what the teller is saying behind their glass partition, you’ll be able to hear their voice clearly and succinctly without so much as pushing a button. Even better is going to a packed local play and not having to strain to hear the actors, as their voices are being transmitted directly into your ears. Hearing loops provide a level of access that hearing aids alone can’t even offer. More and more locations around the world are adding hearing loops to their services, providing those who are hard of hearing the chance to go about their days with an increased level of normality. Where can I find hearing loops in Edmonton? There are multiple locations around Edmonton that provide the added hearing assistance of a hearing loop. The popular Citadel Theatre in downtown Edmonton has hearing loops installed in two of its performance areas, allowing everyone to enjoy their shows the way they were meant to be. Most of the HSBC banks in the city are equipped with hearing loops, and all of Edmonton’s public libraries offer hearing loops at their front counters. You can go to Hearing Loops Canada For a more detailed list of hearing loop locations as well as plenty of other useful hearing loop resources. If you’re interested in the benefits of hearing loops, your first step should be to book a hearing test . Professional Audiology can help you find the right devices that will not only take advantage of the benefits of hearing loops but also greatly help improve your ability to hear. Take that first step and see how hearing aids can help you take back control of your hearing health.

Tips for hearing better when dining out

18 Apr, 2023
There’s no question that dining out can be a stressful experience for anyone suffering from hearing loss. With diners chatting away, cutlery clanging and music playing at an uncomfortably loud level, even folks with healthy hearing may have a hard time communicating with their table mates. These debilitating decibels can make it an easy choice to stay in and miss out on socializing, which can quickly take a toll on your overall mental well-being. Here are some straightforward tips and tricks that can help those who are hard of hearing have an enjoyable experience when heading out for a bite. Take the Time to Plan Ahead If you are the one planning the restaurant outing, then all the power is in your hands. Make sure to use it! When these tips are combined, they’re sure to increase the enjoyment level of your culinary excursion. Research quiet restaurants People love to make lists and categorize essentially everything online. If you live in an urban area, there’s a very good chance that someone has taken the time to discern which restaurants won’t blow out your eardrums. Choose your seating carefully If you’re planning early, you should be able to pick your seat. Sitting right in the middle of a crowded dining area, with noisy neighbours in all directions, is sure to cause you some distress. Specifically, ask for a high-backed booth or a corner seat where you’ll have a wall to your back. This is sure to cut out a lot of the clamour. Timing is everything As you are the master and commander of your outing, you have a lot more sway in picking the time for everyone to gather and chow down. While brunch is certainly trendy, it won’t be hearing-friendly. Neither will the middle of the dinner rush be. Pick a time after the lunch rush, before the dinner rush, or even have a slightly later dinner. That way, after you’ve devoured your food, the restaurant will be nice and quiet, allowing you and your guests plenty of time to comfortably sip your wine and chat the night away. When Not in Charge of Planning, Advocate for Yourself This can admittedly be quite a tricky one. Nobody wants to inconvenience their friends or loved ones with a perceived huge ask for accommodation. It’s uncomfortable, and odds are your brain will tell you you’re asking too much and being a real pain. We’re here to tell you, you’re not asking too much. Your hearing issue is a real physical and measurable issue. Your mates will more than likely be happy to help you have an enjoyable dining experience. If not, then we’re sorry your friends suck. Bottom line: as hard as it can be, advocating for yourself is more than acceptable. Take Advantage of Tech to Improve Your Dining Experience Thank goodness for the ever-evolving world of technology, as there are products, devices and apps out there that can help you get the most out of your social forays. One such option is the ability to live transcribe the conversations at your table using your smartphone. There are multiple free apps, including a Google Android app that allow you to actively read what is being said by those dining with you. While the technology isn’t perfect, and you may get some comedically hilarious translation hiccups, context will probably help you through those bugs. Hearing aids are life changers for those who are hard of hearing Of course, the tried-and-true method to help you hear your surroundings with clarity and accuracy is hearing aids. Gone are the bulky and awkward hearing aids that stick out like a sore thumb. In are the sleek and discreet hearing aids with advanced technology like directional microphones that will help you focus the conversation. Hearing aids really can make a hugely beneficial impact on your life. You don’t have to continue suffering on your own, struggling from one conversation to another. While not a 100% cure to all your hearing issues, they are by far the best and most effective option to get you back out socializing and enjoying your life the way you used to. You can start your road to hearing recovery by booking a hearing test with Professional Audiology. Our trained and knowledgeable audiologists will help you find the hearing aid solution that works best for your specific needs. Take that first step and see how hearing aids can help you take back control of your hearing health.
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