Anyone who doesn’t have a hearing threshold of 20dB or better is considered to have hearing loss. Hearing loss affects billions of people and is often caused by aging, genetics and damage.

Hearing tests are common when you’re younger. Once you reach adulthood, hearing tests are done semi-regularly to monitor your health. Extra tests may be required if you experience any changes in your hearing health.

When Should I Take a Hearing Test?

Hearing health professionals perform regular hearing tests from birth through grade school. They usually perform the last test around 10 years old. Once you reach adulthood, you should have at least one more test done – preferably more. A good rule to follow is taking a test every ten years. Once you reach 50 years old, you are at an increased risk for age-related hearing loss. Try to have appointments every three years to monitor your hearing and get early treatment if necessary.

Ask your hearing provider if you should take a hearing test more often due to the increased risk of hearing loss.

What Types of Hearing Tests are Available?

As a child, hearing tests establish a baseline of where your hearing is at. It can also identify possible issues. As you age, follow-up appointments compare your hearing with where it was during the last test.

There are several common hearing tests available:

Pure-tone testing
Speech testing
Middle ear tests
Auditory brainstem response and otoacoustic emissions

Each of the tests focuses on a different part of the ear: outer, middle or inner. Ask your hearing provider which tests they offer, and which tests they recommend you take.

What Happens During the Test?

Each test has a different routine. Ask your provider what to expect during the test so you can be prepared.

Pure-Tone Testing

The pure-tone test is the most common type of test. During the test, you’ll listen for a beep, and indicate when you hear the sound by either pressing a button, raising your hand or giving a verbal response.

Speech Testing

Speech testing is a hearing test for older children and adults. It tests how well people hear and respond to speech. The hearing provider speaks at different levels and measures how well you can repeat what was said.

Middle Ear Tests

Hearing providers perform different tests to check the structure of your middle ear. These range from probes to visually looking at the ear to monitor your ear’s response. These can alert your provider to structure issues, holes or blockage in the middle ear.

What Will the Test Tell Me?

When discussing test options with your hearing provider, ask them what result you should expect from each test. Some tests are centered around finding blockages – others can identify damage or deformities in the ear. Some tests are preliminary and may need a follow-up test depending on the results. Ask your hearing care provider what they are testing for, what the test can tell them and if you may need any follow-up tests.

Find the Right Treatment Plan

After your hearing test, the next step is to discuss treatment plans. Ask your doctor what the next steps are following your diagnosis. Even if your results turn out normal, be sure to continue with regular hearing tests to monitor your hearing health.