7 Different Types of Hearing Tests and How They Work

If you're considering scheduling an appointment with an audiologist to examine your ears and hearing, and to discuss your hearing health, you may be wondering: What's going to happen during the test? How long does a hearing test take? While it's perfectly normal to feel a little nervous, keep in mind that hearing tests are relatively fast, easy and painless.

What Is a Hearing Test?

Also known as an audiometry evaluation, a hearing test is performed by an audiologist and checks for hearing loss by measuring your ability to hear different sounds, pitches and frequencies.¹ Hearing tests check for three main categories of hearing loss:

• Sensorineural: The most common cause of hearing loss in adults, this occurs when the inner ear or hearing nerve becomes damaged as a result of aging, exposure to loud noise, injury, disease, genetics or certain drugs.
• Conductive: Most common in children with frequent ear infections, this occurs when the sound waves are blocked from moving through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear due to earwax, a foreign object, fluid, infection, a bone abnormality or if the eardrum is injured.
• Mixed: People may also have a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.²

As we get older, hearing loss becomes more common, so experts recommend getting your hearing tested every three years for adults age 19-60, and every two years after that.

Hearing loss is often gradual, but you may want to get your hearing checked if you have trouble hearing people talk when you're in a crowded room; have to turn up the volume on the phone or TV to hear what is being said; have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds; or if you have ringing in your ears (tinnitus).

What Are the Different Types of Hearing Tests?

There are seven common types of hearing tests that may be performed during a hearing screening:²

1. Otoscopy: A physical ear exam that uses an instrument known as an otoscope to look inside your eardrum and ear canal to check for signs of infection or ear obstructions like earwax.
2. Tympanometry: Tests your middle ear function to see how well your eardrum responds to light pressure to check for fluid in the ear or an issue with the eustachian tube.
3. Acoustic Reflex Measures: Also called middle ear muscle reflex, these test how well the ear responds to loud noises.
4. Pure-tone Test: Also known as audiometry, it involves playing different tones and asking you to respond when you hear the tones to check for your ability to hear different pitches.
5. Tuning Fork Test: Using the two-pronged metal device called a tuning fork, the doctor will ask you to respond when you hear the tone. If you hear the sound in one ear or equally in both ears it can help to identify in which ear you have hearing loss and what type of hearing loss you might have.
6. Speed and Word Recognition: Tests how well you can hear spoken language, especially in noisy environments.
7. Tympanometry Test: Checks to see how well your eardrum moves.

The standard hearing test — which typically includes a physical exam, the Pure-tone Test plus speed and word recognition — takes around 30 minutes. If your doctor recommends more testing, it may take longer.¹ You don't need to bring anything or prepare for your appointment ahead of time.²

Understanding Hearing Test Results

Hearing test results are usually presented on a chart or graph known as an audiogram, which shows the level, type and configuration of hearing loss.³ The audiologist will review your audiogram results with you and explain the cause of your hearing issue, the type of hearing loss and the level of hearing loss.

You may have hearing loss of up to 25 decibels and still be within the normal hearing range. From there, hearing loss is described as:¹

Treatment Options for Hearing Loss

Once the level of hearing loss is determined, the audiologist will review your hearing loss treatment options. Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss and are available in different hearing aid styles and technologies. Other types of hearing loss treatments include cochlear implants, assistive listening devices or therapy and solutions that may address an ear infection or a blockage in the inner ear.¹

Your audiologist will also discuss the next steps in your hearing care. This may include a follow-up appointment, a referral to another type of hearing care specialist — such as an ENT — or a fitting with a hearing aid specialist. Your audiologist may also review steps you can take to prevent further hearing loss, like reducing exposure to loud noises.

How Much Does a Hearing Test Cost?

The cost of an audiogram can range from your deductible to as much as $250 if you do not have insurance. If you need hearing aids, they range from $100 to $6,000. The average cost of a cochlear implant can range from $30,000 to $50,000 without insurance.³

Where Can I Get a Hearing Test?

Many hearing clinics and health facilities offer free screenings year-round or at certain times of the year, which can be helpful for determining if you need further testing.

There are also online hearing tests. They can be helpful for determining whether you need to schedule an appointment, but aren't as accurate as standardized testing by a professional and do not include the physical exam of your ear and its structures, which is an important part of the exam.⁴

Another good place to start is your primary physician, who can then refer you to an audiologist.

CareCredit Financing for Hearing Tests

The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for hearing care, including regular hearing tests, screenings, and more.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a hearing specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue to invest in your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace, and more.