Advanced Hearing Tests
Get clearer answers with advanced hearing testing designed to assess more than just hearing thresholds. Discover the services below and book your hearing test with our Toronto team to take the next step toward better hearing care.
OUR SERVICES
Currently We’re Offering
Speech-in-Noise
Testing
Cognivue®
Test
Central Auditory Processing
(CAP) test
Who needs a CAP test?
CAP testing is generally recommended for individuals age 7 and up who:
- Shows struggle in understanding speech in noisy or multi-talker environments
- Frequently ask for repetitions in conversations
- Show normal audiogram results but display listening or learning challenges
- Have no significant peripheral hearing loss or unmanaged attention disorders prior to assessment
Central Auditory Processing (CAP) Test
The Central Auditory Processing (CAP) test battery evaluates how effectively the brain interprets and makes sense of sounds, despite normal peripheral hearing. It helps diagnose Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) by pinpointing which auditory processes—such as sound discrimination, temporal processing, or binaural interaction—are weakened or inefficient.
How is the CAP test done?
Pre-Assessment Screening Confirm normal pure-tone hearing and rule out auditory neuropathy or other peripheral issues with tests like ABR or acoustic reflexes.- Case History & Questionnaires Case History & Questionnaires Gather information on listening behaviors, academic performance, and daily communication challenges.
- CAP Test Battery Delivered via headphones in a sound-treated booth, interactive tasks typically last 45–60 minutes, with breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Scoring & Interpretation Results are converted into standard scores or percentiles; patterns of strengths and weaknesses across subtests guide diagnosis and intervention planning.
The CAP test will allow for differential diagnosis that rules out attention, language impairments, or learning disabilities as primary causes.
Follow-Up and Treatment after CAP test
Recommendations may include auditory training exercises, classroom accommodations, or assistive listening devices.
- Auditory Training Programs Computer-based or clinician-led exercises targeting weak processing areas, such as focusing on phonemic awareness and listening strategies.
- Environmental Modifications Use of FM systems or hearing aids or preferential seating to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
-
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) Accommodations like extended time, written instructions, and quieter testing environments.
Speech-in-Noise Testing
Hearing in a quiet room is one thing, understanding speech in real-world environments is another. Speech-in-noise testing evaluates your ability to follow conversations when background noise is getting in the way a lot, such as in restaurants, meetings, or social gatherings.
During this test, you’ll listen to spoken words or sentences presented with competing background noise. Your performance helps us assess how well your brain processes speech in such complex listening situations.
This test is especially useful for:
- People who struggle to hear in noisy places despite having normal or near-normal hearing thresholds
- Evaluating the real-world impact of hearing loss
- Guiding recommendations for hearing aids or assistive listening devices.
The Cognivue® Test
Hearing and brain function are deeply connected. When hearing is impaired, your brain has to work harder to process sound—often at the expense of memory, focus, and decision-making clarity.
And this is not news. Back in 2011, researchers at Johns Hopkins already discovered a 500% higher risk of dementia for those with severe hearing loss, 300% for moderate, and even just mild, the risk is up by 200%*.
Recent studies at Johns Hopkins also confirmed that, compared to people with normal hearing, prevalence of dementia among those with hearing loss is 61% higher** and hearing aids can -slow cognitive decline by 50% for people at risk***.”
That’s why we also offer the Cognivue® screening, a quick, non-invasive test to assess key areas of brain function, including:
- Memory
- Visual and verbal processing
- Reaction time
- Cognitive flexibility
Cognivue helps us understand how your hearing health may be affecting your cognitive performance—and guides us in creating a truly holistic care plan.
- *:Lin, F. R., Metter, E. J., O’Brien, R. J., Resnick, S. M., Zonderman, A. B., & Ferrucci, L. (2011). Hearing loss and incident dementia. Archives of neurology, 68(2), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneurol.2010.362
- **: Huang, A. R., Jiang, K., Lin, F. R., Deal, J. A., & Reed, N. S. (2023). Hearing loss and dementia prevalence in older adults in the US. JAMA, 329(2), 171–173. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.20954
- ***: Lin, F. R., et al. (2023). Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): A multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 402(10404), 786–797. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X
Why Early Detection Matters
Why should I do it now? I can still live with it.” That’s the first impression of some of you. You must know one thing, however, hearing changes, and it only changes for the worse. When it comes to bringing sounds back to the brain, we’re talking about re-training and re-adapting to those long lost sounds. The sooner hearing loss is identified, the easier it is to treat. Early intervention can:
Slows the progression of hearing decline
Keep the brain engaged
Prevent further hearing decline
Reduce the risk of cognitive decline
Stay socially connected
Improve communication and relationships
Improve emotional well-being
Restore confidence in social settings
Support long-term brain health
Don’t wait until hearing loss is affecting every part of your life. A full evaluation today could mean a better quality of life tomorrow.
Step By Step Procedure
What to Expect on Your First Visit
01
Get to Know You & Understand Your Symptoms
Get to Know You & Understand Your Symptoms
02
Discuss Your Treatment Goals & Medical History
Discuss Your Treatment Goals & Medical History
03
Determine Your Stage of Hearing Loss/Tinnitus
Determine Your Stage of Hearing Loss/Tinnitus
04
Answer All of Your Questions or Concerns
Answer All of Your Questions or Concerns
05
Begin a Custom Treatment Plan
Begin a Custom Treatment Plan
CUSTOM TREATMENT PLAN
Begin Your Treatment Today
Don’t wait to take the next step toward better hearing and a better quality of life. Whether you’re looking to address hearing problems or book a hearing test, our clinics across Toronto are here to support you.
From testing to treatment, our team will guide you through every step. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or have been managing hearing loss for a while, we’re ready to help you find the right solution.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward better hearing and a more connected living.
Request Your Consultation
*Please first request a referral from your doctor to have your hearing test covered by OHIP*
Toronto Hearing Services Locations
The Audiology Centre (North York)
Business Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Phone: (416) 498–4151
FAX:
416–498–1589
Markham Stouffville Hearing Services
Business Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
Phone: (905) 471-4327
FAX:
905-471-4338
West End Hearing Services
Business Hours:
Tue–Thurs: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Mon & Fri: Closed
Phone: (416) 233-8581
FAX:
416-233-4390
