Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation
A diagnostic hearing evaluation is a thorough assessment of your entire auditory system, performed by a licensed audiologist. It’s designed to do more than just detect hearing loss — it helps us understand how you hear, where a problem may be occurring, and how it impacts your daily life.
What is a Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation — and Why is it Important?
At Hearing Specialty Center, our comprehensive diagnostic evaluations include air and bone conduction testing to determine the type and degree of hearing loss; speech testing in both quiet and noisy environments to assess how well you understand conversation; tympanometry to evaluate middle ear and eardrum function; acoustic reflex testing to check auditory nerve pathways; and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) to measure the health of the inner ear (cochlea).
Unlike a basic hearing test, which only checks if you can hear a few tones, a diagnostic evaluation gives us a full picture of your hearing health. This level of detail allows us to make accurate diagnoses and provide personalized treatment options that go far beyond simply amplifying sound — helping you hear better where it matters most: in the real world.
Medical History Review
We discuss your hearing concerns, health history, and any symptoms like tinnitus or dizziness.
Physical Examination
We visually inspect your ears using an otoscope to check for wax, damage, or abnormalities.
Comprehensive Testing
We perform multiple tests including pure tones, speech recognition, and middle ear function assessments.
Results Discussion
We explain your results immediately and recommend appropriate next steps for your hearing health.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
Our licensed audiologists perform thorough testing that goes far beyond a basic screening. We examine how sound travels through your ear, assess nerve function, and measure your ability to understand speech in both quiet and noisy environments. This complete picture of your hearing health allows us to make accurate diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs.
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Complete Assessment of Your Hearing System
A diagnostic evaluation does more than detect hearing loss – it pinpoints exactly where problems occur. Our testing includes air and bone conduction to determine if issues stem from your outer, middle, or inner ear. We measure speech understanding in quiet and noise, assess middle ear function through tympanometry, and evaluate acoustic reflexes to check auditory nerve pathways. Otoacoustic emissions testing reveals inner ear health that other tests might miss.
This level of detail matters because different types of hearing loss require different solutions. Medical conditions affecting the middle ear need different treatment than age-related inner ear changes. By identifying the precise nature of your hearing loss, we ensure you receive the most effective care possible.
Accurate diagnosis of hearing loss type and degree
Detection of underlying medical conditions
Baseline for monitoring future changes
Precise data for optimal hearing aid programming
Why Comprehensive Testing Matters
A thorough diagnostic evaluation provides the foundation for successful hearing treatment. With detailed information about your specific hearing loss, we can recommend solutions that target your actual needs rather than guessing based on limited data. This precision leads to better hearing outcomes and greater satisfaction with any recommended technology or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about diagnostic hearing evaluations at Hearing Specialty Center.
Free screenings typically check only whether you can hear a few tones at different pitches. Our diagnostic evaluation includes comprehensive testing of your entire auditory system – examining how sound travels through your ear, measuring speech understanding, evaluating middle ear function, and assessing nerve pathways. This complete assessment can identify medical issues and provides the detailed information needed for effective treatment.
A complete diagnostic hearing evaluation takes approximately 60 minutes. We believe in being thorough rather than rushed, ensuring we gather all necessary information to understand your unique hearing profile.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover diagnostic hearing evaluations when performed for medical reasons. We accept Medicare, First Choice, Aetna, United Health Care, TriWest/TriCare, and Regence. We'll verify your coverage before your appointment and discuss any costs.
Please bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any previous hearing test results. If you currently wear hearing aids, bring those as well. Consider bringing a family member who can provide observations about your hearing in daily situations.
Yes, our diagnostic evaluation includes tinnitus assessment when needed. We can measure the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus and discuss management strategies. While tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, our comprehensive testing helps determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Your Path to Better Hearing Starts Here
Hearing loss rarely happens overnight – it develops gradually, often going unnoticed until communication becomes frustrating. Our diagnostic hearing evaluation provides the answers you need to take control of your hearing health. By understanding exactly what's happening in your auditory system, you can make informed decisions about treatment options.
At Hearing Specialty Center, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate care. Our audiologists take time to explain your results clearly and discuss how hearing loss affects your daily life. When hearing aids are recommended, we use Real Ear Measurements and follow audiology best practices to ensure optimal programming based on your diagnostic results.
Whether you've noticed difficulty understanding conversations, experience ringing in your ears, or simply want to establish a baseline for your hearing health, a comprehensive evaluation is your first step. Our detailed testing provides the foundation for effective treatment, helping you stay connected to the people and activities you love.
Take the first step toward better hearing. Call 425-821-6600 to schedule your diagnostic hearing evaluation with our experienced audiologists. At Hearing Specialty Center, we're committed to helping you hear life more fully.
Other Services
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Tinnitus Management in Kikrland, WA
Our tinnitus management program combines diagnostic evaluation, sound therapy options, and personalized strategies to help reduce the impact of ringing, buzzing, or other phantom sounds in your ears.
Earwax Removal
Our audiologists provide safe, professional earwax removal using specialized tools and techniques to restore clear hearing and comfort when excess wax blocks your ear canals.
Lace AI Pro
Lace AI Pro is an adaptive auditory training program that strengthens your brain's ability to process speech in noise through personalized, AI-powered exercises you complete at home.
