What is Pure-Tone Testing?

When you come in for a hearing test, one of the most important parts is called pure-tone testing. This simple test helps us determine if you have hearing loss and exactly what kind it might be. Pure-tone testing is the foundation of a good hearing evaluation. It gives us clear information about which sounds you can hear well and which ones you might be missing.

Every person’s hearing is unique. The patterns of sounds you can and cannot hear tell an important story about your hearing health. Pure-tone testing captures these patterns precisely, allowing us to understand what’s happening with your ears. The results from this test help us create a hearing solution that fits your specific needs.

Getting accurate results means you won’t waste time with treatments that don’t address your particular hearing situation. You deserve solutions that work specifically for your hearing needs.

What Happens During a Hearing Test Appointment?

During your first appointment, your audiologist will ask a series of questions to better understand your hearing health history, symptoms and lifestyle. They’ll want to know if you’ve noticed any changes in your hearing, like difficulty understanding speech or trouble hearing in noisy environments. They may ask about any family history of hearing loss, as genetics can play a role, as well as any past exposure to loud noises that could affect your hearing. By gathering this information, the audiologist can get a clearer picture of any potential issues and how they might be impacting your daily life.

What is Pure-Tone Testing?

One of the most common tests audiologists use to assess your hearing is pure-tone testing. During this test, you’ll wear headphones and listen for soft sounds at different pitches or tones. The audiologist will play these sounds one by one, and all you need to do is raise your hand or press a button when you hear something. The goal is to find the quietest sound you can hear at each frequency, and the results are shown on an audiogram, which is a visual chart that helps the audiologist see how well you hear at various pitches. This test gives a clear picture of your hearing abilities and helps guide any next steps.

Other Tests You Might Receive

In addition to pure-tone testing, there are other tests your audiologist may use to get a more complete picture of your hearing health. One common test is speech testing, where you’ll listen to words or sentences at different volumes and repeat them back. This helps the audiologist understand how well you hear and understand speech, especially in noisy environments. Another test, known as tympanometry, checks the health of your middle ear by measuring how well your eardrum moves in response to pressure changes. This test can help identify issues like fluid buildup or problems with the Eustachian tube. Together, these tests provide a fuller understanding of your hearing and any potential issues.

Going Over Your Results

Once your hearing tests are complete, your audiologist will go over the results with you. They will explain the details of your hearing abilities, including which frequencies or sounds might be difficult for you to hear. If any hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will discuss the degree and type of loss and what it means for your daily life. They will also talk about potential treatment options, like hearing aids or other solutions, to help improve your hearing. This is a great time to ask questions about your results and explore what steps might be best for you moving forward.