Hearing Services, Exams and Treatment
After taking your Self Assessment, reviewing the signs and symptoms of hearing loss and better understanding the causes of hearing loss, you may have decided it’s time to visit an audiologist at the Allegiance Hearing Center.
Hearing Evaluation for Adults
Statistics tell us that over the past 30 years, the number of Americans with hearing loss has doubled, with over 31 million Americans experiencing hearing loss (10 percent of the population). While these numbers are staggering, effective solutions are available. Although hearing loss becomes more common as we age, it is not a problem limited to the elderly. Many adults in the prime of life are living with hearing loss.
Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation
If you suspect that you have difficulty hearing, your first step is to have a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist. This will determine your hearing sensitivity at different frequencies, or pitches, for each ear. 
Other specialized tests will assess how well you understand speech, determining which type of hearing loss you have. If it is found that you have a hearing loss, the testing will give information about degree and type. The audiologist will be able to assist you in taking the right steps to treat your hearing loss. You may also be referred to a physician for medical consultation. The initial hearing evaluation appointment lasts 60 minutes. Most health insurance plans cover hearing tests as a benefit. Our office staff will be happy to check with your insurance plan to verify what is covered under your particular benefit plan.
Initial Consultation
If you have already had a hearing test completed by an audiologist and want to learn more about hearing aids, but are uncertain about whether hearing aids would be of benefit, you should schedule a consultation with one of the Hearing Center audiologists. This 30-minute appointment includes:
- Thorough explanation of your hearing test results
- Review of different hearing aid styles and technologies
- Discussion with the audiologist about the best choices for you
By the end of this appointment, you will have a good idea whether hearing aids are the right choice. If you decide you are ready to be fit with hearing aids, you will proceed with scheduling a hearing aid evaluation appointment.
Hearing Aid Evaluation
If you are reasonably certain that you are ready to purchase hearing aids, or if you already have hearing aids and would like to update or replace them, then this is the type of appointment you will want to schedule. At the hearing aid evaluation you will meet with the audiologist to determine precisely what type of hearing aids will be best suited for you. 
In looking at your specific needs, the audiologist will take into consideration the following factors:
- Your occupation and lifestyle
- Your personal preferences
- Your dexterity and vision
- Your hearing test results
- Your budget
Together with the audiologist, you will come to a decision regarding exact style and model for your hearing aids. Also during this 30- to 45-minute appointment, impressions of your ears may be taken. Payment is expected when the hearing aid order is placed. Delivery and fitting of the hearing aids typically takes place two to three weeks following the hearing aid evaluation.
Hearing Aid Fitting
During this appointment, you will receive your new hearing aids. The audiologist will show you how to insert them, how to change the batteries and how to care for them. The audiologist will also program the hearing aids for your hearing loss and make adjustments as needed. It is often helpful to have your spouse or another family member or close friend accompany you to this appointment. After the initial fitting, the audiologist will recommend that you return for a check-up appointment about 2 weeks later.
Hearing Aid Check-up
At the check-up appointment, you can discuss any concerns you have with your new hearing aids. With digital hearing aid technology, the audiologist is able to program adjustments to your hearing aids to give you the best possible listening experience.
Pediatric Hearing Evaluations
Other Types of Hearing Testing
Assistive Listening Device Consultation
Learn more about Assistive Listening Devices »
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing
An ABR test may be ordered by a physician because a patient is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
The ABR test measures how the hearing nerve is sending signals to the brain. The ABR test measures and records electrical activity produced by the hearing nerve and brain, in response to the sounds you will hear during the test.
During the test, sensors called electrodes will be attached to your scalp or forehead and also on or behind your ears (please remove makeup and earrings before the test to help with this process). You will be asked to relax with your eyes closed while sitting in a reclining chair. A series of tests or clicks are presented to your ears through earphones that fit into your ear canal (you do not need to respond to the sounds). Many people drift off to natural sleep, as there is no discomfort during this test. The test results can be used to help your physician identify certain medical abnormalities of the hearing nerve and its pathway to the brain. The test takes approximately one hour.
Otoacoustic Emission Testing
Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) testing is the non-invasive test to check for hearing. This painless test consists of putting a small earphone in the entrance to the ear canal. The sensitive equipment measures a predictable signal from the ear in response to test signals. This is a painless procedure, and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Industrial Hearing Conservation Program
Includes annual employee audiograms and employee education. OSHA mandates that every employee working in an environment where the noise level is 85 disA or higher must have their hearing monitored annually. They must also receive education on their hearing test results, information on the effects of noise and the importance of ear protection (including instructions for proper use).
The Allegiance Hearing Center offers the only Industrial Hearing Conservation Program in the Jackson area and is lead by an audiologist who is a Certified Professional Supervisor of Audiometric Monitoring Program and a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservation Technician, both certified by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAHOC). Our program offers both the audiometric testing as well as the employee training component for companies requiring a hearing conservation program. Testing can be done either onsite (with a portable sound booth) or at our center.
We also provide Sound Level Readings when necessary to monitor the noise levels in different areas of an industry where employees are working above the action level of 85 dBA.
Videonystagmography (VNG) Testing
Learn more about Videonystagmography (VNG) Testing »