Expert Hearing Testing Services in Salem, OR

If you believe that you or a loved one has hearing loss, we invite you to stop in for a hearing test. A hearing test, or audiometry exam, tests your ability to hear sounds. Sounds vary, based on their loudness (intensity) and the speed of sound wave vibrations (tone). As we age, it is important to continue regular hearing screenings to combat issues related with hearing loss.

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  • When meeting someone for the first time, you are unable to hear them clearly.
  • You listen to the television or radio at a volume level which is uncomfortably loud for others in the room.
  • You frequently ask people you are speaking with to repeat themselves because it sounds as if they are mumbling or their speech is muffled.
  • You have frequent ringing in your ears that doesn’t go away.
  • You find it difficult to hear conversations in noisy places – such as restaurants, airports or parties.
  • You are unable to hear important sounds that occur during your day, including the alarm clock, cell phone notifications or the timer bell on the oven.
  • You have trouble hearing phone conversations, particularly cell phone conversations or phone calls with a great deal of background noise.
  • You feel as if your inability to hear is impairing your social life.
  • You find yourself trying to read lips.

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, call or text Salem Hearing Aid Center at 503-868-2337 and make an appointment for a hearing test in Salem to see if hearing aids might help you.

What is a Hearing Test?

Hearing instrument specialist examining a woman's ear during a hearing test

A hearing test can detect issues as simple as an earwax obstruction, or as serious as permanent hearing loss. During your hearing test at Salem Hearing Aid Center in Salem, we will measure the threshold at which you are able to hear specific sounds by having you listen to a series of tones at different volumes.

After the test is completed, your hearing aid professional will create an audiogram that shows your hearing sensitivity. Using frequencies measured in Hertz (Hz), and loudness measured in decibels, the audiogram measures the lowest volume levels at which you can hear certain sounds. The louder it takes for a sound to be heard, the greater the level of hearing loss.

We will review your hearing test results with you and determine whether a hearing aid would help you hear.

What Happens During the Test?

Our hearing instrument specialists typically performs the hearing test. It is a very short, straightforward experience. Salem Hearing Aid Center may review the results with you or schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss findings. First, you will enter a quiet, soundproof room and you will receive earphones. Place the earphones on your head as you sit still. A machine will deliver tones and sounds of speech to your ears, one ear at a time. Your earphones are connected to the machine. You may be asked to raise your hand when you hear a sound or push a button. You will be tested on each individual ear, as well as different tones and volume levels. These evaluate different kinds of hearing loss. You will return the earphones and finish the hearing test.

How to Read Your Hearing Test Results

The normal range of hearing for a healthy adult is considered between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Most sounds we hear are between 250 and 6,000 Hz. A healthy adult should be able to hear sounds between 1 and 20 decibels at any frequency. Hearing loss of 25 decibels or less is considered typical hearing loss for an adult, and a hearing aid probably isn’t required.

Mild

Adults with hearing loss in the 26 to 40-decibel range are said to have mild hearing loss. Symptoms include difficulty understanding quiet conversations or difficulty hearing speech from across the room.

Moderate

Hearing loss in the 41 to 55-decibel range is defined as moderate hearing loss. Those with moderate hearing loss have difficulty hearing conversations at normal volume levels, and listening in noisy environments is extremely difficult.

Moderately Severe

If you have hearing loss in the 56 to 70-decibel range, it is considered moderately severe hearing loss. Symptoms include difficulty hearing quiet conversations or ringing telephones.

Severe

Severe hearing loss is defined as hearing loss that falls between 71 and 90 decibels. With severe hearing loss, you can only hear people who are standing next to you and speaking very loudly.

Profound

Hearing loss measured at 91 decibels and higher is considered profound hearing loss. These individuals are unable to hear loud speech or the everyday sounds around them.

How Does a Hearing Test Work?

