Hearing screening
Better understand your hearing to take better action
We sometimes get used to asking people to repeat themselves or missing snippets of conversation. Yet, hearing well is at the heart of our relationships. At the Clinique auditive Vincent Chaussé-Simard, a consultation and hearing assessment is more than just a simple screening: it's the first step towards rediscovering the pleasure of effortless conversation with your loved ones.
What is a hearing screening?
More than just a test, hearing screening allows us to quickly identify potential corrective needs without being a full diagnostic examination. It's a preventative tool designed to guide you precisely toward the appropriate solutions.
Note: This service is for people aged 18 and over. For children, we will refer you to a specialist audiologist.
The steps involved in a clinic visit for a consultation and hearing screening
More than just a series of tests, our hearing screening is a moment of exchange and precision. We guide you through three key steps to understand your current situation and ensure the long-term health of your hearing.
Step 1: Consultation
Before proceeding with the tests, we listen to you. By discussing your medical history and the obstacles you face on a daily basis, we lay the foundation for personalized support and an accurate, uncompromising diagnosis.
Step 2: Otoscopy
We will then perform a visual examination of your ear canals. This simple step allows us to check that no obstruction, such as earwax buildup, is affecting the screening results. If further investigation is required, we will carefully refer you to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
Step 3: Screening Audiometry
Comfortably seated in our soundproof booth, you will listen to a series of sounds through headphones. The hearing care professional will assess, at a minimum, your responses at four key frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). This essential minimum analysis is crucial for creating an accurate picture of your hearing health.
If your hearing is within the normal range (a result of 25 dB or less in all areas), you can leave with peace of mind! The hearing aid specialist will advise you to have a simple check-up test later: every 5 years for those under 65, or every 1 to 3 years for seniors.
If a hearing loss is detected (a score above 25 dB), or if their practice warrants it, the Audioprothesist will take care of directing you to the right health care professional (in audiology, general medicine or ENT) to push the evaluation further.
Remember: your hearing can change. If you notice any decline before your next visit, we are always happy to schedule another screening.
Who should begin hearing screening?
Workers in noisy environments: To protect your hearing from the noise challenges of your work environment.
People aged 50 and over: To ensure natural preventive monitoring related to the evolution of your hearing health.
Family history: For those with a family history of hearing problems.
Curiosity and comfort: For anyone simply wishing to take stock and optimize their sound clarity.
When should you consult one of our hearing professionals?
Because your hearing is the direct link to those you love, it's important to listen to what your ears are trying to tell you. Here are some signs that deserve special attention.
Noisy work environments
Prolonged exposure to noise can cause permanent damage. If your ears are ringing or sounds seem muffled after work, don't wait
Trouble communicating
You often feel that people aren't enunciating, or you frequently have to ask them to repeat themselves.
High volume
People around you notice that the volume of the television or radio is getting louder and louder.
Telephone Challenges
You have difficulty understanding telephone conversations, at home or in noisy places.
Hearing fatigue
You feel a certain fatigue after a day spent trying to follow discussions.
Questions about hearing screening?
It's perfectly normal to want to fully understand how your visit will proceed. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions here to clarify the steps involved in our consultation and the benefits of this simple, quick, and obligation-free assessment.
Yes, absolutely. Our hearing screening service is entirely free of charge and permanently offered at our clinics. You will not be charged any fees for this appointment.
A hearing screening is a brief check to determine if your hearing falls within the normal range. This short appointment does not provide a diagnosis, but it is a valuable indicator to guide you toward the appropriate resources.
A comprehensive hearing test, performed by an independent audiologist , is a thorough clinical procedure designed to precisely identify the nature of hearing loss in order to establish a diagnosis. Based on this diagnosis, the hearing aid specialist can then offer you tailored solutions.
The consultation and hearing screening is carried out by a hearing aid specialist who is a member of the Ordre des audioprothésistes du Québec (OAQ) .
While we welcome walk-ins, we recommend booking your appointment time. This avoids waiting and allows us to dedicate the necessary time to you. You can call us or book an appointment online.
A hearing test typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. It's a quick, painless process with no obligation on your part.
No special preparation is required. Just show up as you are! If you already wear hearing aids, don't forget to bring them with you to the appointment.
We recommend a hearing test every 1 to 2 years, especially if you are over 60 or work in a noisy environment. If you notice any doubts or changes, don't hesitate to schedule more frequent checkups.
If signs of hearing loss are identified, our hearing care professional will clearly explain the results to you. They will recommend the next steps, such as a comprehensive examination with an audiologist or a consultation with an ENT specialist. You remain in control of your decisions at all times.