Highly-Advanced Functional Hearing Testing
Functional Hearing Evaluations in Osseo, MN
A functional hearing test goes beyond a traditional hearing test (audiogram) by evaluating how well you understand speech in real-world environments. Instead of just measuring what sounds you can detect at different pitches, a functional test assesses how your brain processes sound in complex situations like understanding speech in background noise.
Highly-Advanced Functional Hearing Testing
Functional Hearing Evaluations in Osseo, MN
A functional hearing test goes beyond a traditional hearing test (audiogram) by evaluating how well you understand speech in real-world environments. Instead of just measuring what sounds you can detect at different pitches, a functional test assesses how your brain processes sound in complex situations like understanding speech in background noise.
A Better Approach To
Optimize Hearing
A Better Approach To
Optimize Hearing
A traditional hearing test measures how well you hear different pitches at
different volumes in a quiet setting. While it provides important baseline
information, it does not fully assess how you hear in real-world situations.
With extensive research and application, our hearing tests have evolved to a
comprehensive and functional hearing assessment approach. This method is
not just based on levels of gold-standard care, but is now taught to other
audiologists looking to enhance their hearing testing capabilities. Dr. Heidi
Hill has worked hard to refine the testing process, and our exhaustive
methods set us apart in the audiology world— they’re our “secret sauce!”
By choosing a functional hearing assessment, you get a more complete
picture of how you hear in everyday life, not just in a quiet testing room. This
deeper insight allows for more effective treatment options and personalized
hearing solutions, including the best hearing aids for your needs and the
optimal way to program them for maximum clarity and comfort.
For those wondering, “Where can I get a hearing test near me?” you’re in the
right place. With our comprehensive functional hearing assessments, you
can rest assured that your hearing health is in good hands.
A traditional hearing test measures how well you hear different pitches at
different volumes in a quiet setting. While it provides important baseline
information, it does not fully assess how you hear in real-world situations.
With extensive research and application, our hearing tests have evolved to a
comprehensive and functional hearing assessment approach. This method is
not just based on levels of gold-standard care, but is now taught to other
audiologists looking to enhance their hearing testing capabilities. Dr. Heidi
Hill has worked hard to refine the testing process, and our exhaustive
methods set us apart in the audiology world— they’re our “secret sauce!”
By choosing a functional hearing assessment, you get a more complete
picture of how you hear in everyday life, not just in a quiet testing room. This
deeper insight allows for more effective treatment options and personalized
hearing solutions, including the best hearing aids for your needs and the
optimal way to program them for maximum clarity and comfort.
For those wondering, “Where can I get a hearing test near me?” you’re in the
right place. With our comprehensive functional hearing assessments, you
can rest assured that your hearing health is in good hands.
Common Symptoms or Signs of Hearing Loss
How Do I Know if I Have Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can come about due to several causes. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is the number one cause of hearing loss, but noise exposure, medication side effects, illness, and genetics can all play a part in causing your hearing loss challenges.
Sign 1
Struggling to understand
what people are saying
It’s not that you’re not paying attention—sometimes, it just feels like voices blend into the background, especially in noisy places. It’s frustrating trying to catch every word and feeling like you’re missing out on key details.
Sign 2
Frequently asking people to
repeat themselves
‘Sorry, could you say that again?’ becomes your go-to phrase. It’s not just embarrassing—it’s exhausting trying to stay in the flow of conversations when you feel like you’re always a step behind.
Sign 3
Listening to music or watching TV at increasingly loud volumes
You didn’t notice it at first, but the volume creeps higher and higher. Friends and family comment on it, but for you, it’s the only way everything sounds clear enough to enjoy.
Sign 4
Feeling lost in conversations and struggling to keep up
Group chats or fast-paced discussions leave you feeling out of sync. By the time you piece together what was said, the conversation’s already moved on. It’s isolating and hard to keep up.
Common Symptoms or Signs of Hearing Loss
How Do I Know if I Have Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can come about due to several causes. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is the number one cause of hearing loss, but noise exposure, medication side effects, illness, and genetics can all play a part in causing your hearing loss challenges.
Sign 1
Struggling to understand
what people are saying
It’s not that you’re not paying attention—sometimes, it just feels like voices blend into the background, especially in noisy places. It’s frustrating trying to catch every word and feeling like you’re missing out on key details.
Sign 2
Frequently asking people to
repeat themselves
‘Sorry, could you say that again?’ becomes your go-to phrase. It’s not just embarrassing—it’s exhausting trying to stay in the flow of conversations when you feel like you’re always a step behind.
