FAQs
We’ve done our best to answer frequently asked questions below. If you still have some, please reach out, and we will be happy to help.
Adult Hearing Test
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we know that hearing health isn’t just about ears — it’s about connection, confidence, and quality of life. Whether you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, are feeling frustrated in conversations, or want a baseline check, our adult hearing assessments are designed to be clear, comfortable, and empowering.
As an audiologist with hearing loss myself, I understand how personal this journey can feel. You deserve care that’s compassionate, respectful, and truly listens
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Some common signs of hearing changes include:
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Feeling like others mumble or speak too quietly
Trouble following conversations in background noise (restaurants, meetings, family gatherings)
Turning up the TV or phone volume
Feeling tired after social interactions or meetings
Avoiding group conversations because it’s hard to keep up
If any of these sound familiar, a hearing test can provide clarity — and relief.
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Your visit will be relaxed, private, and completely painless. A full hearing assessment typically includes:
A conversation about your hearing and lifestyle — we listen to your concerns and goals.
An ear health check — to look for wax buildup or other blockages.
A full hearing test using tones and speech to measure how you hear across frequencies.
Discussion of your results — we review your hearing graph (audiogram) together and explain what it means in real-life listening situations.
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A complete adult hearing assessment usually takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on your needs and any additional testing required.
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Not at all. All tests are non-invasive and comfortable. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how easy and informative the process is.
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If a hearing loss is identified, we’ll take the time to discuss your options clearly and without pressure. That may include:
Monitoring mild hearing changes over time
Exploring hearing aids or assistive devices
Communication strategies for home and work
Referrals to medical specialists, if needed
Our goal is to help you understand your hearing and feel confident in whatever path you choose next.
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No referral is required — you can book directly with us. If you have extended health coverage or insurance, we can help you navigate your benefits.
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Adults under 50: Every 3–5 years, or sooner if you notice changes.
Adults over 50: Every 1–2 years, as hearing can change gradually over time.
Hearing aid users: Annual hearing checks are recommended to monitor hearing and adjust settings as needed.
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Yes. Sometimes hearing difficulties are caused by wax buildup, fluid, or middle ear problems, which can often be treated. That’s why a full hearing test always includes an ear examination first — to rule out simple causes before exploring more permanent hearing loss.
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We completely understand — and there’s no pressure here. Our focus is on information, not sales. If hearing aids are appropriate, we’ll explain the options clearly, let you try them, and help you make an informed choice when (and if) you’re ready.
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Yes. Research has shown that untreated hearing loss can contribute to social withdrawal, fatigue, and even cognitive decline over time. The good news is that addressing hearing early can support brain health, communication, and overall well-being.
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We’re happy to test your hearing and check your current hearing aids, even if you got them elsewhere. Regular maintenance and reprogramming can make a big difference in how well you hear.
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At Empathy Hearing Clinic, you’ll never feel rushed or judged. Having hearing loss myself — and raising three children with hearing loss — has given me a deep understanding of both the emotional and practical sides of this journey. My goal is to meet you where you are, listen to your concerns, and help you reconnect with the sounds and people that matter most.
Kids Hearing Test
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we understand that hearing health is deeply personal — for your child and your whole family. As an audiologist with hearing loss myself, and as a mom of three children with hearing loss, I know how important it is to get clear answers, gentle care, and support that truly understands your journey.
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Hearing is the foundation of speech, language, learning, and connection. Even a mild hearing loss can make it harder for your child to follow instructions, develop clear speech, or feel confident in social situations. A hearing test gives us valuable information to ensure your child is hearing — and thriving — at home and at school.
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Every child is unique, but some common red flags include:
Not responding consistently when spoken to
Turning up the volume on the TV or tablet
Saying “what?” or “huh?” often
Difficulty following multi-step directions
Delayed speech or unclear words
Trouble hearing in noisy environments, like classrooms or playgrounds
If you’ve noticed any of these, trust your instincts — we’ll help you get clear answers.
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We make hearing tests fun, calm, and age-appropriate.
Babies and toddlers: We use gentle sounds and observe their natural responses — turning, smiling, or playing.
