Hearing Test

Top-Level Hearing Care Starts with a Comprehensive Hearing Assessment

Are you finding your friends and loved ones complaining that the volume on your television is too loud? Does it annoy you that everyone seems to be mumbling? Is it becoming difficult to enjoy a night out or a family gathering? Are family and friends harassing you about getting a hearing test?

As it becomes more difficult to communicate, conversations, get-togethers with friends, and telephone conversations become stressful and annoying.

The development of hearing loss is a lot like watching paint dry – a day-by-day, gradual process that is difficult to identify until communication becomes a struggle.

Consequently, your friends and loved ones will probably notice the change before you do, which is why those who care about you the most are encouraging you to have your hearing tested.

Those who put off scheduling a hearing assessment usually point to one or several myths as the reason. We’re busting a half-dozen myths about hearing tests to encourage you to give a hearing test serious consideration.

The Biggest Hearing Myths … Busted!

In spite of greater access to information in our modern age, many still allow unproven theories and beliefs to guide their decisions about hearing tests. Here are six of the most common myths about hearing tests followed by the truth to provide you with greater clarity to make an informed decision.

FACT: You are the person most harmed by hearing loss. Besides negatively affecting your quality of life and capacity to communicate, hearing loss contributes to depression, anxiety, and isolation as well as increasing your risk for additional physical health conditions. These issues make you more dependent on others and strain relationships at home and at work. Early detection of hearing loss and treatment can limit its negative effects.

FACT: Hearing clarity is as important, if not more so, as loudness. Difficulty hearing when there is a lot of background noise indicates a reduced capacity to distinguish close and distant sounds. Misunderstanding speech typically relates to a difficulty distinguishing between different consonants. These difficulties along with struggling to understand phone conversations or the voices of women and children are issues related to clarity, which can be identified through a hearing assessment.

FACT: Research indicates that almost 20% of the adult population in the U.S. experiences some degree of hearing loss, which also includes those between the ages of 18 and 44. Age-related hearing loss is only one of several causes for hearing loss, which includes injury from an excessive noise event, noise exposure, ototoxic medication, genetics, diseases, brain injuries, and other causes. Hearing tests identify hearing loss related to these causes regardless of age.

FACT: As your capacity to hear decreases, your brain adapts and compensates, which reduces your capacity to determine how severe the problem has become. A hearing test can help to reveal the extent of your hearing problem as well as identify the best treatment options or devices to correct the issue. Hearing tests establish the parameters for custom programming a hearing aid or an assistive listening device, which will produce the best results for your specific condition.

How a Hearing Assessment Works

The “official” hearing assessment includes seating you in a soundproof booth and fitting you with a set of high-quality headphones. Using an audiometer, we’ll play a range of sounds or spoken words at various frequencies and volume levels. This includes verification and validation wording. This demonstrates which frequencies you are not hearing as well as the volume thresholds for your hearing. This data is plotted onto an audiogram for us to study.

14-Day Test-Drive All Hearing Technology

You wouldn’t buy a car without having a test-drive, and we don’t expect you to invest in better hearing without first experiencing the difference for yourself.

UpState Hearing Instruments proudly offer 14-day test-drives on all hearing technology, giving you the confidence that you’re making the right decision.

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Schedule Your Comprehensive Hearing Assessment

To schedule your COVID-safe, low-contact hearing assessment, simply complete this form. A member of our team will then reach out to schedule a convenient date/time at your preferred location.

“Hearing aids have allowed me to hear my grandkids”

I first realized that I was having trouble hearing during a meeting at work. Upon visiting UpState Hearing Instruments, I found them to be very welcoming! Hearing aids have allowed me to hear my grandkids. If you’re concerned about your hearing, you will be very happy with your decision if you visit UpState Hearing Instruments.
- Holly

“Struggling to hear at work was impacting my job”

I was struggling to hear at work which was impacting my job. My first impression of UpState Hearing Instruments was how great Ken’s presentation was. As I’m practically deaf without my hearing aids, they have greatly impacted my life. My advice to anybody that is considering visiting UpState Hearing Instruments is that it’s the place to go – it’s full of great people, especially Stacy!
- Mike

“These are my fourth pair of hearing aids and my first experience with UpState Hearing. I have never been so happy with the service and performance.”
- Duane Menefee

“I can turn the TV down to a comfortable level that does not annoy my wife”

I first noticed that I had a hearing loss several years ago. Before coming to UpState Hearing, I was concerned that I would not like them [hearing aids] and that I’d get possible feedback noise. I found everyone at UpState Hearing to be friendly, not pushy, and the demos were a plus. With my new hearing aids, I can turn the TV down to a comfortable level that does not annoy my wife. UpState Hearing is awesome. My hearing aids are comfortable – I am not vain about wearing them. They aren’t very noticeable.
- Ron R.

