A hearing test is the most reliable way to understand how well you are hearing, and what, if anything, should be done about it. At VirtuHear, we provide free comprehensive hearing evaluations in downtown West Chester and in patients’ homes throughout Chester County. Each evaluation is performed by a licensed hearing instrument specialist.
What a Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation Includes
Our evaluation is more thorough than a quick screening. It typically includes:
- Case history. We ask about your hearing concerns, health history, noise exposure, and the situations where hearing is most difficult, such as group conversations, phone calls, or television.
- Ear examination. A visual check of the ear canals and eardrums, including looking for earwax that may affect testing.
- Pure-tone testing. You listen to tones at different pitches and volumes so we can chart the softest sounds you can hear in each ear.
- Speech testing. We measure how clearly you understand words, which often matters more to daily life than tones alone.
- Results review. We go over your results with you before you leave.
How Long It Takes
Plan for 45 to 60 minutes. That leaves time for testing without rushing, and for your questions afterward.
Who Should Get a Hearing Test
Consider an evaluation if you:
- Often ask people to repeat themselves
- Find it hard to follow conversation in restaurants or groups
- Turn the television up louder than others prefer
- Notice ringing or other sounds in your ears
- Have a family member who has raised concerns about your hearing
- Have not had your hearing tested as an adult, or not in several years
- Currently wear hearing aids that no longer seem to help as they once did
If you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, or drainage, contact your physician promptly.
What to Bring
- A list of current medications
- Your health insurance card(s), so we can check hearing benefits
- Any previous hearing test results
- Your current hearing aids, if you have them
- A family member or friend, if you wish; a familiar voice can be helpful during part of the visit
Discussing Your Results
After testing, we walk you through your audiogram in plain language: which pitches are affected, how that relates to the difficulties you’ve described, and whether your results fall within a typical range. For background on how results are described, see how hearing loss is classified. If hearing aids may help, we explain the options, which include technology from Signia, Phonak, Oticon, and Unitron. If your results suggest a medical issue, we refer you to your physician. There is no obligation to purchase anything.
If you do choose hearing aids, they are fitted in person and come with a 30-day refund period, a 3-year loss and damage warranty, 12 months no-interest financing for qualified patients, and price matching. Follow-up adjustments can be made in the office, at home, or through Remote Hearing Care.
Start with a Free Online Screening
Not sure whether you need a full evaluation? Our free online hearing screening takes only a few minutes at home. It is not a diagnosis, but it can help you decide whether to schedule a comprehensive test.
In-Home Hearing Testing
If coming downtown is difficult, a licensed hearing instrument specialist can perform your evaluation in your home. We offer in-home visits across Chester County with no fee for the visit. Learn more about in-home hearing evaluations and in-home hearing aid fittings.
Check Your Hearing Benefits
Many health plans include hearing benefits. We work with networks including TruHearing, UnitedHealthcare Hearing (which includes Epic Hearing), and Amplifon. Coverage varies by plan, so we offer a free hearing benefit check before or during your visit. We will help you understand what your plan may offer, but we cannot guarantee coverage in advance.
Why Quality Hearing Aids Matter
Prescription hearing aids that are properly fitted and followed up can make everyday conversation easier, and our short guide explains what to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hearing test free?
Yes. The comprehensive hearing evaluation is free, with no obligation.
Who performs the hearing test?
A licensed hearing instrument specialist performs every evaluation.
How is this different from the online screening?
The online screening is a brief check you can do at home to see whether further testing may be worthwhile. The comprehensive evaluation is a full, in-person assessment of both ears, including speech understanding, with a results discussion.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed to schedule a free hearing evaluation. Call 484-401-9585.
Can I be tested at home?
Yes. We provide no-fee in-home hearing evaluations throughout Chester County.
For more questions, see our hearing aid FAQ.
Visit Us in Downtown West Chester
VirtuHear is at 103 S High Street, Suite #1, in the borough of West Chester, PA 19382. Metered street parking and public garages are nearby in downtown West Chester.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Sunday.
Call 484-401-9585 to schedule your free hearing evaluation, at our office or in your home.
Related: Hearing aids in West Chester · Comprehensive hearing evaluations · Exton · Downingtown · Malvern