Audiology (Hearing Services)

WHAT DOES AN AUDIOLOGIST DO?

AUDIOLOGISTS are regulated health care professionals who test hearing and check the ears of individuals of all ages. Audiologists can help with hearing difficulties, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), or balance difficulties. The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) sets practice standards for audiologists and ensure audiologists are providing evidence-based and ethical services in the best interests of the public. 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM AN AUDIOLOGIST?

Appointments for a hearing test at Baycrest Hearing Services are scheduled for 1 hour. Hearing tests at Baycrest Hearing Services are covered by OHIP, please see our physician referral form here.

During your appointment you can expect an audiologist to:

• Ask questions about your hearing, balance, lifestyle, and health history.
• Explain how they will test your hearing so that you understand all the steps.
• Look in your ears to make sure your ear canals are clear.
• Do the testing to find out how well you hear and understand sounds including speech.
• Discuss the results, options and next steps with you after you’ve had your hearing tested.
• Provide information and support to help you decide how best to approach any identified issues.

WHAT STANDARDS MUST AN AUDIOLOGIST FOLLOW?

• Get consent to test your hearing and collect, use, keep and share personal health information.
• Maintain security and confidentiality of your personal health information.
• Have properly functioning equipment to test your hearing.
• Make sure equipment is cleaned and disinfected.
• Monitor your needs and adapt the testing to provide accurate and complete results.
• Keep up to date with technology changes and approaches through continuing education.
• Provide you with information and support as you need.

The audiologists at Baycrest Hearing Services encourage you to bring a family member or friend for your appointment!

References
American Academy of Audiology. (2024, April 9). May is better hearing month. https://www.audiology.org/practice-resources/public-awareness/may-is-better-hearing-month/  
The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). (n.d.). For patients: What to Expect When an Audiologist Tests Your Hearing. CASLPO. https://caslpo.com/sites/default/uploads/files/PUB_EN_For_Patients_Audiological_Assessment_Standard.pdf  

January 23, 2024

Older Adults and Hearing Loss: Why Management is Key to Healthy Ageing

Speaker: Marilyn Reed – Professional Practice Leader for Audiology, Baycrest Hearing Services

• How do you know if you have hearing loss?
• Tips for easier communication

Baycrest was featured on CBC News: The National for its expertise on July 18, 2023, in a report about a recent study on how hearing aids can reduce dementia risk for some older adults. Marilyn Reed, Baycrest Audiologist and Dr. Bjorn Herrmann, Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute (RRI) appeared in the segment. The report also included Baycrest clients and residents who shared their experiences with hearing aids and how they have improved their quality of life. Watch the video segment here and read a written report here. If you are interested in learning more about your own hearing health and how it may affect your brain health, you can check out Baycrest’s online hearing screening tool or book an appointment with an audiologist.

Read about the new FDA Ruling on Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing devices in the News section of our website.