What are the Different Types of Hearing Tests?

A hearing test is carried out by an audiologist to help assess your hearing and to determine whether or not any treatment is needed to improve it. Just as with an eye exam, there are different types of hearing tests that can check for different conditions. 

Understanding the different types of hearing tests can help you learn what to expect when you go for an exam. Take a look at them in more detail below:

Pure-tone test

A pure-tone test will use air conduction to help measure what you can hear at different volumes and pitches. During the test you will sit in a booth with some headphones on and sounds will play. Whenever you hear a sound, you’ll be asked to indicate that you’ve heard it, with an audiogram produced with your results.

Speech perception

A speech perception or speech test will examine how well you can separate speech from background noise. It will measure your speech perception threshold, where you will be asked to repeat words as you hear them.

Bone conduction test

Similar to pure tone testing, a bone conduction test will measure how your inner ear responds to sound. During the test, the conductor will be placed behind the ear, where vibrations will travel through the bone to the inner ear. This can help identify any issues with your inner ear.

Tympanometry 

A tympanometry test will be able to test the function of your eardrum. It can help to detect various conditions that could be blocking your ear, including fluid buildup, wax, a perforated eardrum or a growth.

Acoustic reflex testing

Acoustic reflex testing will look to measure involuntary muscle contractions within the middle ear. This will help to determine where there could be a hearing problem, and possibly what type of hearing loss is being experienced.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR)

ABR is one of the less common types of hearing testing. It is typically conducted if an audiologist thinks hearing loss could be caused by issues with your auditory nerves, or even a neurological disorder. During the test, electrodes are used around the head, which can measure the neurological response to different sounds. It is sometimes carried out on newborns to test their hearing. 

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)

OAE testing involves using a tiny probe to stimulate the cochlea to test its response to different sounds. When stimulated, the hair cells in the cochlea will produce sounds when they vibrate in response to sound – which diminishes when there is hearing loss. It can help establish if there is a condition such as excess fluid or a blockage. 

When you visit an audiologist, your hearing can be tested using a variety of methods. Sometimes the cause of hearing loss will be obvious, other times, some deeper investigation will be needed. If you suspect you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s important that you book an appointment as soon as possible to determine the cause and ensure that you get the right treatment.