This is commonly known as a hearing test. The hearing test includes a series of tests that provides us with more information regarding your ear’s response to pure tone sounds as well as checking to see how your ear processes speech. The evaluation can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. The result is recorded as a characteristic audiogram curve. An audiogram is a graphic representation of your hearing ability.
During a hearing test, your hearing is checked across a spectrum of frequencies while listening to a series of tones or words varying in pitch and loudness. The purpose of this test is to determine the softest level the patient can hear at each pitch and can also indicate if hearing loss is related to fluid, a hole in the eardrum or another factor interrupting the flow of sound, or if it is nerve damage related to age or excessive noise exposure. These tests also reflect the hearing system’s ability to receive and transmit complex signals, like speech.