“I love that I can stream with all my devices”

I first realized that I might have a hearing loss when I was unable to hear normal conversations in a crowd. At first, I was concerned that I was too young for hearing aids and about the stigma of wearing hearing aid devices. During my first visit to UpState Hearing, I thought everyone there was very professional, they answered all of my questions, and they were compassionate. I can definitely hear better with my hearing aids! I love that I can stream with all of my devices. UpState Hearing is absolutely the best, they are easy to work with, and they offer good follow-up. P.S. Josh was the best!!!
- J.M.S

“We were satisfied when I took my dad to UpState Hearing to see Ken and know that’s where my husband wanted to go.

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- Austin R.

"Very pleasant experience."
-Martha P.

"Would never go any place else"

I have been coming to UpState Hearing for quite a few years and would never go any place else for my hearing needs. Everyone in the office is courteous and helpful. They listen to you and do their best to help you hear your best.
- Debra W.

"So helpful"

You have been so helpful to me… I’m doing better.
- Jean B

"5 Stars"
- Tom D.

"The staff is very helpful and understanding."

They want you to be completely satisfied with your hearing aids. There is a lot of information and sometimes it feels overwhelming. The staff is very patient and good at explaining things to help solve your issues.
- Debra S.

"5/5 Stars"
- Yvonne C.

"Outstanding staff and service."
- Jody B.

"5/5 stars"

Third pair of hearing aids. Outstanding service and follow up.
- Ken W.

"Everyone at the office is warm and friendly and helpful."

Scott is a real professional. We both grew up in the same area and developed an instant bond.
- Chris H.

"5/5 Stars"
- Mike B.

"Thank you!"

Everyone from phone call, to being in the office were awesome to work with.
- Patty S.

"5/5 Stars"
- Marvin S.

"Ken has been terrific to work with."

The level of customers service is excellent. Thank you!
- Michelle M.

"Very professional and friendly"

Scott and the gang at UpState Hearing are very professional and friendly and it is a pleasure to have them help me with my hearing. I recommend UpState Hearing to friends and coworkers who have hearing loss. Thank you very much!
- Dave J.

"5/5 Stars"
- Dorothy S.

"5/5 Stars"
- Steve R.

"UpState has a great staff"

They are easy to schedule with and are great getting us in if we have any problems. I love that they have a satellite office in Chico. It was very helpful when my husband was recovering from surgery and hospitalization in Chico.
- K. Meyer

"It is great that a practice actually cares about their patients. Thank you!"
- D. Blickenstaff

"Initially I had a couple issues. I was able to walk right in and get the assistance I needed."
- Linda V.

"Long time customer. Keep coming back. Appointments are fun! "
- Larry A.

"Very professional, helpful. Answered all my questions."
- Nacy D.

"Made my transition to hearing aids a very positive experience. Also, you take very good care of my husband who has extreme hearing loss. I give you an A++. "
- Maryanne G.

"I’ve known Ken for over 30 years and he really treats me great!"

They are always there when I need them.
- Benny L.

"Josh was really very helpful and friendly to us"
- Jack C.

"Great Customer Service"
- Tara S.

"Very satisfied with overall services."

All staff are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Quality of hearing aids is also excellent. I would highly recommend to anyone who needs your services.
- Joy O.

Why Hearing Loss Often Goes Unnoticed

According to a recent National Health Survey, it’s predicted that 15% of the US population has some form of untreated hearing loss. The reason for this is that hearing loss can be very difficult to self-diagnose. With it often occurring slowly and gradually, it’s rare to notice any day-to-day changes, with no way to compare to what your hearing was once like. This is the reason that our loved ones often notice our hearing challenges before we do.

If you are concerned about your hearing or a loved one’s hearing, then your first step should be to have a comprehensive hearing assessment. It’s quick, non-invasive, and the earlier you can catch any form of hearing loss, the sooner you can correct it, and the higher the success rate.

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