Thinking About Your First Hearing Check? Here’s What to Expect
If you’ve been noticing that the TV is a bit too quiet, or you’re finding it harder to keep up in group conversations, you might be considering a visit to an audiologist. It’s completely normal to be a little unsure about what that first appointment actually involves, so we’ve broken it down to take the mystery out of it.
Think of your first visit as a friendly, low-pressure conversation about your hearing health. Our Audiologists have years of experience so you’re in good hands. Here is how it usually goes:
1. Let’s Chat
We start by getting to know you. We’ll ask a few questions about your hearing history and the situations where you notice things getting a bit tricky. This helps us get a clear picture of what’s going on in your day-to-day life.
2. A Quick Health Check
Next, we’ll take a look inside your ears. We’ll use a small light to check the health of your ear canal and eardrum. It’s a quick, painless way to make sure everything looks clear and healthy, and that there isn't any pesky earwax getting in the way.
3. Checking Behind the Scenes
Sometimes, we’ll perform a simple test called Tympanometry. This doesn't measure how well you hear; instead, it looks at what’s happening behind your eardrum. It helps us see if there is any fluid buildup or if those tiny bones in your middle ear are moving just as they should.
4. The "Button Test"
This is the part most people are familiar with. You’ll sit comfortably in our soundproof booth wearing headphones. We’ll play a series of tones at different pitches and volumes. Your only job is to press the button whenever you hear a sound—no matter how faint it is. From this, we create an Audiogram, which is basically a map of your personal hearing levels.
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See What You’ve Been Missing and Try before you Buy
If the results show that you could benefit from a little extra help, we don’t believe in rushing you into anything. We offer a free two-week trial of our hearing aids. We’ll work together to make sure wearing and buying hearing aids is empowering, easy and flexible for you.
You don’t live in a clinic, so why only test your hearing aids there? A real- world assessment allows your hearing care journey to be personalised from the beginning. This gives you the chance to test them out in your own environment—whether you’re at the dinner table, watching a movie, or chatting with friends at the local café. You get to see how they work in your real life, completely on your own terms. This offer is one of the many reasons Carlow hearing stands out.
What happens if I purchase Hearing Aids?
Your hearing aid fitting appointment is the start and not the end of your journey with us. Most of our hearing aids come with a 5- year warranty ensuring complete peace of mind when you purchase through us. A walk-in aftercare service available Monday to Friday further ensures you have what you need to help you hear your best.