Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

A smiling woman in a white coat talks to an older man in a plaid shirt, both engaged in a friendly conversation.

Functional Communication Needs Assessment

We take a more advanced approach with our Comprehensive 13-Step Functional Communication Needs Assessment—designed to evaluate not just what you hear, but how you process sound in real-world situations.

We take a more advanced approach with our Comprehensive 13-Step Functional Communication Needs Assessment—designed to evaluate not just what you hear, but how you process sound in real-world situations.

A Comprehensive 13-Step Functional Communication Needs Assessment

A Comprehensive 13-Step Functional Communication Needs Assessment

If you struggle to understand conversations in social settings, restaurants, or other noisy environments, a basic hearing test won’t give you the answers you need. And a “free” hearing screening or online hearing test? Those won’t provide the full picture either.

If you struggle to understand conversations in social settings, restaurants, or other noisy environments, a basic hearing test won’t give you the answers you need. And a “free” hearing screening or online hearing test? Those won’t provide the full picture either.

Three figures stand on a beach, facing the ocean, with gentle waves lapping at the shore under a sunny sky.
Three figures stand on a beach, facing the ocean, with gentle waves lapping at the shore under a sunny sky.
Three figures stand on a beach, facing the ocean, with gentle waves lapping at the shore under a sunny sky.

Why Functional Hearing Matters

Why Functional Hearing Matters

Hearing is more than just sound—it’s your connection to family, friends, and the world around you. When hearing loss goes untreated, it can create communication barriers and is closely linked to cognition, balance, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and overall well-being. Staying engaged and connected every single day, 365 days a year, is vital for long-term health and quality of life. It’s the foundation that lets you “Hear for Life”.

Hearing is more than just sound—it’s your connection to family, friends, and the world around you. When hearing loss goes untreated, it can create communication barriers and is closely linked to cognition, balance, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and overall well-being. Staying engaged and connected every single day, 365 days a year, is vital for long-term health and quality of life. It’s the foundation that lets you “Hear for Life”.

That’s why we developed our 13-Step Functional Communication Needs Assessment, which goes beyond the basics to examine how your ears and brain work together.

That’s why we developed our 13-Step Functional Communication Needs Assessment, which goes beyond the basics to examine how your ears and brain work together.

What to Expect:
Our 13-Step Functional Communication Needs Assessment

#1

All About You

Before your appointment, we’ll ask you to complete several questionnaires using our secure, HIPAA-compliant online portal.


Your medical history is crucial, as hearing is closely tied to cognition, cardiovascular function, diabetes, balance, and more. We’ll also review any medications that may affect hearing or cause tinnitus.

#2

All About Your Connections

Hearing loss often affects those around you before you even notice it. That’s why we encourage you to bring a loved one to your appointment.


We want to understand how hearing challenges impact your daily life and relationships—because better hearing is about staying connected.

Two hands gently hold a small black heart, symbolizing love and connection against a neutral background.
Two hands gently hold a small black heart, symbolizing love and connection against a neutral background.
Two hands gently hold a small black heart, symbolizing love and connection against a neutral background.

#3

When You Arrive

For your safety, we take precautions, including health screenings and sanitation measures. If you haven’t completed your intake forms online, we’ll assist you in filling them out before your appointment begins.

#4

Meet the Doctor

Once in a private consultation room, your Doctor of Audiology will discuss your medical history, family history, medications, occupation, and lifestyle.


We’ll use your pre-evaluation questionnaire to explore the struggles you’re experiencing and your goals for better hearing.

#5

Examination of Your Ears

Using an otoscope, we’ll inspect your ear canals for anything that may be blocking sound, like earwax buildup. If necessary, we’ll remove any obstructions using specialized tools, suction, or irrigation.

A woman laughs while gently listening to an older man's ear, both seated indoors.
A woman laughs while gently listening to an older man's ear, both seated indoors.
A woman laughs while gently listening to an older man's ear, both seated indoors.

#6

Cognitive Screening

Understanding speech in background noise involves more than just your ears—it’s a cognitive process. Recent research suggests treating hearing loss may slow or even reverse aspects of cognitive decline.


Our cognitive screening helps us tailor a hearing treatment plan that supports both your ears and your brain.

#7

Hearing Test

The basic hearing test determines the type and degree of hearing loss and identifies whether any conditions require medical intervention.


