Hearing Tests

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

Audiology evaluations consist of a series of tests used to determine the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. An audiologist reviews the results of each individual test in order to develop a treatment plan based on your unique hearing needs.

Who Should Receive an Audiologic Evaluation?

An audiologic (hearing) evaluation can benefit patients of all ages—even those who do not exhibit obvious signs of hearing loss.

Hearing loss is often progressive and develops slowly over time. Many people are unaware of changes in their hearing because they gradually adapt to subtle hearing differences. Studies indicate that it takes seven years on average for a hearing-impaired individual to seek treatment.

A hearing evaluation should be the first course of action for anyone who suspects hearing loss. The sooner hearing loss is diagnosed, the more successful treatment is likely to be. Early detection provides more options.



Many physicians recommend making audiologic evaluations a routine part of overall health care, similar to vision exams and dental checkups. These evaluations are quick, painless, and provide immediate results.

What Does Diagnostic Testing Entail?

A comprehensive audiologic evaluation includes multiple diagnostic tests that measure different aspects of hearing. After a physical examination and review of your medical history, you may receive one or more of the following tests:

Pure Tone Testing

Pure-tone testing (pure tone audiometry) uses air conduction to measure your ability to hear sounds of various pitches and volumes. Using headphones, you will be asked to identify tones by raising a hand, pressing a button, or responding verbally.

Results are recorded on an audiogram, a graph showing the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss by comparing pitch (frequency) with loudness (intensity). This pattern helps the audiologist determine hearing thresholds.

Bone Conduction Testing

Bone conduction testing is another form of pure-tone testing that measures the inner ear’s response to sound. If there is damage or blockage in the outer or middle ear, bone conduction testing may be used.

Rather than sending tones through the ear canal, this test bypasses the outer and middle ear and sends sound directly to the inner ear. A small vibrator placed behind the ear sends vibrations through the skull bone to the inner ear.

If bone conduction results differ from air conduction results, the audiologist can use this information to determine whether hearing loss is conductive or sensorineural.

Speech Testing

Speech testing (word recognition testing) measures the speech reception threshold (SRT), or the faintest speech you can understand 50 percent of the time. It also helps confirm the validity of pure-tone test results and records your ability to separate speech from background noise.

During testing, words are presented at decreasing volumes and the patient repeats each word or takes a guess if needed. SRT is recorded for each ear.

After SRT is recorded, the audiologist presents a list of recorded words at a louder level based on the patient’s hearing loss, configuration, and sensitivity to loud sounds. The patient repeats back each word, guessing if needed.



Speech testing may be performed in quiet or noisy environments, and results are recorded on the audiogram.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry evaluates the middle ear and can detect:

• Fluid in the middle ear

• Wax buildup

• Eardrum perforations

• Tumors

It measures eardrum movement in response to air pressure. Results are recorded on a chart called a tympanogram.

Acoustic Reflex Testing

Acoustic reflex testing measures involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear. This test helps determine the location of the hearing problem (ossicles, cochlea, auditory nerve, etc.) and the type of hearing loss.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds produced by vibrations of hair cells in the cochlea. OAE testing uses a tiny probe with a microphone and speaker to stimulate the cochlea and measure its response.

Individuals with normal hearing typically produce emissions. When hearing loss exceeds 30–35 decibels, emissions are generally not produced.



This test helps determine whether there is damage to the hair cells of the cochlea and is commonly used in newborn hearing screening programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 for more information or to schedule an appointment.