Hearing Loss

Hearing Tests For Adults

Traditional or Standard Audiometry is used to test the hearing of older children and adults. This procedure requires patients to press a response button or raise a hand when they hear a test tone. Test tones include low frequency (pitch) to high frequency sounds representing the range of sounds in speech. This testing determines the hearing thresholds--the faintest level at which one can perceive each frequency.

In addition, word recognition testing is typically performed to evaluate the ability to discriminate differences between similar sounds, such as the "s" sound and the "f" sound. This testing is done in quiet and often in noise.

Tympanometry or Acoustic Immittance Testing is commonly a part of the hearing test battery. This test is used to assess the status of the middle ear and related structures. Tympanometry measures the movement of the ear drum (tympanic membrane). This information is used in the diagnosis of middle ear disease or other problems that might restrict ear drum movement.

Acoustic Reflexes are measured to determine whether the middle ear muscles are properly reacting to loud sounds. This test can also assist in establishing hearing status in young children, and/or to identify other ear problems.

Auditory Brainstem Response Audiometry (ABR) or Brainstem Evoked Response (BSER) is an objective procedure used to assess the function of the brainstem in response to sound. The results provide information about patients' hearing sensitivity and can also be used to determine if the auditory nerve and brainstem are transmitting sound properly. A series of clicks or tones are presented to the patient while he or she rests or sleeps. Electrodes are placed on the head to detect the response of the brainstem to the sounds. The electrodes do not cause any pain or discomfort.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are objective measures used to determine cochlear (inner ear) function. Emissions are usually present if hearing is normal or sometimes if mild hearing loss is present. Emissions may not be detected if there is a conductive hearing loss, middle ear involvement such as an ear infection, or more than a mild sensorineural hearing loss.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 19, 2008

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.