An audiological test, also known as an audiometry test or hearing test, is a series of tests that evaluate your hearing ability. Audiologists, specialized doctors, administer these tests
Audiological tests can help determine:
- Type of hearing loss: Whether your hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural, or mixed
- Degree of hearing loss: Whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe
- Cause of hearing loss: What may have caused your hearing loss
Audiological tests can include:
- Audiogram: The gold standard test for hearing, which measures the softest sound you can hear at different pitches
- Tympanometry: Assesses the middle ear, which includes the eardrum and the small bones that connect it to the inner ear
- Stapedial reflexes: Evaluates the auditory nerve’s ability to transmit hearing signals to the brain
- Sentence-in-noise (SIN) test: Evaluates your ability to understand speech in noisy environments
- Otoacoustic emissions: Evaluates the functioning of the outer hair cells in the inner ear
Audiological tests are generally comfortable and don’t require special preparation. An initial screening may take about 5 to 10 minutes, while a more detailed test may take about an hour. During the test, you should try to remain still and quiet so that an accurate recording can be made.
Based on the results of your audiological tests, your doctor can develop a treatment plan for you, such as recommending hearing aids or cochlear implants.