Loading icon
Health Information Center

Audiometry

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Audiometry

(Hearing Assessment; Hearing Test; Audiology; Audiography)

Definition

Audiometry is a test that measures how well a person can hear. It is done by an audiologist. This is a person who is trained to identify and help manage hearing problems.

Inner Ear.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Nucleus imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=75797579si55551119.jpgsi55551119.jpgNULLjpgsi55551119.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55551119.jpgNULL12NULL2008-12-102623907579_100920250383Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Test

This test is done to detect or monitor hearing loss.

Possible Complications

This test does not cause problems for most people.

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Lasting or severe lightheadedness
  • More hearing loss
  • Pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Test

The audiologist may meet with you to ask questions about:

  • Hearing problems
  • Balance problems
  • Problems with speech and language
  • Personal and family health history, including things like frequent ear infections or ringing in the ears

The audiologist may look at the inside and outside of your ears before the test.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Hearing assistive technology. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech.htm.
  • Hearing screening and testing. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/hearing-testing.
  • Otitis media with effusion (OME). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/otitis-media-with-effusion-ome.
  • Schilder AG, Chonmaitree T, et al. Otitis media. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016 Sep 8;2:16063.
  • Types of hearing tests. Cincinnati Children’s website. Available at: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/h/hearing-tests.
  • What is an audiogram? Baby Hearing—Boys Town National Research Hospital website. Available at: https://www.babyhearing.org/what-is-an-audiogram.

Contributors

  • Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated:
2023-01-24

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.