Preschoolers and older kids: We turn testing into a listening game — they’ll wear headphones and raise their hand, drop a block, or press a button when they hear sounds.
We also check the health of the middle ear to rule out wax, fluid, or infections.
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Not at all. The testing is safe, gentle, and non-invasive. Most children actually enjoy it — it feels more like play than a medical test.
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A full pediatric hearing assessment usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on your child’s age and attention. We go at your child’s pace to make sure they feel comfortable throughout the process.
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It’s best to wait until your child is feeling better. Ear infections and congestion can temporarily affect hearing, and we want to make sure we’re getting accurate results.
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If testing shows hearing loss, you are not alone. We’ll explain everything in clear, caring language and help guide your next steps — whether that means seeing an ENT, exploring hearing aids, or creating a plan to support your child at school and home.
We know from experience that early support can make an incredible difference, and we’ll be here every step of the way.
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Newborns: Screening is done shortly after birth.
Preschoolers and school-age children: We recommend testing every 1–2 years, or anytime there are concerns about speech, hearing, or learning.
Regular testing helps catch even small changes early — so your child always has the best chance to succeed.
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Yes. Ear infections, fluid, noise exposure, or certain medical conditions can cause hearing to change. If your child has had multiple ear infections or if teachers mention listening difficulties, it’s a good idea to check hearing again.
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Yes — once children reach about age 7, we can perform a comprehensive Auditory Processing Assessment using the Buffalo Model. This looks at how the brain understands and organizes sound. It’s especially helpful for children who can hear clearly but struggle to understand what they hear — for example, when following directions or focusing in noisy places.
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You can tell them it’s a fun “listening game” where they’ll help us find quiet and loud sounds. Bringing a comfort item, like a favourite toy or blanket, can also help them feel at ease. We’ll make sure your child feels safe, understood, and celebrated for doing their best.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Test and Therapy
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we understand that hearing is about much more than just detecting sounds — it’s about how the brain makes sense of what it hears. Some children and adults hear sounds clearly but still struggle to understand speech, follow directions, or focus in noisy environments. This can be a sign of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).
As an audiologist with hearing loss — and as a parent who understands these challenges firsthand — my goal is to provide testing and therapy that not only identifies the problem but helps build real-world listening success.
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APD occurs when the ears hear sounds properly, but the brain has difficulty interpreting or organizing what it hears. It’s not about intelligence or attention — it’s about how the brain processes auditory information.
People with APD might say, “I can hear you, but I don’t always understand you.”
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Children and adults with APD may:
Struggle to follow verbal directions, especially multi-step instructions
Have difficulty understanding speech in noisy places (like classrooms or restaurants)
Often ask for repetition (“What?” or “Huh?” frequently)
Mix up similar-sounding words
Take longer to respond in conversation
Have reading, spelling, or listening comprehension challenges
Seem easily distracted or inattentive when listening
If these sound familiar, an auditory processing assessment can help uncover why listening feels so hard.
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Testing is most accurate from around 7 years old and up, when children can participate in structured listening tasks. Teenagers and adults can also benefit from testing and therapy at any age.
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At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we use the Buffalo Model, a respected and comprehensive approach developed by Dr. Jack Katz.
Testing includes:
Specialized listening tasks in quiet and noisy settings
Evaluations of how the brain processes, organizes, and remembers sounds
Detailed analysis to identify specific areas of auditory weakness
We combine this information with your history, school reports, and daily listening concerns to create a clear picture of your auditory strengths and challenges.
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Testing is done in a quiet, comfortable environment. You or your child will listen to a series of sounds or words through headphones and respond by repeating or identifying what you hear.
The full assessment typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours and includes breaks as needed.
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Not at all! The testing is non-invasive and relaxed. It simply involves listening and responding to sounds or words — no loud noises, pain, or discomfort.
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You’ll receive a detailed explanation of the results and a personalized plan that may include:
Auditory therapy sessions to strengthen listening and processing skills
Home and school strategies to support listening success
Collaboration with teachers or speech-language pathologists if needed
We’ll walk with you through every step, making sure you understand the results and how to help your child (or yourself) succeed.
