Audiometry

Overview

Audiometry is a hearing test that measures how well you can hear sounds of different pitches and volumes. It helps your doctor find out if you have hearing loss and how severe it is.

Audiometry is a very common test used by audiologists and ear specialists. Millions of people have it each year, especially as they get older or if they have hearing concerns.

Audiometry can be done on people of any age, from newborns to older adults. It is often used for children who may have hearing issues, adults with noise exposure, and older adults with age-related hearing loss.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Trouble hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
• Feeling that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

Symptoms in children

• Not responding when called
• Delayed speech or language development
• Trouble following instructions at home or school
• Poor academic performance

Symptoms in older adults

• Difficulty hearing in group settings or background noise
• Social withdrawal or frustration with communication
• Accusing others of mumbling
• Increased risk of falls (linked to untreated hearing loss)

Causes

Main causes

• Age-related changes in the inner ear (presbycusis)
• Long-term exposure to loud noises (occupational, recreational, or environmental)
• Earwax blockage or fluid in the middle ear (especially in children)
• Ear infections or injury to the ear
• Certain medications that can harm hearing (ototoxic drugs)
• Genetic conditions or family history of hearing loss

Risk factors

• Working in noisy environments without proper hearing protection
• Frequent use of headphones at high volume
• Getting older (hearing loss becomes more common after age 60)
• Smoking and cardiovascular disease (which affect blood flow to the ear)
• Diabetes and other chronic illnesses

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden hearing loss (over hours or days) – seek same-day evaluation

Book a routine appointment if:

• Gradual hearing loss that affects daily life
• Tinnitus that bothers you
• Yearly hearing check if you are over 50 or have risk factors

Diagnosis

Audiometry is performed by an audiologist (hearing specialist) or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. The test is done in a soundproof booth or quiet room using headphones or earbuds.

Tests that may be done

• Pure-tone audiometry: You are asked to raise your hand or press a button when you hear a tone (beep) at different pitches and volumes.
• Speech audiometry: You listen to words at varying volumes and repeat them to see how well you hear and understand speech.
• Tympanometry: A small probe placed in your ear measures how your eardrum moves, checking for middle ear problems.

What to expect at your appointment

During the test, you will wear headphones and sit quietly. The audiologist will send sounds into each ear one at a time. You signal when you hear them. The entire process is painless, and you can communicate with the audiologist throughout. Afterward, you will get a graph (audiogram) showing your hearing ability. The doctor will explain the results and discuss next steps.

Treatment

Treatment for hearing loss depends on the cause and severity. Some types are reversible (like earwax removal), while others are managed with devices or therapies. Your doctor will recommend a plan tailored to you.

Self-care at home

• Remove earwax safely (use over-the-counter ear drops or see a doctor – never stick objects in your ear)
• Use hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) in loud environments
• Reduce background noise during conversations (turn off TV, close windows)
• Face the person you are talking to and ask them to speak clearly

Medical treatments

If hearing loss is caused by infection or fluid, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or suggest draining the fluid. For sensorineural hearing loss (nerve damage), hearing aids are the most common treatment. Cochlear implants are an option for severe hearing loss when hearing aids don't help. Always follow your doctor's advice – do not try to buy or adjust hearing aids yourself.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be recommended for certain conditions like otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the ear) or chronic ear infections that damage the eardrum. Surgery can also be done to place a cochlear implant.

Living with this condition

Living with hearing loss can be challenging, but many people adapt well. Use visual cues, ask others to repeat when needed, and explore hearing assistive technology (like amplified phones or TV streamers).

Lifestyle tips

• Tell family, friends, and coworkers about your hearing loss so they can adjust how they communicate
• Sit in front of speakers during meetings or social events
• Consider joining a hearing loss support group
• Learn sign language or lip-reading if hearing loss is severe

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise help overall blood flow, including to your ears. Protect your ears from loud noise by wearing earplugs during activities like concerts, hunting, or using power tools.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, frustration, and even depression. It is important to talk to your doctor or a counselor if you feel anxious or withdrawn. Hearing loss treatment often improves mood and quality of life.

Prevention

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk. Protect your ears from loud noise, avoid inserting objects into your ears, and treat ear infections promptly.

Vaccines

Vaccines for certain infections (like measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis) can prevent some causes of hearing loss. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccinations.

Screening programmes

Newborns are screened for hearing loss shortly after birth. Adults may benefit from periodic hearing checks, especially if they have risk factors or notice changes.

Complications

If left untreated

• Difficulties with communication, leading to social isolation and relationship strain
• Increased risk of falls (if hearing loss affects balance)
• Cognitive decline and dementia in older adults when hearing loss is left untreated
• Poor educational or job performance in children and adults

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most people with hearing loss can lead full, active lives. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and communication strategies are very effective. Stay positive and seek help – hearing loss is manageable.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Deafness and hearing loss

Local organisations

• Your local health service or hospital audiology department · International

Helplines

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