Hearing tests

Audiologists at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic offer a range of hearing tests for comprehensive ear, nose and throat care. We prevent, diagnose and treat hearing-related problems in people of all ages.

What is a hearing test?

Hearing tests check for hearing-related problems and assess how well you can hear. Your ear is made up of the outer, middle and inner ear. An audiologist (hearing specialist) tests how well each part works. They evaluate your overall hearing and balance abilities.

Types of hearing tests

We offer a range of hearing tests for people of all ages, including:

• Auditory brainstem response: This test evaluates your inner ear and how well your hearing nerve communicates with your brain. Your audiologist records your brain activity using small sensors on your head and ears while you listen to sounds.
• Middle ear tests: Middle ear tests include tympanometry, acoustic reflex measures and statis acoustic impedance. These tests check for problems with your eardrum, ear canal and middle ear muscle.
• Otoacoustic emission (OAE) test: OAEs are small vibrations the inner ear normally makes in response to sounds. This test checks for hearing loss by measuring OAEs using a small earphone or probe inside the ear. We usually do an OAE test for infants and children. We also use it to assess nonorganic hearing loss (malingering).
• Pure-tone testing and audiogram: This test assesses whether you can hear various pitches, frequencies and sound levels. You listen to a series of tones and respond each time you can hear one. A graph called an audiogram shows the results.
• Speech testing: You listen to words spoken at various sound levels (quiet or loud) and repeat them. You may do this test in quiet and noisy environments.
• Tinnitus evaluation: Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, roaring or hissing sound that you hear but isn’t present in your environment. Your audiologist does a comprehensive assessment to check for tinnitus, find its cause and figure out the right treatment.
• Videonystagmography (VNG) test: A VNG test checks your balance by assessing your vestibular system (in your inner ear) and eye movements.

Hearing test uses and benefits

Hearing exams help your audiologist diagnose hearing loss and understand:

• Whether hearing loss affects one or both ears
• The amount of hearing loss
• What causes hearing loss

Hearing tests also check for other ear-related problems, including balance disorders and speech difficulties.

Preventing hearing loss

Hearing tests can also be part of preventive care. An exam and resulting therapies can:

• Check for age-related hearing loss
• Ensure children’s hearing develops properly
• Help protect your hearing if you have a job that often exposes you to loud noise
• Prevent ear infections
• Provide ways to reduce hearing loss risk if you need to take medication that could harm your ears (ototoxic medication)

Your audiologist can create custom noise protection or water protection earmolds. They can also recommend ways to reduce your risk for ear-related problems and hearing loss over time. Your job, daily life and medical history also factor into your audiologist’s recommendations.

Who needs a hearing exam?

Audiologists commonly do hearing tests in adults who experience:

• Balance problems
• Changes in their hearing ability or clarity of hearing (for example, speech sounding muffled)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Ear pain
• Signs of tinnitus

Your loved ones may notice that you are withdrawn from conversation or have difficulty following conversation, especially in a group. Hearing loss can also cause you to avoid social settings.

Signs that children may need a hearing test include:

• Attention problems
• Needing to turn the TV volume up louder than normal
• Response problems, such as not responding when spoken to or not startling from loud sounds
• Speech difficulties or delays

What to expect with hearing tests

You’ll first speak with an audiologist to discuss your hearing and medical history. Your audiologist will look inside your ears using a special lighted tool, called an otoscope.

Then, your audiologist will perform specific hearing tests based on your needs and possible problems. They will recommend next steps depending on the results, such as additional diagnostic tests, hearing protection or hearing therapies.

Hearing test side effects

Hearing tests are noninvasive and don’t generally cause side effects. However, the earbuds, sounds or tools used during a hearing test may cause temporary discomfort.