Learn: How Does an Audiologist Conduct a Hearing Test?

How Does an Audiologist Conduct a Hearing Test? 

Hearing tests are an essential part of your healthcare at any age. Hearing loss is often associated with older adults, but even those under 50 who don't have symptoms of hearing loss and aren't exposed to loud environments frequently should still schedule a hearing exam every five years. These straightforward and painless assessments establish your hearing baseline, which is essential in monitoring changes in your hearing ability as you get older. Has it been a while since your last hearing test? Schedule a free assessment at an AudioNova location.  

Your Hearing Test Begins With a Conversation 

Whether you meet with an audiologist or a hearing instrument specialist, your test will start with a general discussion about your medical and hearing history. It's important to be honest about concerns and any signs of hearing loss you've experienced so the hearing test is tailored to address your specific concerns and symptoms. Based on that conversation, your personalized test will include some or all of the following types of assessments.  

Examining the Ear 

Your hearing health professional will use a medical instrument called an otoscope to visually examine the ear for blockages or abnormalities. Otoscopy exams are quick and painless standard procedures, and you've likely had one during a wellness visit with your primary care doctor.  

Tone Testing 

Pure-tone testing measures how well you hear sounds at different volumes and frequencies. Through headphones, you'll listen for tones at various levels and signal when you hear them by either raising your hand or pushing a button. This fundamental test is essential for detecting signs of hearing loss. With results from the exam recorded as it's administered, you can discuss them with your hearing care provider immediately.  

Speech Recognition 

Speech testing is similar to a tone test but moves on from sounds to evaluate how well you understand speech at different volumes, sometimes with background noise added. The purpose is to mimic real-world conditions, ensuring if you have hearing loss, hearing aids can be fine-tuned for everyday conversations. 

Testing the Eardrum 

A tympanometry test measures how your eardrum moves in response to air pressure changes. This assessment identifies any issues in the middle ear, a common area for hearing problems. Your ear specialists will apply light pressure to gauge eardrum activity, and the test might be combined with an acoustic reflex test to see how well your eardrum protects you from loud sounds.  

Advanced Diagnostics When Needed 

Sometimes, initial test results or patient circumstances may call for additional testing. One of these is a bone conduction test, which uses an instrument to assess the health of the inner ear if there is an obstruction or abnormality in the outer or middle portion that prevents effective tone, speech, or tympanometry testing.  

Navigating Types of Hearing Loss 

Understanding the nuances between different types of hearing loss is essential. These tests are designed to pinpoint whether you're experiencing sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss, guiding us toward the most effective treatment plan for you or your loved one. Every person is unique, and our job is to ensure the solution matches perfectly with the results of your test for a life of better hearing and enjoyment. 

Take the Next Step With a Free Hearing Test 

The care team at AudioNova is passionate about educating you on the different types of hearing aids available to help you find the one that matches your test results. We deliver personalized solutions free from barriers that may have kept you from seeking help in the past. With convenient access to support and professional care that rises above the industry standard, we are your trusted partner on the path to a fulfilling and enriching hearing experience. Find a location near you to schedule your free hearing test, or take one online from the comfort of your home.