Sign 3
Listening to music or watching TV at increasingly loud volumes
You didn’t notice it at first, but the volume creeps higher and higher. Friends and family comment on it, but for you, it’s the only way everything sounds clear enough to enjoy.
Sign 4
Feeling lost in conversations and struggling to keep up
Group chats or fast-paced discussions leave you feeling out of sync. By the time you piece together what was said, the conversation’s already moved on. It’s isolating and hard to keep up.
Provide clarity and actionable insights.
Key Principles of Functional Hearing Assessments
Real-World Focus:
Instead of limiting our assessment to quiet, controlled conditions, we incorporate tests and tools that reflect everyday listening—restaurants, family gatherings, group conversations, and more.
Ear-to-Brain Approach
Hearing does not stop at the ear. The brain must receive, decode, and interpret sound. We measure not only what your ears pick up, but also how effectively your brain processes that incoming information.
Outcome-Oriented
People seek help because they struggle to participate fully in life. Our methods quantify success in terms that matter: social engagement, reduced listening effort, emotional well-being, and better communication—not just the ability to hear a soft beep in a quiet room.
additional information can be added here
Provide clarity and actionable insights.
Key Principles of Functional Hearing Assessments
Real-World Focus:
Instead of limiting our assessment to quiet, controlled conditions, we incorporate tests and tools that reflect everyday listening—restaurants, family gatherings, group conversations, and more.
Ear-to-Brain Approach
Hearing does not stop at the ear. The brain must receive, decode, and interpret sound. We measure not only what your ears pick up, but also how effectively your brain processes that incoming information.
Outcome-Oriented
People seek help because they struggle to participate fully in life. Our methods quantify success in terms that matter: social engagement, reduced listening effort, emotional well-being, and better communication—not just the ability to hear a soft beep in a quiet room.
additional information can be added here
The 20-Steps of an
Advanced Functional Hearing Assessment
1. Questionnaires: Understanding Real-World Impact
2. COSI (Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement)
3. Cognitive Screening
4. Case History
5. Otoscopy
6. Pure Tone and Speech Reception Thresholds
7. Immittance Testing (Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflex Thresholds)
8. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
9. Speech Understanding in Quiet
10. Noise Tolerance: The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) Test
11. Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDLs)
12. Probe Microphone Measurements (Real-Ear Measurements)
13. Hearing Aid Fitting
14. Speech Perception-in-Noise Testing (e.g., AzBio)
15. Listening Effort Comparison
16. Motivation to Engage in Noisy Environments
17. Confidence Metrics
18. Frustration Levels
19. TEN Test (Threshold Equalizing Noise)
20. Comprehensive Review of Findings
The 20-Steps of an
Advanced Functional Hearing Assessment
1. Questionnaires: Understanding Real-World Impact
2. COSI (Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement)
3. Cognitive Screening
4. Case History
5. Otoscopy
6. Pure Tone and Speech Reception Thresholds
7. Immittance Testing (Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflex Thresholds)
8. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
9. Speech Understanding in Quiet
10. Noise Tolerance: The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) Test
11. Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDLs)
12. Probe Microphone Measurements (Real-Ear Measurements)
13. Hearing Aid Fitting
14. Speech Perception-in-Noise Testing (e.g., AzBio)
15. Listening Effort Comparison
16. Motivation to Engage in Noisy Environments
17. Confidence Metrics
18. Frustration Levels
19. TEN Test (Threshold Equalizing Noise)
20. Comprehensive Review of Findings
The 20-Steps of an
Advanced Functional Hearing Assessment
1. Questionnaires: Understanding Real-World Impact
2. COSI (Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement)
3. Cognitive Screening
4. Case History
5. Otoscopy
6. Pure Tone and Speech Reception Thresholds
7. Immittance Testing (Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflex Thresholds)
8. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
9. Speech Understanding in Quiet
10. Noise Tolerance: The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) Test
11. Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDLs)
12. Probe Microphone Measurements (Real-Ear Measurements)
13. Hearing Aid Fitting
14. Speech Perception-in-Noise Testing (e.g., AzBio)
15. Listening Effort Comparison
16. Motivation to Engage in Noisy Environments
17. Confidence Metrics
18. Frustration Levels
19. TEN Test (Threshold Equalizing Noise)
20. Comprehensive Review of Findings
What to Expect
Your Hearing Assessment
with Dr. Heidi Hill
Your hearing health matters, we ensure a comfortable, thorough, and personalized experience. When you meet Dr. Heidi Hill, you can expect expert care tailored to your unique needs.
