Frequently Asked Questions
A hearing test is a non-invasive and painless procedure designed to assess an individual’s ability to hear different sounds, frequencies, and volumes. During the test, the person undergoing the examination wears headphones through which various sounds and tones are played, and they indicate whether they can hear them. No physical discomfort is associated with the sounds or the testing process itself. Some parts of the test, like tympanometry, involve changes in air pressure in the ear canal. However, this is generally not painful, just a bit unusual in sensation for some people. The test is conducted in a quiet, controlled environment, typically in a registered hearing aid practitioner’s office, and is designed to be as comfortable as possible for the patient. Overall, the goal of a hearing test is to evaluate hearing capabilities in a safe, straightforward manner without causing any pain or discomfort.
A hearing test and ear cleaning are related but distinct procedures that play important roles in maintaining optimal ear health and hearing capabilities. Ear cleaning, also known as earwax removal, is a process where excess earwax (cerumen) is cleared from the ear canal. This is often necessary when earwax builds up to the point of causing blockage, discomfort, or even temporary hearing loss. Excessive earwax can muffle sounds and affect the accuracy of a hearing test, leading to misleading results. Therefore, it’s common practice to clean the ears before conducting a hearing test to ensure that the test measures the true hearing ability without interference from earwax obstruction.
Hearing Assessments
As hearing experts, we provide comprehensive testing and work with ENT specialists to ensure the care of your hearing health.
South Edmonton: 780-809-1349
St. Albert: 780-590-1349