Hearing tests are able to detect where your hearing loss has occurred. Sometimes there is damage to the nerve of the ear or the cochlea, and this is called sensorineural hearing loss. Other times you may have damage to the eardrum or the tiny bones, and this is called conductive hearing loss. The test can help determine the type and location of your hearing loss.

Talk with Salem Hearing Aid Center about when you started noticing issues related to your hearing. You can review your medical history and discuss several options in addition to your hearing test.

If you suffer from any form of hearing loss, call or text Salem Hearing Aid Center at 503-868-2337 to set up an appointment. We also offer Industrial Hearing Screening programs in Salem, OR.

Types of Hearing Tests We Perform in Salem 

Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Tests 

A professional hearing evaluation at Salem Hearing Aid Center is more comprehensive than an online screener or a quick pass/fail hearing check. Our tests are designed to identify not just whether hearing loss is present, but what type it is, how severe, and what’s causing it — so we can recommend the right next steps for your specific situation. 

Here are the key tests that may be performed during your evaluation: 

Pure-Tone Audiometry (Air Conduction)

This is the core of any hearing evaluation.  

Bone Conduction Testing

Similar to pure-tone testing, but instead of headphones, a small device is placed behind the ear to send vibrations directly to the inner ear.  

Speech Reception Threshold (SRT)

This test determines the softest volume at which you can correctly repeat spoken words.  

Word Recognition Score (WRS)

Beyond simply hearing sound, this test measures how clearly you understand speech at a comfortable listening volume.   

Tympanometry

A quick, painless test that measures how your eardrum responds to small changes in air pressure.  

Otoscopy (Physical Ear Examination)

Before formal testing begins, we visually examine your ear canals and eardrums using a small scope.  

Not every test is performed at every visit — your hearing instrument specialist will determine which assessments are appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history. 

Call or Text 503-868-2337 to Schedule Your Hearing Evaluation

How to Prepare for Your Hearing Test — and What to Expect Afterward 

Making the Most of Your Hearing Test Appointment 

A little preparation before your visit helps your hearing instrument specialist get the most accurate picture of your hearing health — and helps you leave the appointment with clear answers and a confident path forward. 

Before Your Appointment 

Think about the specific situations where you’ve noticed difficulty hearing. Is it mostly in noisy environments like restaurants? On the phone? With certain voices? The more detail you can share, the better we can tailor your evaluation and recommendations. 

It’s also helpful to bring: 

  • A list of any current medications and supplements, since some drugs (including certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, and diuretics) are known to affect hearing 
  • Notes on any history of noise exposure (occupational, recreational, or otherwise) 
  • A family member or close friend — people who live or spend time with you often notice hearing changes you may have adapted to without realizing it, and having a second set of ears in the room helps you absorb the information we share 

During Your Appointment 

Your hearing test at Salem Hearing Aid Center takes approximately 30–60 minutes. Your hearing instrument specialist will review your health history, examine your ears, and walk you through the tests. Everything is non-invasive and painless. Results are reviewed with you on the same visit. 

After Your Appointment 

If hearing loss is detected, we’ll explain exactly what type and degree is present and walk you through your options — whether that’s monitoring, medical referral, hearing aids, or another solution. You are never pressured to make any decisions on the day of your test. 

If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll discuss which styles and technologies best match your lifestyle, budget, and degree of hearing loss. We’re here to answer every question. 

Hearing Tests for Children in Salem 

Hearing loss affects people of all ages — including children. Undetected hearing loss in children can impact speech development, academic performance, and social confidence. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation. Testing approaches for younger children can be adapted to ensure accurate, cooperative results even for those who can’t respond to standard audiometry. 

How Often Should You Be Tested? 

Hearing experts generally recommend a baseline hearing evaluation for adults by age 50, with annual or biennial screenings thereafter — similar to how you’d approach regular vision or dental exams. If you work in a high-noise environment, have a family history of hearing loss, or notice any sudden changes in your hearing, testing should happen sooner. 

Call or Text 503-868-2337 to Book Your Appointment in Salem