hearing specialist tests overview

Overview

Hearing specialist tests are a set of checks done by an audiologist (a hearing expert) to find out how well you can hear. These tests can show if you have hearing loss and what type it is.

Hearing loss is very common — about 1 in 6 adults in the UK have some degree of hearing loss. It becomes more common as you get older.

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults. It can also affect babies and children, especially if they have had ear infections or a family history of hearing problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Trouble hearing what people say, especially in noisy places
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning up the TV or radio louder than others like
• Feeling like people are mumbling
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

Symptoms in children

• Not responding when you call their name
• Delayed speech or language development
• Often saying 'what?' or 'huh?'
• Difficulty in school or seeming distracted
• Ear pain or frequent ear infections

Symptoms in older adults

• Withdrawing from conversations because it's hard to hear
• Feeling tired after social events due to straining to hear
• Misunderstanding what others say
• Hearing sounds but not understanding words clearly
• Balance problems or dizziness (can be linked to inner ear issues)

Causes

Main causes

• Age-related changes to the inner ear (presbycusis)
• Long-term exposure to loud noises (like machinery or loud music)
• Ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear (especially in children)
• Blockage from earwax
• Certain medications that can damage hearing (ototoxic drugs)
• Head injuries or damage to the ear
• Genetics or family history of hearing loss

Risk factors

• Getting older (over 60)
• Working in noisy environments without ear protection
• Frequent loud recreational activities (concerts, shooting ranges)
• Having a job that exposes you to chemicals that can harm hearing
• Smoking
• Certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Family history of hearing loss

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
• If hearing loss happens after a head injury
• If you have severe dizziness or ear pain with hearing loss

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have trouble following conversations or notice hearing getting worse over weeks or months
• If you or your child have ear infections that keep coming back
• If you are bothered by ringing in your ears
• If you think earwax might be blocking your hearing
• If you are due for a routine hearing check (for example, as part of a workplace health test)

Diagnosis

A hearing specialist (audiologist) will first ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any loud noise exposure. Then they will perform one or more hearing tests in a soundproof room or with special headphones.

Tests that may be done

• Pure tone audiometry: You listen to tones at different pitches and volumes and press a button when you hear them.
• Speech audiometry: You repeat words whispered or spoken at different volumes to check how well you understand speech.
• Tympanometry: A small probe is placed in your ear to measure how your eardrum moves. This checks for fluid or problems in the middle ear.
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): A tiny microphone in the ear canal checks how the inner ear responds to sound. Often used for newborn hearing screening.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR): Electrodes on your head measure how your hearing nerve responds to sound. Used for infants or when other tests are not possible.

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are painless and you can go home right after. You may be asked to sit quietly in a soundproof booth or lie still for a few minutes. The audiologist will explain the results and what they mean for you. Sometimes you need a follow-up visit or referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. Many types can be helped with devices or other approaches. Your audiologist or doctor will recommend the best options for you.

Self-care at home

• Protect your ears from loud noises with earplugs or earmuffs.
• Remove earwax safely (use ear drops from a pharmacist, not cotton buds).
• Try to reduce background noise when listening (turn off the TV when talking).
• Tell friends and family you have trouble hearing — they can help by facing you and speaking clearly.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments for hearing loss include the use of hearing aids (small devices worn in or behind the ear) to amplify sounds. For some types of hearing loss, a doctor may prescribe medication to treat infections or remove fluid from the ear. There are also implantable devices like cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing systems, which a specialist can discuss if your hearing loss is severe. Always talk to your healthcare provider about which treatment is right for you — they will consider your specific needs and test results.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is sometimes needed for certain causes of hearing loss, such as to drain fluid from the ear (grommets), repair a damaged eardrum, or remove growths like cholesteatoma. Cochlear implant surgery is an option for severe hearing loss when hearing aids are not enough.

Living with this condition

Living with hearing loss takes some getting used to, but many people manage well with aids and simple adjustments. Let others know you have hearing loss and ask them to face you when speaking. Use subtitles on TV and try to sit in quieter spots in restaurants.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear hearing protection in noisy environments (earplugs at concerts, work, or when using power tools).
• Keep your hearing aids clean and dry for best performance.
• Take breaks from listening to give your ears a rest.
• Join a hearing loss support group or online community.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of health conditions that affect hearing, like diabetes and high blood pressure. There is no special diet that cures hearing loss, but staying active may support your overall ear health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can sometimes make you feel isolated, anxious, or frustrated. It's normal to feel this way. Talking to a counsellor or joining a support group can help. Remember that getting help and using hearing aids can greatly improve your confidence and mood.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of hearing loss by protecting your ears from loud noises, avoiding prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels, and keeping ear infections treated promptly. However, age-related hearing loss cannot be prevented entirely, but it can be managed.

Vaccines

Some infections that can cause hearing loss, such as meningitis and measles, can be prevented with vaccines. Make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date.

Screening programmes

Newborn hearing screening is offered in many countries to detect hearing loss early. Adults may have hearing checks as part of routine occupational health tests or at their GP's suggestion. If you are over 50, consider asking for a hearing check at your next health visit.

Complications

If left untreated

• Difficulty in communicating can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
• Untreated hearing loss in children can delay speech and language development.
• Relying on hearing loss that could be helped may increase the risk of falls or accidents.
• Some studies suggest untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher chance of cognitive decline and dementia.

Long-term outlook

With the right support and treatment, most people with hearing loss can continue to lead full and active lives. Hearing aids and other devices are better than ever. Early testing and treatment give the best chance for good outcomes, so see a specialist if you have concerns.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) - Hearing

Local organisations

• NHS (UK) - Hearing health · United Kingdom
• Hearing Loss Association of America · United States

Helplines

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