Where To Get A Hearing Test

Where To Get A Hearing Test. Having your hearing checked regularly is an important part of life. A hearing test, which is also known as an audiogram, helps determine what kind of hearing loss you have by measuring your ability to hear sounds. Here's a list of places to get a hearing test.

1. Costco or Sam's Wholesale Club.
The first method of getting a hearing test completed is to visit your local Costco or Sams Club. Most locations have hearing centers and allow you to call in to set an appointment. If you have a membership, the hearing test is free. If you do not have a membership, we recommend that you get one as the cost of membership, approximately $45, is still cheaper than going to an audiologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist. And yes, these companies do sell hearing aids, but they are still priced about 50% higher than the hearing aids sold by Century Hearing Aids. When your test is complete make sure to request a copy of your hearing test. There are 650 Costco's and about the same number of Sam's Clubs in the US..mostly located in metropolitan areas.
2. ENTs Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors
The second method for getting a hearing test is to visit an ear, nose and throat Doctors or Otolaryngologists. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians. Make sure to ask your ENT Doctor ahead of time if they will provide you with the results of your test.
3. A local Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser
An audiologist is a health-care professional specializing in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and/or treat hearing, tinnitus, or balance problems. They dispense, manage, and rehabilitate hearing aids and assess candidacy for and map cochlear implants. A hearing aid dispenser is a little - A hearing aid dispenser is a person licensed to sell hearing aids. Hearing aid dispensers are trained in the interpretation of hearing assessment instrumentation, hearing aid electronics, specifications, analysis, modifications, and programming hearing aids.
NOTE: Many local Audiologists or Dispensers will not offer the audiogram, or charge you for it. If they don’t, we highly recommend that you utilize one of the other methods to get your hearing test done.
4. Hearing Aid Franchise Stores - Miracle Ear or HearUSA,
Miracle Ear or HearUSA are hearing aid franchises and are located all over the country, Miracle Ears are mostly in Sears. Miracle Ear provides hearing tests and sells hearing aids. You’ll need to schedule an appointment and ask if you can leave with a copy of your hearing test.
5. Teaching Universities
Many teaching universities also have a speech and hearing department with a clinic on campus and are able to offer hearing tests as well. Many times the medical school will publicize the need for free hearing tests to give their student hands on patient work. Also, If you work at a university, you may have access to on-site hearing tests - probably free.
6. Veterans Administration
If you are a veteran (thanks for your service!) The Department of Veterans Affairs will ensure access to audiology services including hearing tests and hearing aids but there are criteria for this - see here: MILITARY.com
*Technically speaking...according to the Department of Human & Health Services, providers and health insurers who comply with HIPPA are required to provide you with a copy of your medical record and other health information....if you request it. Who must comply? Doctors, audiologists, nurses, dispensers, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and many others health care providers, health insurance companies, HMOs, most employer group health plans. You can also learn more, including how to file a complaint with the US Government at www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.