What to Expect From a Hearing Test and Follow-up Care
Worried about changes in your hearing and unsure what happens at a full evaluation? Jana Wahlen, AuD, Audiology at Riverside Healthcare, explains the full process and next steps. Learn how to schedule a diagnostic visit, what otoscopy and middle-ear checks look for (wax, fluid, infection). Jana also covers insurance and referrals, how results are shared the same day, hearing-aid candidacy and typical device lifespan (about five to seven years), and related services such as balance and auditory processing testing. Finally, she summarizes research-backed reasons to address hearing loss early — including its links to falls and cognitive decline — and practical follow-up: regular checks, device cleanings, and professional adjustments to keep hearing aids comfortable and effective.

