A hearing test is a thorough evaluation conducted by a Qualified Audiologist to assess an individual’s hearing ability. The process begins with a consultation to discuss medical history and any hearing-related symptoms. The audiologist then performs a physical examination of the ears using an otoscope to check for issues such as earwax buildup or infections.

The primary goal of the hearing test is to determine the degree of hearing loss, identifying how severe it is and which types of sounds the individual may struggle with. This includes pure-tone audiometry, where the patient listens to sounds at various pitches and volumes, and speech audiometry to assess the ability to hear and understand speech. Tympanometry may also be conducted to evaluate eardrum movement and detect any middle ear issues.

In addition to determining the degree of hearing loss, the test also identifies the nature of the loss—whether it is due to a medical condition requiring intervention or another underlying cause. Once the audiologist has a complete understanding of the patient’s hearing, they will explain the findings in a clear and meaningful way. A personalized pathway of action will be recommended, which may include hearing aids, medical treatments, or additional diagnostic testing.

The goal of a hearing test is to provide a tailored solution that improves the patient’s hearing ability and overall quality of life.

During a hearing test, the audiologist reviews your medical history and examines your ears with an otoscope to check for blockages or abnormalities. Key tests include pure-tone audiometry, where you respond to tones at different pitches and volumes, and speech audiometry, which assesses your ability to hear and understand speech. Additional assessments, such as bone conduction testing and tympanometry, may be used to evaluate middle ear function. Once the tests are complete, the audiologist explains the results, identifies any hearing loss, and recommends appropriate treatment options.