You’ll sit in a soundproof booth, wearing single-use foam earphones, and respond to a series of beeps at various pitches.

#8

Sound Tolerance Test

After finding the softest sounds you can hear, we assess your sound preferences with louder tones and speech.


This test helps us understand your comfort levels in noisy situations, guiding the selection and programming of your hearing technology.

#9

Word Recognition Test

We measure how well you understand words at a comfortable volume in quiet conditions, helping us assess how your brain processes speech.

#10

Hearing in Noise Test

This test simulates real-world environments by presenting recorded sentences alongside background noise.


It evaluates how well you understand speech when competing sounds are present, helping us determine the best hearing solutions for your lifestyle.

#11

Real-World Environmental Data Collection

We fit and prescribe hearing aids tailored to your specific hearing loss and optimized for speech clarity. To ensure the best results, we ask you to wear these devices in your everyday listening environments—putting them to the test in the situations where you struggle most.

Over 1-2 weeks, the sampling devices will:

Gather objective data about your real-world sound environments

Track your volume control behaviors, helping us fine-tune your settings

Give you a real-life experience of how hearing aids improve clarity and reduce listening effort

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by the difference! This sampling period also allows you to truly experience the benefits of well-fitted hearing technology before making a long-term commitment.

#12

Aided Speech in Noise Testing

After 1-2 weeks of sound integration, you’ll return to the booth for a repeat of the Hearing in Noise Test. You’ll likely be pleased to see improved word recognition and reduced listening effort!

#13

Development of Your "Hear for Life" Treatment Plan

After discussing your results of the objective data from the devices from the Real-World Environmental Data Collection and your real-world experiences, we collaborate with you to develop a personalized “Hear for Life” Treatment Plan.

This includes:

The Five Keys Communication auditory rehab program

Prescription hearing aid recommendations based on your hearing loss, needs, and lifestyle

A customized maintenance plan for long-term hearing health

We are with you every step of the way, adjusting your plan as needed to keep up with changes in your hearing, health, and lifestyle over time.

Why Choose Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center?

Our Comprehensive 13-Step “Hear for Life” Functional Communication Needs Assessment is designed to go beyond a basic hearing test—ensuring that your hearing, brain function, and overall communication abilities are fully evaluated. If you want the most thorough assessment of your hearing and cognitive listening ability, schedule your ‘Hear for Life’ Functional Communication Needs Assessment with Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center today!

Because you hear with your ears but you listen with your brain.
Because you hear with your ears
but you listen with your brain.
Q&A With Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center

How long does this assessment take?

Each assessment is unique, depending on your specific needs and concerns. On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours – this is often split between initial assessment and objective data read out/discussion The "Hear for Life" Functional Communication Needs Assessment is the most advanced and comprehensive communications evaluation available.

How long does this assessment take?

Each assessment is unique, depending on your specific needs and concerns. On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours – this is often split between initial assessment and objective data read out/discussion The "Hear for Life" Functional Communication Needs Assessment is the most advanced and comprehensive communications evaluation available.

How long does this assessment take?

Each assessment is unique, depending on your specific needs and concerns. On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours – this is often split between initial assessment and objective data read out/discussion The "Hear for Life" Functional Communication Needs Assessment is the most advanced and comprehensive communications evaluation available.

Will my insurance cover this?

Will my insurance cover this?

Will my insurance cover this?

Should I have this instead of a basic hearing test?

Should I have this instead of a basic hearing test?

Should I have this instead of a basic hearing test?

Do I need to prepare ahead of an assessment?

Do I need to prepare ahead of an assessment?

Do I need to prepare ahead of an assessment?

Schedule your Assessment

Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center offers a Functional Communication Needs Assessment to better understand your hearing challenges.

Contact us to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a clearer tomorrow.

Schedule your Assessment

Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center offers a Functional Communication Needs Assessment to better understand your hearing challenges.

Contact us to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a clearer tomorrow.

A person with long hair speaks on the phone in a cozy office setting. A wall sign is visible in the background.

Schedule your Assessment

Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center offers a Functional Communication Needs Assessment to better understand your hearing challenges.

Contact us to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a clearer tomorrow.

A person with long hair speaks on the phone in a cozy office setting. A wall sign is visible in the background.