Hearing Tests

Many people put off getting their hearing checked, often assuming missed words or a raised TV volume are simply part of getting older. A diagnostic hearing evaluation is the only reliable way to know whether your hearing is within normal range or if there is a degree of loss that could benefit from treatment. At Greentree Hearing & Audiology in St. Louis, Missouri, we perform complete hearing evaluations in a sound-controlled environment, giving us an accurate picture of how you hear across all key frequencies. Our audiologist goes over your results in plain language and walks you through any recommended next steps — with time set aside for your questions.

How a Hearing Evaluation Works

Our hearing evaluations are designed to assess how well you detect tones across different pitches and volumes and how clearly you understand spoken words, giving us a complete and accurate clinical picture of your hearing abilities.

Tone Testing - You listen to tones at different pitches and volumes in a sound booth, and we record your hearing thresholds.

Speech Discrimination (Understanding) Assessment - Spoken words are used to test speech clarity and show how your hearing affects everyday communication.

Otoscopic Evaluation- We look in your ears to determine if earwax or other medical issue is causing any potential hearing issues.

Why a Hearing Evaluation Matters

Hearing loss develops gradually, and many people spend years without realizing how much they have been missing in conversations, at work, and in their personal lives. It affects tens of millions of Americans across all age groups, making it one of the most widespread health conditions in the country. A professional hearing evaluation gives you accurate, actionable information — and finding a problem earlier means more options for addressing it.
Benefits of Professional Hearing Evaluations

Seeing a licensed audiologist for your hearing evaluation means receiving a thorough, multi-step clinical assessment — and not just a quick screening — with results that support informed, real-world decisions about your hearing care.

• Accurate diagnosis from a licensed, credentialed audiology professional
• Frequency-specific results that pinpoint where hearing challenges occur
• Speech understanding data that reflects real-world communication impact
• Clinical results that guide personalized hearing care decisions

Common Questions About Hearing Tests

It is normal to have questions before your first hearing evaluation, especially when you are unsure what to expect. We have answered the most common ones below to help you feel comfortable and informed going into your appointment.

Q: Does a hearing test hurt? Hearing tests are completely painless and non-invasive — no instruments are placed inside the ear and nothing touches your eardrum. You simply listen and respond to sounds, making the evaluation comfortable and stress-free for patients of all ages.

Q: How long does a hearing evaluation take? A complete diagnostic hearing evaluation typically takes about an hour from start to finish, including time to review and discuss your results with our audiologist. We set aside enough time so that neither the testing nor the conversation feels rushed.

Q: Do I need a referral from my doctor? You do not need a referral from your primary care physician to schedule a hearing evaluation at our Kirkwood clinic. You can call our office directly to set up an appointment at a time that works for you — no pre-authorization needed.

Q: What if the results show I have hearing loss? If your evaluation reveals a degree of hearing loss, our audiologist will walk you through what the findings mean in practical terms for your daily life. We discuss all available hearing aid options in a calm, no-pressure setting so you can make decisions at your own pace.

Q: How often should adults have their hearing tested? Adults over 50 are generally encouraged to have a hearing evaluation every one to two years, even if they are not noticing obvious changes. Catching gradual shifts in hearing early allows for earlier intervention and more choices for addressing it.

Q: Does insurance cover a hearing test? Many insurance plans include coverage for diagnostic hearing evaluations, though the specifics vary by provider and policy. You can call us with your insurance information and we can help you understand your hearing benefits.

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Schedule a Hearing Evaluation in Kirkwood

Our audiologist, John Scarlas, has spent over 25 years helping St. Louis-area residents get clear, accurate answers about their hearing health. We use a diagnostic approach that covers pure-tone thresholds, speech understanding, and middle-ear function — no shortcuts, and no tests we don't perform in-house.

From the moment you arrive, you can expect a calm, unhurried appointment where your questions are welcome and your time is respected. We believe the best hearing care starts with an accurate picture of where your hearing stands today.

If you are ready to find out, call Greentree Hearing & Audiology at (314) 835-9996 to schedule a diagnostic hearing evaluation. We are here to help you take that first step at your own pace.