During your hearing evaluation, your hearing care professional will take time to get to know you, and understand what you're experiencing and what brings you in. You'll be asked a series of pre-screening questions to help rule out any conditions that may require a medical referral to your primary care physician or possibly to an ENT doctor if necessary.

Next, we'll perform video otoscopy to inspect your ear canal and eardrum for wax buildup or any abnormalities. You'll get to see everything on screen in real time.

From there, you'll step into our audiometric sound booth, where we'll perform a comprehensive battery of tests including, but not limited to:

• Pure-tone air and bone conduction testing

• Speech reception threshold testing

• Most comfortable listening level testing

• Word recognition testing

• Speech-in-noise testing

Together, these give us a complete picture of your hearing and a clear understanding of what will the best path moving forward.

A comprehensive hearing evaluation at Riverside Hearing Care typically takes between 45-90 minutes. This allows our hearing instrument specialists sufficient time to thoroughly assess your hearing abilities, discuss your lifestyle needs and goals, and address any questions or concerns you or your loved ones may have about your hearing. We like to ensure that you have all the information needed to have a thorough understanding of your hearing loss.

We recommend annual hearing tests for adults over 55 and anyone regularly exposed to loud noise environments (such as those working in shipbuilding, commercial fishing, construction, logging, manufacturing, or agricultural industries common in Midcoast and Central Maine). For other adults, testing every 2-3 years is sufficient to establish a baseline and monitor any changes in hearing health.

Maine is one of the oldest states in the nation by median age, which means hearing health is a pressing concern for a significant portion of our community — and the stakes go well beyond simply hearing better.

Cognitive Health Groundbreaking research, including the ACHIEVE trial and the ENHANCE study, has established a meaningful link between treating hearing loss and protecting brain health. Untreated hearing loss is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Hearing aids don't just help you hear — they help keep your brain engaged and sharp.

Early Intervention Hearing loss is gradual by nature, so most people don't notice it until it has already significantly affected their daily life. Regular hearing evaluations allow us to establish a baseline, track changes over time, and intervene before communication difficulties and social withdrawal have a chance to take hold. The earlier hearing loss is identified, the better the outcomes.

Quality of Life Untreated hearing loss is strongly associated with social isolation, depression, and decreased independence. For Maine residents who value staying connected with family, enjoying the outdoors, and living actively — healthy hearing is foundational.

A hearing test is a simple, painless step that can have a profound impact on your long-term health.

Hearing tests and hearing aid coverage varies widely depending on your plan — and navigating it can be confusing. We'll do that work for you. Insurance shouldn't be a barrier to better hearing. We'll help you figure out what your plan covers and help handle the paperwork so you don't have to.

You should schedule a hearing test if you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in groups or noisy environments like restaurants, turning up the volume on television or radio louder than others prefer, having difficulty hearing on the telephone, or if family members have commented on your hearing or if you're experiencing tinnitus(ringing or buzzing in the ears). These are common early signs of hearing loss.

No, you do not need a physician referral to schedule a hearing evaluation at Riverside Hearing Care. We welcome self-referrals and make it easy to schedule an appointment at our convenient location in Bath, Maine. Call us today!

Please bring your insurance information, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical history related to your ears or hearing. If you've had previous hearing tests, bringing those records is helpful. It's also beneficial to bring a family member or close friend who can provide perspective on your hearing challenges in everyday situations.

If hearing loss is detected, our specialist will discuss the type, degree, and configuration of your hearing loss and recommend appropriate treatment options. This might include hearing aids, which you can test-drive and experience our unique fitting program. We'll explain all your options and help you make an informed decision without any pressure.