Your Hearing Evaluation

Your hearing must be tested to find the type of hearing loss you have and how severe it is. Hearing tests show if hearing aids are needed. They also show what sounds you can and can’t hear so hearing aids can be customized for your personal needs. You will likely also be checked to find out if a health problem has caused your hearing loss.

Testing your hearing

To evaluate your hearing loss, you may have the following tests:

• A hearing test. This shows which tones, sounds, and words you can and can’t hear. You wear earphones that are attached to a computer (audiometer) in another room. You will be asked to respond when you hear tones and sounds that come through the earphones.

• Word recognition tests. These show if you can tell the difference between certain words. This helps identify which tones or sounds you are having trouble hearing.

• Other tests. More tests may be done to learn more about your hearing loss. This may include measuring how well your eardrums are working.

Your medical exam

An exam must be done to find out if your hearing loss is caused by a health problem. During the exam, your ears, nose, and throat are checked. You’ll also be asked about your health, your hearing, and any family history of hearing loss. Your answers will help the healthcare provider understand the problem.

Healthcare providers for hearing loss evaluation and treatment

The following healthcare providers may take part in evaluating and treating your hearing loss:

• An audiologist. This provider evaluates your hearing. They then use the results of this evaluation to help select the best hearing aids for you.

• An ear, nose, and throat healthcare provider (otolaryngologist). This provider examines you to find out if there is a health reason for your hearing loss. If there is, they may advise treatment in addition to, or instead of, hearing aids.

• A hearing aid specialist. They can also help you select the hearing aids best suited to your hearing loss.

• Your family healthcare provider. They may also do a medical exam and evaluate your family history for hearing-related problems.