Why This Matters: Improving Your Life and Protecting Your Cognitive Health
Hearing isn’t just about detecting sound; it’s about meaningful communication, social interaction, emotional well-being, and cognitive vitality. By taking care of your holistic health and wellbeing with a functional hearing assessment, you will not only gain a full understanding of your current hearing capabilities, but learn how to optimize your listening and communication skills with personalized treatment plans made with your needs at front of mind.
Research indicates that improved hearing care can contribute to better overall health. By adopting a functional, ear-to-brain perspective, we aim not only to help you “hear” but to help you live more fully and engage more confidently in the world around you.
In essence, a Functional Hearing Assessment is about aligning technology, counseling, and intervention strategies with the complexities of real-world listening. It’s a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to enhance communication, protect cognitive health, and improve your overall quality of life.
Emotional Well-Being
Lower the likelihood of withdrawal and depressive symptoms.
Social Engagement
Encourage greater social participation, potentially safeguarding cognitive function.
Cognitive Health
Shift the focus from merely recognizing speech sounds to preserving cognitive reserves and reducing mental strain.
What to Expect
Your Hearing Assessment
with Dr. Heidi Hill
Your hearing health matters, we ensure a comfortable, thorough, and personalized experience. When you meet Dr. Heidi Hill, you can expect expert care tailored to your unique needs.
Why This Matters: Improving Your Life and Protecting Your Cognitive Health
Hearing isn’t just about detecting sound; it’s about meaningful communication, social interaction, emotional well-being, and cognitive vitality. By taking care of your holistic health and wellbeing with a functional hearing assessment, you will not only gain a full understanding of your current hearing capabilities, but learn how to optimize your listening and communication skills with personalized treatment plans made with your needs at front of mind.
Research indicates that improved hearing care can contribute to better overall health. By adopting a functional, ear-to-brain perspective, we aim not only to help you “hear” but to help you live more fully and engage more confidently in the world around you.
In essence, a Functional Hearing Assessment is about aligning technology, counseling, and intervention strategies with the complexities of real-world listening. It’s a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to enhance communication, protect cognitive health, and improve your overall quality of life.
Emotional Well-Being
Lower the likelihood of withdrawal and depressive symptoms.
Social Engagement
Encourage greater social participation, potentially safeguarding cognitive function.
Cognitive Health
Shift the focus from merely recognizing speech sounds to preserving cognitive reserves and reducing mental strain.
Investment in Your Hearing Health
Investment in Your
Hearing Health
Explore our affordable options for professional hearing assessments and services, designed to meet your unique needs. See why hundreds trust us for their hearing health care.
Highly Rated
Complete Hearing Assessment
Complete Hearing Assessment
With a functional hearing test, you will gain a full understanding of how your hearing helps you function in the “real world.” This assessment will include:
A full review of your hearing health
Cognitive Screening
Detailed hearing testing
Personalized treatment options for your unique needs
For children 5 years of age and older
$245
FAQs About Hearing Tests
What’s the difference between a regular hearing test and a functional hearing assessment?
While a comprehensive hearing assessment will help you understand your current range of hearing and what you need to do to optimize it, a functional hearing assessment will bring understanding to how your hearing functions outside of the clinic in your day-to-day life, including how you understand speech in noise, which frequencies of noise become uncomfortably loud, your confidence in loud and busy listening situations, and more. A functional hearing assessment takes two hours, and provides exhaustive results about your hearing and how it helps you listen and communicate in your active, independent lifestyle. With your hearing health expert’s guidance, you’ll receive treatment options to help you more fully engage with your world with stronger, clearer hearing.
What’s the difference between a regular hearing test and a functional hearing assessment?
While a comprehensive hearing assessment will help you understand your current range of hearing and what you need to do to optimize it, a functional hearing assessment will bring understanding to how your hearing functions outside of the clinic in your day-to-day life, including how you understand speech in noise, which frequencies of noise become uncomfortably loud, your confidence in loud and busy listening situations, and more. A functional hearing assessment takes two hours, and provides exhaustive results about your hearing and how it helps you listen and communicate in your active, independent lifestyle. With your hearing health expert’s guidance, you’ll receive treatment options to help you more fully engage with your world with stronger, clearer hearing.
Why do I need a hearing test?
