hearing-tests-for-adults
Reviewed
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.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a hearing test.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.