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Hearing Test (Audiometry)

What is a Hearing Test?

A hearing test is a safe and simple way for a provider to check how well you hear different sounds. During the test, you listen for quiet sounds at different pitches and respond when you hear them. The main result of this test is a chart called an audiogram. This chart helps your provider figure out if your hearing is normal, if you have hearing loss, what type it is, and how severe it is. The results can also help explain problems you may have, such as ringing in your ears, a feeling of fullness, or issues with dizziness and balance.

An example of a Hearing Test

Why Am I Having A Hearing Test?

You are having this test to:

  • Check for hearing loss
  • Find out how much hearing loss you have
  • Help explain ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • Check ear fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing
  • Help evaluate inner ear problems that may affect balance
  • Track hearing changes over time
  • Help guide next steps, such as hearing protection, hearing aids, medical care or more testing

Is a Hearing Test Safe?

Yes. A standard hearing test is safe, painless and non-invasive. Most people do not have side effects. Some people may feel mild pressure from the headphones or feel nervous in the sound booth, but the test should not hurt. You can always tell your provider how you are feeling during the test. 

You can ask to:

  • Take a break
  •  Stop the test if needed

Before Your Appointment

Your provider may ask you to:

  • Bring a list of your symptoms and when they started
  • Avoid very loud noise right before your test (if possible)
  • Tell them if you have ear pain, drainage, or a bad cold 
  • Bring past hearing test results if you have them
  • Tell them about loud noise exposure at work or hobbies

Do not stop taking any medicine unless your provider tells you to.

What to Wear

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Hair pulled back if possible (so headphones or small devices fit well)
  • Avoid big earrings or bulky headbands (they can get in the way of headphones)

What to Bring

  • Photo ID
  • Insurance card
  • List of your medicines
  • Glasses or hearing aids (if you use them)
  • Notes about your symptoms (examples: ringing, fullness, dizziness, trouble hearing speech)

Should I Bring a Ride?

You usually do not need a ride home after a hearing test. Most people drive themselves.

Some tests can:

  • Make you feel tired from concentrating
  • Feel stressful if you dislike small spaces (like a sound booth)
  • Be combined with other balance tests the same day that can cause dizziness

Ask your provider ahead of time if you should plan for a ride.

Questions You May Want to Ask Your Provider At Your Appointment

To learn more aboot your hearing and the test results, you may want to ask:

  • What did my test show?
  • Is my hearing in the normal range?
  • Do I have hearing loss in one ear, both ears?
  • Is hearing loss only at certain pitches?
  • Does the pattern look more like inner ear or middle ear hearing loss?
  • What could be causing my hearing changes?
  • What should I do next?
  • How do my hearing results relate to my dizziness or balance symptoms? 
  • When should I call right away if my symptoms change?

How Does the Test Work?

You will listen to sounds at different pitches and loudness levels. You will respond when you hear a sound by pressing a button or raising your hand.

This helps the provider find the softest sounds you can hear.

What Will Happen During Testing?

During the test, you may:

  • Sit in a quiet sound booth or quiet room
  • Wear headphones or small earphones
  • Press a button or raise your hand when you hear a beep
  • Repeat words out loud (speech testing)
  • Wear a small device behind your ear that sends gentle vibrations (bone conduction testing)

The process may take 30-60 minutes, depending on the tests done. 

An example of a hearing test being performed by a trained clinician

How Might I Feel?

Most people feel fine during the test.

You may feel:

  • Mild pressure from the headphones
  •  A little tired from focusing
  •  Slightly nervous if you do not like small spaces

These feelings are usually mild and go away quickly.

After the Test

How Will I Feel?

Most people feel normal right away and can return to their usual activities. Some people may feel a little tired from concentrating or briefly “off” if they felt anxious during the test.

What Should I Do?

You can usually go back to your normal day. If your ears feel “full” from the headphones, that feeling should pass quickly. If you have hearing aids, your provider may talk with you about your settings or next steps.

When Will I Get Results?

Many people get results the same day. Your provider may show you the audiogram during the visit and explain what it means. Sometimes, results may be reviewed later if your visit includes multiple tests or if a specialist needs to look at everything together.

When Should I Call My Provider?

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Sudden hearing loss (especially in one ear) 
  • A big hearing change over hours or 1-2 days
  • New or worsening ear pain
  • Ear drainage or pus
  • Fever
  • New or worsening dizziness

Call 911 right away if dizziness happens with stroke warning signs, such as:

  • Trouble speaking
  • Face drooping
  • New weakness
  • Confusion
  • Trouble walking

Also ask your provider if there are other warning signs based on your health history.

Key Points to Remember 

  • A hearing test is safe, common, and non-invasive.
  • An audiogram is the chart that shows your hearing test results.
  • The test shows how well you hear different sounds and pitches.
  • Most hearing tests take about 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Most people feel fine during and after the test.
  • Many people get their results the same day.
  • Sudden hearing loss or stroke-like symptoms should be treated as urgent and need medical care right away

Additional Resources