A hearing test measures your current range of hearing and how much hearing loss damage you have sustained. It helps you understand what you need to do to address your hearing problems, whether that be having annual checkups to keep an eye on changes or adopting advanced hearing aid technology.
Why do I need a hearing test?
A hearing test measures your current range of hearing and how much hearing loss damage you have sustained. It helps you understand what you need to do to address your hearing problems, whether that be having annual checkups to keep an eye on changes or adopting advanced hearing aid technology.
Will you explain the results to me?
Yes! Please feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like. We’re more than happy to answer any inquiries about the testing portion, your results, the tools we use, and more.
Will you explain the results to me?
Yes! Please feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like. We’re more than happy to answer any inquiries about the testing portion, your results, the tools we use, and more.
What if my hearing test shows I have hearing loss?
If your audiogram, which is the physical graph that shows your current range of hearing, shows that you’re dealing with hearing loss, your audiologist will guide you through recommended methods of treatment. For some this means hearing aids, while for others hearing aids may not be necessary yet.
What if my hearing test shows I have hearing loss?
If your audiogram, which is the physical graph that shows your current range of hearing, shows that you’re dealing with hearing loss, your audiologist will guide you through recommended methods of treatment. For some this means hearing aids, while for others hearing aids may not be necessary yet.
How long does a hearing test take?
A comprehensive hearing test will take about an hour to complete. You’ll receive your results on the same day as your test.
How long does a hearing test take?
A comprehensive hearing test will take about an hour to complete. You’ll receive your results on the same day as your test.
Do you provide recommendations for hearing aids if I need them?
Thanks to our initial chat at the beginning of your appointment, you can feel confident that your audiologist will have your best interests at heart when recommending paths of treatment or specific hearing aids that fit your needs. From devices that will meet budget concerns to ones for advanced setting requirements, we have a range of incredible hearing devices that will help you not only hear the world around you, but feel confident and independent as you listen to it.
Do you provide recommendations for hearing aids if I need them?
Thanks to our initial chat at the beginning of your appointment, you can feel confident that your audiologist will have your best interests at heart when recommending paths of treatment or specific hearing aids that fit your needs. From devices that will meet budget concerns to ones for advanced setting requirements, we have a range of incredible hearing devices that will help you not only hear the world around you, but feel confident and independent as you listen to it.
Schedule Your Hearing Evaluation in Osseo, MN
If you’re struggling with hearing loss, you’re not alone. Recognizing that your hearing needs help is the first step on your hearing health journey, and one that isn’t easy to take.
Schedule Your Hearing Evaluation in Osseo, MN
If you’re struggling with hearing loss, you’re not alone. Recognizing that your hearing needs help is the first step on your hearing health journey, and one that isn’t easy to take.
The Stories Of Others
Nathan B
Hearing Assessment
I was nervous about my hearing test, but Dr. Heidi at The Hearing Health Clinic made it so easy. She explained everything clearly, and I finally feel like I’m taking control of my hearing health. Thank you so much!
James B
Tinnitus Treatment
I thought I’d just have to live with my tinnitus forever, but Dr. Heidi gave me real hope. The care and attention I got at The Hearing Health Clinic were amazing—I’m finally starting to feel like myself again.
Steve S
Hearing Assessment
Dr. Heidi is fantastic! She took the time to really listen to my concerns and made sure I understood my results. The team at The Hearing Health Clinic is so welcoming—I highly recommend them!
The Stories Of Others
Nathan B
Hearing Assessment
I was nervous about my hearing test, but Dr. Heidi at The Hearing Health Clinic made it so easy. She explained everything clearly, and I finally feel like I’m taking control of my hearing health. Thank you so much!
James B
Tinnitus Treatment
I thought I’d just have to live with my tinnitus forever, but Dr. Heidi gave me real hope. The care and attention I got at The Hearing Health Clinic were amazing—I’m finally starting to feel like myself again.
Steve S
Hearing Assessment
Dr. Heidi is fantastic! She took the time to really listen to my concerns and made sure I understood my results. The team at The Hearing Health Clinic is so welcoming—I highly recommend them!
Schedule Your Hearing Evaluation
in Osseo, MN
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Do you hear a crackling sound in your ears? If you’re wearing hearing aids, you may need...
Dr Heidi Hill
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You might balk at the idea of wearing hearing aids, but these mighty devices have come a long way
Dr Heidi Hill
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A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury can seriously disrupt the auditory system
Dr Heidi Hill
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition that affects how sound is processed by the brain
Dr Heidi Hill