Types of Hearing Tests

Is it time to visit an audiologist?

An audiologist is a hearing healthcare professional who can test, diagnose and treat hearing loss by using a series of hearing tests. Hearing tests, which determine the type, degree or severity of hearing loss in each ear, are simple procedures. These tests are easy and pain-free and are best performed in a hearing lab or audiologist’s practice, but can also be done by a primary care physician, a workplace or school nurse, a psychologist, speech therapist or audiometric technician.

Types of hearing tests

Audiologists have many types of tests to choose from. Each test can work together or separately to determine the type and degree of hearing loss an individual has. The type of tests a patient will undergo usually depends on such factors as age and cognitive ability.

Types of tests include:

• Whispered speech test. During this test, an audiologist will ask a patient to cover the opening of one ear. Then, they will whisper a series of words to the patient who is then asked to repeat the words they can hear. If words are not heard, the audiologist will repeat the words at louder volumes until the patient can accurately repeat the word back.
• Pure-tone audiometry. This sophisticated test is actually quite easy for the patient. The test uses a machine called an audiometer, which plays a series of tones at different pitches and loudness through a pair of headphones. The patient will respond to each tone by raising their hand or pushing a button. Each ear will be tested separately.
• Tuning fork tests. A tuning fork test uses a tuning fork: a metal, two-pronged device that emits a tone when it vibrates. The purpose of the test is to determine how well sound moves through the ear. During this test, the audiologist will strike the fork to produce a tone. The fork is then placed behind the ear.
• Speech reception/word recognition tests. Much like the whispered speech test, these tests measure how well an individual can hear and understand normal speech. During the test, the patient will be prompted to respond to sounds — this time speech — relayed in different volumes.
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAC) testing. This test is typically done during an infant screening to determine any potential hearing loss. During the test, a small microphone is placed in the ear canal. The microphone emits sound and can detect the inner ear’s response to the sound.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. During ABR testing, electrodes are placed on the scalp and each earlobe. While wearing earphones, the patient will listen to sounds. The electrodes will record any brain waves picking up and responding to the noises and record them in an audiogram.

If you have any questions or concerns about the hearing testing process, or are nervous or anxious, talk with your audiologist about what you can expect to ease your worries. Your audiologist will be instrumental in improving your hearing health, so it’s important to confide and trust in their ability.