Hearing Test and Diagnostics

At Prescription Design Hearing Aid & Audiology Center, we offer the latest technology in digital hearing aids at the most affordable prices. Contact us today to learn more about or prices.

We are experienced professionals.

At the Prescription Design Hearing Aid & Audiology Center, we strive to provide you with the best hearing care services possible. With over three decades of experience, we offer comprehensive hearing testing and evaluations, as well as top brands of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. We are dedicated to helping you improve your hearing, and your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

We work with you and your doctors to ensure you get the best individual treatment and care.

What Is a Hearing Test?

A hearing test (audiologic evaluation) measures how well you hear different sounds, speech, and tones. It helps determine:

Whether hearing loss is present
The type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed)
The severity of hearing loss
Whether hearing aids or other treatment options are recommended

Testing is painless, non-invasive, and typically takes 45 – 60 minutes.

Signs You May Need a Hearing Test

You may benefit from a hearing evaluation if you:

Frequently ask others to repeat themselves
Turn up the TV volume higher than others prefer
Struggle to hear in noisy environments
Experience ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Feel fullness or pressure in your ears

Even mild hearing loss can impact communication, relationships, and cognitive health. Early detection leads to better outcomes.

It is important to remember that hearing aids do NOT act as ear protection.

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Types of Hearing Loss

SENSORINEURAL

Tinnitus (ringing)
Vertigo (dizziness)
Fullness in the ear
Sudden loss of hearing

The majority of hearing loss is a sensorineural type, which is hair damage in the inner ear. This type of loss is permanent and can be caused by noise exposure, medical problems, head injuries, certain medications, or family history of sensorineural hearing loss.

It is important to remember that sensorineural hearing loss from loud noise exposure leads to permanent hearing loss, but it is preventable in most case. Hearing aids can treat this effectively.

CONDUCTIVE

Certain types of hearing loss are correctable with surgery and/or medications, and this type is usually referred to as conductive hearing loss. The cause of conductive hearing loss can be from:

Fluid behind the eardrum
An ear infection
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Hear injuries
Hardening of the middle ear bones called “otosclerosis”

It is important to rule out conductive and retrocochlear hearing losses before purchasing hearing aids, which is done with a comprehensive, diagnostic audiometric evaluation. If you have a sudden loss of hearing, immediately seek medical treatment with your physician. Causes of sudden hearing loss can be from ear wax impaction, or more serious inner ear diseases / inner ear viral infections which are often treated with steroid medications.

MIXED

Tinnitus (ringing)
Vertigo (dizziness)
Fullness in the ear
Sudden loss of hearing

A combination of the SENSORINEURAL and CONDUCTIVE. Mixed hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids and/or medicine intervention.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your appointment includes:

Case History Discussion
We review your medical history, noise exposure, medications, and symptoms.
Physical Ear Examination
We examine your ears for blockage, wax buildup, or structural issues.
Diagnostic Audiometric Testing
You will listen to tones and speech through headphones to measure hearing sensitivity and clarity.
Results & Personalized Recommendations
We review your audiogram and explain your results in clear, easy-to-understand terms.

If a hearing loss is present, we will discuss hearing aid options or other appropriate solutions.

Types of Hearing Loss We Diagnose

Sensorineural hearing loss (age-related or noise-induced)
Conductive hearing loss (blockage or middle ear issues)
Mixed hearing loss
Sudden hearing changes
Tinnitus-related hearing concerns

Why Choose Prescription Design Hearing Aid and Audiology Center?

Experienced, licensed Audiologists/Hearing Specialists
Advanced diagnostic technology
Personalized treatment plans
Hearing aid fittings and follow-up care
Local care in Great Falls, Montana

We are committed to helping patients improve hearing clarity, confidence, and overall quality of life.

The best care.

We offer complete hearing testing and evaluations for all major brands of assistive listening devices and hearing aids. We work with you and your doctors to ensure you get the best individual treatment and care.