Greater Vancouver Hearing Tests
Looking for hearing tests in Vancouver, Burnaby, or Surrey? At Sonaris, we provide comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessments that go beyond basic screenings to understand how you hear and process sound in real life. With 24+ years of experience, our audiologists evaluate hearing sensitivity, speech clarity, and the health of your auditory system to identify the type and degree of hearing loss and guide clear, personalized next steps.
What does a hearing test involve?
A hearing test is made up of several parts:
Thorough hearing and health history
The first part of any hearing assessment is a thorough history. The information gathered from your hearing and health history is very important and helps the audiologist decide if further specialized tests are warranted or if there is a need for medical referral.
Visual examination of the ear
The audiologist will carefully look at the outer part of the ear as well as the ear canal and the ear drum using a special device called an otoscope. This helps the audiologist rule out any physical concerns with the ear.
Assessment of middle ear function
A special instrument called a tympanometer is used to check how well your ear drum and the physical pathway that carries sound to your inner ear works. This is an important test as it helps to rule out problems with the transmission of sound to the organ of hearing.
Hearing sensitivity
This is the part which people commonly think of as the “hearing test” and it looks at how well you can hear sounds of differing pitch. The audiologist will place a pair of headphones over your ears and ask you to respond to a series of tones of different pitch and loudness. The tones will gradually get fainter until they are just barely audible. The softest level that you can hear the sound is then recorded on a graph called an audiogram. If a hearing loss is detected, the results of this test, in combination with the other tests, enable the audiologist to know the type of hearing problem and its location.
Assessment of how well you hear speech
Your performance on the hearing test largely determines how well you can hear speech. We use speech to communicate. In children learning to speak hinges on the ability to hear speech well. During this part of the test, you will be asked to listen for and repeat a list of words for each ear. The number of correct responses gives the audiologist an indication of how accurately you can identify spoken words.
Explanation of your hearing assessment
You will receive a detailed explanation of your hearing test and the audiologist will provide you with recommendations based on the outcome of the hearing test results and your lifestyle needs as well as answer any questions you may have. A thorough explanation allows you to make the best decision for your own hearing health needs.
How do you test children’s hearing?
The same principles and tests apply to children, however, the method of delivering the tests is different. For babies and toddlers, the audiologist will often present sounds through a loud speaker if the child is unwilling to wear headphones. A behavioural response, such as a head turn, is used to indicate the child’s response.
For older children, a game such as stacking blocks may be used as a way of observing the child’s responses to the sounds. Modifying the response process by turning it into a game, makes it fun for the child while still giving the audiologist valuable information on the child’s hearing.
Referred to Sonaris Hearing Center Surrey by ENT Doctor Mori. An excellent experience with audiologist Fred Manta. With Fred’s expertise, selected hearing aids and some specialised equipment, I am able to hear much of what I lost over the years through industrial noise exposure. Anticipating multiple appointments, I was hesitant to make the drive as there were hearing centres much closer to home. It quickly became evident however that it would be worth every mile. Office manager Ravjir and office admin., Hanna were very thoughtful in finding appointments that were off peak traffic times and fitting me in when there was a snag. All in all my wife Linda and I appreciate Sonaris very much and we’ll happily drive the distance to continue with them as my ongoing hearing management requires. Thank you Fred, Ravjir and Hanna.
I simply cannot say enough about Fred Matta . He is clearly one of the most personable, professional and knowledgeable specialists that I have ever met in the medical field. He spent an exceptional amount of time assisting me to make the best decision regarding my hearing aids. He also allowed lots of trial time for me to demo two different models. There was never any pressure to make the final purchase. I would also like to thank his receptionist/assistant, Jas. She completes the picture that allows for a friendly, comfortable office visit.
Do not hesitate to contact Sonaris as you will be most impressed!!
I have been seeing Fred for many years now and he has just fitted me with my second set of hearing aids . . . always extremely professional . . . polite . . . courteous . . . knowledgeable . . . and he goes out of his way to check all details and trials to ensure everything is as good as it can be and the customer 100% satisfied . . . a true professional . . . and highly recommended!!!
Undoubtedly one of the most professional, empathetic and best medical partners a patient/parent can ask for. Fred Matta goes beyond his professional duties to research, communicate and guide.We cannot thank Fred enough for the care, guidance and friendship over the years.
Director of Audiology
Book Your Appointment With Us Today
Book Your Appointment With Us Today
Where Can I Find a Hearing Test in Greater Vancouver?
If you’re looking for a hearing test in Vancouver, Burnaby, or Surrey, the team at Sonaris Ear Center offer a more thorough, diagnostic approach. The process begins with a comprehensive hearing test that looks at how you hear and understand sound in everyday situations, not just whether you can detect tones.
From there, your results are clearly explained, including how your hearing may be affecting communication, focus, and listening effort. With 24+ years of experience, the team at Sonaris uses these insights to guide next steps that are grounded in how you actually live and listen, giving patients across the Lower Mainland clarity that goes far beyond a basic test.
