Types of Hearing Tests and What They Measure

Hearing plays a quiet yet essential role in how we connect with people, places, and everyday moments. When something feels off, a hearing test is often the first step toward understanding what’s happening and how to move forward. Modern hearing assessments are not just about detecting sound; they are carefully designed tools that reveal how different parts of the hearing system work together.

One of the most familiar tests is pure-tone audiometry. This is the classic “raise your hand when you hear a beep” experience. By listening to tones at various pitches and volumes through headphones, an audiologist can map out which sounds are heard clearly and which are missed. This creates an audiogram, a visual snapshot of hearing ability that helps identify patterns of hearing loss.

Speech audiometry adds a more real-world layer to testing. Instead of tones, the listener hears words spoken at different volumes and is asked to repeat them. This test measures how clearly speech is understood, not just whether it is heard. It is especially useful for understanding how hearing challenges might affect conversations in daily life.

Tympanometry focuses on the middle ear. By gently changing air pressure in the ear canal, this test checks how well the eardrum moves. It can reveal issues such as fluid buildup, eardrum stiffness, or problems with the tiny bones behind the eardrum, all of which can interfere with sound transmission.