Audiometry is a diagnostic method used to measure a person's hearing ability. It's a non-invasive test performed by audiologists or ENT specialists to evaluate the sensitivity of your hearing across different frequencies and sound intensities.

In Simple Terms:

Audiometry answers the question:

"How well do you hear different sounds, pitches, and volumes?"

Untreated hearing loss can lead to:

• Social isolation
• Communication challenges
• Cognitive decline in older adults
• Missed safety signals (e.g., alarms, traffic)

Early detection through audiometry can lead to better treatment outcomes, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, or medical interventions.

There isn’t just one type of audiometry test. Here are the main types you might encounter:

1. Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)

• Most common type
• You wear headphones and respond when you hear a tone
• Measures hearing threshold at various frequencies

2. Speech Audiometry

• Assesses how well you can hear and understand speech
• Often includes Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT) and Word Recognition Score (WRS)

3. Tympanometry

• Evaluates middle ear function
• Detects issues like fluid in the ear or a perforated eardrum

4. Bone Conduction Testing

• Uses a vibrator behind the ear to bypass the outer and middle ear
• Helps determine if hearing loss is conductive or sensorineural

What to Expect During an Audiometry Test?

Feeling anxious? Don’t be. Audiometry is quick, painless, and simple.

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

History Intake

You’ll be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and noise exposure.

Ear Exam

The audiologist may inspect your ear canal using an otoscope.

The Test Itself

You’ll wear headphones or insert earphones.

You'll listen for beeps or speech and press a button (or raise a hand) when you hear something.

In bone conduction tests, a small device is placed behind your ear.

Results

Results are typically plotted on an audiogram, a graph that shows your hearing thresholds.