A hearing test is done in order to determine the presence of hearing loss, the degree of hearing loss, and the type of hearing loss.

What to expect during your hearing test:

The evaluation will last about 30 minutes in length. It is recommended that you bring a family member with you to your appointment, as it helps to have another supportive person to help you understand the information and recommendations.

Dr. Tomlin will review your medical history and ask questions related to how you are hearing during everyday life.

Next, she will look in your ears with an otoscope, a special instrument to see the ear canal and the eardrum.

Finally, Dr. Tomlin will perform one or all of the tests below:

Audiometric Test: During this hearing test, you’ll be tested using a series of high and low tones to determine hearing thresholds across the frequencies. You will also have several words to repeat. The results will help to determine your percentage of hearing loss, your ability to understand speech and if hearing aids will help you.
Tympanometry: Tympanometry is a test that will check the mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and middle ear bones (ossicles).
Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAEs): This is a test used to find out how well your inner ear, or cochlea, works. This test is often used for children who are not yet old enough to behaviorally respond to sounds.