A painless hearing test that measures whether sounds at different frequencies and intensities can be heard. Used to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.
Indication
- New-onset or progressive hearing loss
- Ear fullness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or dizziness
- Follow-up after recurrent middle-ear infections
- Periodic monitoring of workers exposed to noise on the job
- Children with speech delay or declining school performance
- Comparative assessment before and after ear surgery
- Follow-up of age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) and hearing-aid planning
Preparation
- Avoid loud-noise exposure for 12-16 hours before the test
- If there is heavy earwax, the physician should clean the ear canal before the test
- The test may be postponed if there is active ear discharge or infection
- Hearing aids and headphones must be removed before entering the test booth
- Because the test requires quiet concentration, it is helpful to come well rested
How it's performed
- The patient sits in a quiet, soundproof booth and wears specialized headphones
- In pure-tone audiometry, sounds at different frequencies (250-8000 Hz) are presented; the patient signals each tone heard
- For the bone-conduction test, a vibrator is placed behind the ear to assess inner-ear function
- In speech audiometry, word lists are presented at varying intensities and the correct-repetition rate is recorded
- Results are charted on an audiogram, with each ear plotted separately
- The test typically takes 20-30 minutes and is painless with no side effects
Post-procedure
- The audiogram is interpreted by an ENT specialist together with the clinical findings
- Treatment (medical, surgical, or hearing-aid fitting) is planned according to the type of hearing loss
- Annual or 6-month follow-up is recommended for those exposed to noise
- If hearing loss is detected in children, speech therapy and educational support are coordinated
- For hearing-aid users, follow-up audiometry every 3-6 months evaluates benefit
Risks
- The test itself carries no risk; it is non-invasive and painless
- In children or patients with communication difficulties, additional tests may be needed because of response challenges
- High-intensity sounds may rarely cause temporary discomfort
- Distraction during the test may affect reliability; the test is repeated when needed
FAQ
Is audiometry a painful test?
No, it is completely painless. You only listen to sounds through headphones and signal when you hear them.
My child is very young — can the test be done?
In infants and young children, behavioral audiometry, visual reinforcement audiometry, or objective tests such as OAE/ABR are used. The ENT specialist and audiologist choose the age-appropriate method.
My results are normal but I still have trouble hearing — why?
Even with normal pure-tone results, difficulty understanding speech in noise, auditory processing disorders, or central causes can be present. The physician may request additional tests.
How often should the test be repeated?
Routine screening is not recommended for adults without symptoms. For people at risk (noise exposure, ototoxic medications, family history), an annual test or one at the physician-advised interval is appropriate.
Related Information
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