What to Expect From a Hearing Test

Audiology First dives deeper into any unknowns to learn more about your hearing and provide better answers.

All hearing tests aim to answer the question: how well do you hear?

At Audiology First, we take it a step further and try to understand more about your hearing to answer these questions:

Why do you experience sounds the way you do?
Where in the ears and hearing system are there any issues or concerns?
What factors or experiences might have contributed to any hearing difficulties?
And most importantly – what are the options that can make the most significant difference to your hearing health?

Hearing challenges can be complex and challenging to understand, but the only way to find any answers is to get information. A hearing test is our primary tool to obtain data and insights into how you experience sounds and what is happening in your ears and brain.

If you’re new to hearing care, a hearing test helps you understand the current state of your hearing and if technology and treatment can improve your health and well-being.

If you already wear hearing aids, a hearing test from Audiology First will dive deeper into any unknowns. This will confirm what you already know and highlight any opportunities to leverage your hearing aids.

How Audiology First is Different

Testing is the foundation of both a diagnosis and a treatment plan. It helps us understand what is currently happening and what to expect from hearing care.

Many hearing clinics only perform basic hearing tests. These include hearing screening, simple speech and clarity tests, and a visual examination of the ears.

Audiology First is different. We take a science-based approach to hearing health care that includes detailed and thorough examinations with the latest diagnostic technology. After we understand how well you can hear, we immediately try to determine the why.

We are the most advanced hearing clinic in Southern Alberta because of our comprehensive approach to testing. Our audiologists go deeper to understand your hearing better – because outcomes are improved when everyone has more information to make a better decision.

What Happens During a Hearing Test

When you book a hearing test at Audiology First, you will meet one-on-one with an audiologist to go through the assessments and discuss your results. Our goal is to seek as many answers as possible during your test and then share them with you right away.

The typical steps to a hearing test at Audiology First are:

Your audiologist will ask questions to explore your medical history and lifestyle. This conversation will contribute to a diagnosis and help your audiologist understand how you experience sounds in various environments.
We will complete a range of hearing tests best suited to the hearing challenges that you are experiencing. This includes examining your ear organ, a review of your neurological functioning and measurement of your understanding of speech.
Whenever necessary, our team will complete advanced tests that can offer further insights. We are always happy to share the intent of every test and what we are hoping to learn from it.

The tests are painless and non-invasive. Our advanced diagnostic equipment makes the process more comfortable while delivering accurate and reliable results. The clinic also has multiple sound booths, so our audiologists never have to rush through appointments.

Sometimes the tests can feel repetitive or similar to the last one, but we rely on a range of assessments to pinpoint where there might be a problem. We don’t want to waste your time – instead, we want to get as much information as possible to save time, money and uncertainty in the future.

Tips for Your Hearing Test

Before your hearing test, reflect on how your hearing challenges impact your daily life. We will also ask questions to explore the impacts you may not even be aware of. This information can be just as helpful as the hard data we receive from hearing tests.
Feel free to bring a close friend or family member to your appointment. You will feel more comfortable, and it can be beneficial to have someone there to remember extra details or write down information. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, appointments may be limited to just you and your clinician. Please review the clinic’s COVID-19 guidelines or call us before bringing another person to your appointment.

What Happens After a Hearing Test

When the examination is complete, your audiologist will discuss your results in detail.

This conversation is equally important as the tests themselves. We want you to find the information as helpful as we do, so we will take the time to explain what we learned from the tests and review any outstanding questions we may have.

If the root cause of your challenges is known, we will walk you through the details of your hearing condition. If we still have more questions about your hearing health, we will work with you to schedule a follow-up appointment or refer you to a specialist.

We will also take the time to go through all of your treatment and technology options. If hearing aids are an option, we will discuss what you can expect from using hearing aids regularly in your daily life.

But you don’t need to commit to anything right away. Our goal is to ensure you have all of the information you need, so you can take the next step when you are ready.

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.