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Auditory therapy helps train the brain to process sound more efficiently. Using the Buffalo Model therapy approach, sessions are fun, interactive, and targeted to each individual’s needs.
Therapy may focus on:
Listening in background noise
Auditory memory and sequencing
Decoding and comprehension skills
Strengthening attention and focus while listening
Progress is measured over time to ensure meaningful, lasting improvement in real-life listening.
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Everyone’s brain learns differently, but most therapy programs run for 8–12 weeks, with sessions once per week. Some clients benefit from ongoing support, depending on their goals and progress.
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No, but they can co-occur or look similar. A child with APD might seem inattentive or struggle with reading, but the underlying issue is how they process sound, not how they pay attention or think.
That’s why proper assessment by an audiologist trained in APD is so important — it helps identify the root cause and guide the right kind of support.
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Yes. Many adults with APD were never diagnosed as children. Some notice listening challenges later in life, especially in noisy work or social settings. Adults can benefit greatly from assessment and therapy, often noticing improvements in focus, communication, and confidence.
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At Empathy Hearing Clinic, our approach combines professional expertise with personal understanding.
We don’t just test — we listen.
We help families and individuals understand what’s happening, find hope, and build strategies that make real-life listening easier.
Our goal is to create a space where clients feel supported, validated, and empowered to reach their full listening potential.
Earwax Removal
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we know that earwax is something most people don’t think about — until it starts to cause problems. Whether you’re feeling blocked, experiencing muffled hearing, or just want to stay on top of your ear health, safe and gentle earwax removal can make a world of difference.
As an audiologist who understands firsthand how important clear hearing is, I take extra care to make the process comfortable, safe, and effective for every patient.
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Earwax (also called cerumen) is completely natural — your ears produce it to protect the ear canal from dust, debris, and bacteria. It usually works its way out on its own. However, sometimes it can build up or become hard, leading to discomfort or hearing issues.
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You may have a wax blockage if you notice:
Muffled or reduced hearing
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
Itchiness or mild discomfort
Dizziness or imbalance
Feedback or whistling from hearing aids
If you’re unsure, a quick ear examination at our clinic can confirm whether wax is the cause.
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No. Cotton swabs, hairpins, and other objects can push wax deeper into the ear or even cause injury. Ear candling is not recommended — it’s unsafe and ineffective. Professional removal is always the safest option.
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We use safe, gentle, and clinically approved methods tailored to each ear. Depending on the situation, we may use:
Curettage – using specialized tools under direct vision to carefully lift out wax.
Irrigation – warm water is gently introduced to flush out wax if the ear and eardrum are healthy.
Before any removal, we always perform an ear examination to choose the safest method for you.
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Not at all! You might feel a light tickling or suction sensation, but it’s generally comfortable and painless. Most people experience immediate relief and improved hearing afterward.
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A typical earwax removal appointment takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on how much wax is present and how easily it can be removed.
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If your ears often build up wax or feel dry, using a few drops of olive oil or a pharmacy-recommended ear drop for 2–3 days before your appointment can help soften the wax. (Please avoid using drops if you have a history of ear surgery, perforation, or infections — let us know first.)
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It depends on your ear health and wax production. Some people never need professional cleaning, while others benefit from every 6–12 months. We’ll discuss what’s best for you after your appointment.
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Yes! Earwax buildup is common in kids and can affect hearing or interfere with hearing tests. We use gentle, child-friendly methods and ensure your little one feels comfortable and calm throughout.
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If wax is blocking your ear canal, removal often leads to instant improvement in hearing clarity. If you still experience hearing difficulties afterward, we can perform a hearing test right at the clinic to check for other causes.
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Coverage varies depending on your plan. We’re happy to provide a detailed receipt and help you submit it to your provider.
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At Empathy Hearing Clinic, every procedure is done with care, patience, and understanding. We know that even a simple earwax blockage can be frustrating — especially if you already experience hearing loss or wear hearing aids.
We take the time to explain what we’re doing, show you the results, and make sure you leave hearing clearly and comfortably.