No. In British Columbia, you do not need a physician referral to book an appointment with an audiologist. Patients can self-refer for hearing assessments, tinnitus evaluations, hearing aid consultations, and earwax management. If medical concerns are identified during your assessment, your audiologist may recommend follow-up with your family physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
A comprehensive hearing assessment typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes. Your appointment includes a review of your medical and hearing history, an examination of your ears, hearing and speech testing, and a discussion of your results and recommendations. At Sound Audiology, we take the time to answer your questions and ensure you fully understand your hearing health.
No. Hearing tests are completely painless and non-invasive. During the assessment, you will listen to a variety of sounds through headphones or earphones and respond when you hear them. There are no needles, uncomfortable procedures, or side effects associated with routine hearing testing.
Adults should consider a baseline hearing test around age 50, even if they have no concerns. Individuals over age 60, those with hearing loss, or people exposed to noise at work or during recreational activities may benefit from regular hearing evaluations every one to three years. Your audiologist can recommend a schedule based on your individual hearing needs and medical history.
Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for hearing assessments and hearing aids. Coverage varies depending on your individual insurance policy. If you are unsure about your benefits, we recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment. Our team is also happy to answer questions about hearing-related coverage and funding options.
Common signs of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, turning up the television volume, feeling that others are mumbling, or feeling tired after social interactions. Hearing loss often develops gradually, so family members may notice changes before you do. If you are concerned about your hearing, a comprehensive hearing assessment can help determine whether hearing loss is present.
For many people, yes. Hearing aids can improve access to environmental sounds and speech, which may reduce the perception and impact of tinnitus. Some hearing aids also include built-in tinnitus management features. Because tinnitus affects everyone differently, a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation is recommended to determine the most appropriate treatment and management options.
There is no single "best" hearing aid for everyone. The best hearing aid depends on your hearing loss, lifestyle, communication needs, dexterity, cosmetic preferences, and budget. As an independent audiology clinic serving Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, Sound Audiology has access to hearing technology from multiple leading manufacturers, allowing us to recommend solutions based on your individual needs rather than a limited selection of products.
Understanding speech in noisy environments is one of the most common hearing complaints. Background noise makes it more difficult for the brain to separate speech from competing sounds. Difficulty hearing in restaurants, group conversations, or social gatherings is often one of the earliest signs of hearing loss, even when hearing seems adequate in quiet settings. A hearing assessment can help determine whether hearing loss may be contributing to these difficulties.
An independent audiology clinic offers personalized, patient-centred care without being tied to a single hearing aid manufacturer. This means recommendations are based on your unique hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. At Sound Audiology, we are committed to providing comprehensive assessments, honest recommendations, access to a wide range of hearing technology, and ongoing support to help you achieve your best possible hearing outcomes.
