Screening vs. Audiogram 

Case History

Assessment begins with a comprehensive case history including detailed medical and hearing-related history, discussion of symptoms and family history of hearing loss or ear disorders. 

Otoscopy

A visual examination of the outer ear and ear canal to check for earwax, infections, structural abnormalities and eardrum health. 

Optional: Video otoscopy available upon request 

Middle Ear Assessment

Tympanometry: A specialized “pressure” test that measures the eardrum and ossicle movement in response to air pressure changes. This evaluates middle ear function.

Acoustic Reflexes: Assess reflexive muscle movement in response to loud sounds

Pure Tone Audiometry

Hearing sensitivity is assessed in a sound-insulated booth and conducted through air conduction (headphones or inserts) to test hearing thresholds for frequencies between 250-8000Hz.

If hearing loss is observed, bone conduction thresholds will be measured using bone conduction headphones, which transmit sound to the inner ear through vibrations in the bones of the skull. This helps determine the degree and type of hearing loss—whether it is conductive, sensorineural, or mixed—and rules out middle ear involvement.

Speech Audiometry & SIN Testing

Speech Audiometry is conducted to assess functional hearing ability.

• Speech Reception Threshold (SRT): Softest level at which speech can be recognized

• Word Recognition Score (WRS): Ability to understand and repeat words at optimal listening levels

Speech-in-Noise (SIN) tests the ability to hear in a noisy environment, such as a restaurant. 

Results and Recommendations

Test results will be discussed with you immediately following the assessment in a clear and concise manner. Your audiologist will review potential management options, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, medical referrals, auditory training, or tinnitus counselling.

• Personalized recommendations will be tailored to your lifestyle and communication needs.

• As certified audiologists in Nova Scotia, we are able to refer directly to Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) specialists when appropriate.

Pure-Tone Screening 

Screening is conducted using pure-tone air conduction at selected frequencies. The screening is performed with over-the-ear headphones to ensure reliable results.

Middle Ear & Eardrum Test (Tympanogram)

Tympanometry: A specialized “pressure” test that measures the eardrum and ossicle movement in response to air pressure changes. This evaluates middle ear function.