What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

As long as you are prepared to answer questions about yourself such as your date of birth, address, telephone number, doctor’s name and address and other relevant information, you do not need to bring anything else with you to your first appointment. Having your health card, or simply your health card number, will be helpful so that we can record this information.

It may also be helpful for you to bring along a notepad and a pen, so that you can write down any notes or questions you may have throughout the course of the appointment. This way we can make sure you have a complete understanding of your hearing test results and our recommendations before you leave.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

When you arrive at your first appointment, one of our Client Care Managers will give you a form to fill in with some personal and medical information. You will be asked to answer questions similar to the ones listed above. 

Once the form is completed, you will be registered. Your Hearing Health Care Professional will then come get you from the waiting area and lead you to a testing room, discussing your hearing as you begin. The Hearing Health Care Professional will look into your ears –this is called an otoscopic examination- and will perform a series of tests. Once the tests are completed, they will review the results with you, and you will have the opportunity to discuss follow-up recommendations based on the test results.

Who will conduct my hearing test?

At Sears Hearing Centre, our staff directly responsible for your hearing care are referred to as Hearing Health Care Professionals. Our Hearing Health Care Professionals include a team of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists, both certified to conduct complete hearing tests, and you can expect the best in hearing care from whichever of our professionals you meet with at your first appointment. Each one is certified to the highest provincial and national qualification standards, and is a member of all affiliated industry associations.   

From your initial consultation and complimentary hearing test to fitting you with the latest in hearing aid technology, our Hearing Health Care Professionals will help you to find solutions designed to meet your lifestyle needs. 

In addition, our Client Care Managers will assist you through the specifics of your scheduled appointments and any hearing aids you choose to purchase, as well as with insurance plans and government financing programs, and anything else you might need during your clinic visits.

How much will my first appointment cost?

At Sears Hearing Centre, we believe in the importance of hearing education and awareness, and as such your initial hearing test will be complimentary. You will not need to pay anything to come in for your first appointment. If you and your Hearing Health Care Professional agree that you need one or two hearing aids at the end of your first appointment, you can discuss any future costs at that time.

Will any of the tests hurt?

Generally speaking, you should not experience any discomfort or pain with any of the procedures during your first appointment. However, if you are particularly pain sensitive, let your Hearing Health Care Professional know before or during the test. They will be sensitive to your individual needs and will adjust testing procedures accordingly.

I suspect I have a hearing loss, but what’s really bothering me is the noise in my ears. Will I be able to ask about this at my first appointment?

Yes, you will. Your Hearing Health Care Professional will ask you about your experience with noise in your ears, or tinnitus. These sounds can range anywhere from a high-pitched ringing to a dull throbbing. Be sure to tell your Hearing Health Care Professional that you are experiencing an unusual sound in your ears, as this is important information to take into consideration in the management of your hearing loss.

How do I know I have a hearing loss?

At your first appointment, your Hearing Health Care Professional will ask you detailed questions about how you are hearing, and why you felt that you should have your hearing tested. Some preliminary questions to consider are listed here. 

      1. Do you have trouble hearing in noisy situations?

      2. Do people seem to mumble much of the time?

      3. Do your family and friends say you are turning up the television louder than necessary?

      4. Are you having trouble hearing on the telephone?

      5. Do you find that you ask people to repeat themselves more often than you did before?

If you answer yes to any of the questions above, it will be worth your coming in to your nearest Sears clinic to have your hearing tested.

How long will my first appointment take?

Your first appointment should take approximately one hour. However, the length of the appointment will vary depending on each individual. Contact your nearest clinic for more information in preparation for your first hearing test.