The Tinnitus Center

How do I know if I have a hearing loss?

You may have a hearing loss if:

  • You often ask people to repeat words.
  • You frequently complain that people mumble.
  • You play the TV or radio too loudly.
  • You have been exposed to loud noises over along period of time.
  • You have ringing or fullness in one or both ears.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should have your hearing evaluated.

 

Where should I go for this hearing evaluation?

A good place to start is to see and audiologist.  An audiologist is a hearing care professional who specializes in preventing, identifying, and assessing hearing impairment, as well as directing any needed rehabilitation.

Audiologists have a minimum of six years of college training, including a Master's degree in Audiology and a Certificate of Clinical Competence.

An audiologist can:

  • Give you a thorough hearing evaluation.
  • Recommend and provide an appropriate hearing aid if needed.
  • Suggest other options to improve your hearing if a hearing aid is not appropriate.

 

What will I learn from a hearing evaluation?

The audiologist will use modern equipment to measure your hearing of different pitches and your understanding of speech.  After testing both ears, the audiologist will explain the type and degree of any hearing loss you have.

If you show a pattern of hearing loss that usually is correctable by medically treated, more testing may be done to find the best type and model of hearing aid for you.  At this time, the audiologist will also counsel you concerning cost, as well as trial periods and warranty information concerning your hearing aid purchase.