hearing-tests-for-adults
Reviewed
Also called: audiometry, audiogram, sound test, audiologic tests
Hearing tests measure how well you are able to hear. They can help diagnose hearing loss, how severe it is, and which part of your hearing isn't working properly.
Specimen: not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- Having trouble hearing over the phone
- Having trouble understanding what other people are saying, especially in a noisy environment
- Needing to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain
- Thinking that others always seem to mumble
- Having trouble hearing high-pitched sounds and voices
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a hearing test.
Your primary care provider may use a general screening test to check your hearing. This is usually a whisper test to see how well you can hear whispered words in each ear. If the test shows you may have a hearing problem or if you notice you have trouble hearing, your provider may do more hearing tests or send you to a hearing specialist. There are several types of hearing tests: Audiometry tests (pure-tone test, speech test), tuning fork tests (bone conduction tests), tympanometry test, and otoacoustic emissions test (OAE).
There is no risk to having a hearing test.
Understanding results
The results of hearing tests show if your hearing is normal or if you have hearing loss. You'll usually get your results right after your tests are done. If you have hearing loss, the results will show how severe it is, which ear is affected more, and whether you have conductive, sensorineural, or both types of hearing loss.
- Screen-negative (lower-likelihood of hearing loss): Your hearing is normal. Limitation: This is a screening result and not a confirmed diagnosis. Even mild hearing loss can make it difficult to understand normal speech. Next step: No further action is needed based on this screening result. If you continue to have concerns, talk with your health care provider.
- Screen-positive (higher-likelihood of hearing loss): You may have hearing loss. The results will show how severe it is, which ear is affected more, and whether you have conductive, sensorineural, or both types of hearing loss. Limitation: This is a screening result and not a confirmed diagnosis. Further evaluation by a hearing specialist (audiologist or otolaryngologist) is needed to determine the exact type and cause of hearing loss. Next step: If you have hearing loss, there are steps you can take that may help treat or manage the condition. With conductive hearing loss, your provider may be able to treat the cause and restore your hearing. With sensorineural hearing loss, your hearing loss can't be treated, but you may be able to use hearing aids or have surgery to implant a device to improve your hearing. In certain cases, more tests may be needed to diagnose the cause of the hearing loss. If you have questions about your test results, talk with your health care provider.
- This is a screening result and not a confirmed diagnosis. Further evaluation by a hearing specialist is needed.
- Even mild hearing loss can make it difficult to understand normal speech. Because of this, many older adults will avoid social situations, leading to isolation and depression.
What to do next
If you have hearing loss, there are steps you can take that may help treat or manage the condition. Treatment options include hearing aids and cochlear implants. If you have questions about your test results, talk with your health care provider.
- What type of hearing loss do I have?
- How severe is my hearing loss?
- What treatment options are available for my hearing loss?