A standard audiological test battery is always executed. There are three parts to a standard diagnostic hearing test or audiometry:
- Pure tone audiometry
- Speech audiometry and
- Impedance audiometry
Pure tone audiometry measures hearing sensitivity in each ear. Sounds are presented at different frequencies (or pitch) at reducing levels of loudness (measured in decibels hearing level dBHL). The softest tone heard is known as the hearing threshold level and is recorded on an audiogram.
From this, a graph or audiogram is constructed which reflects a hearing loss if present and assists in determining what part of the ear is damaged. This is essential in the diagnosis of hearing loss and for the prescription of hearing aids.
Impedance tests (measurements of middle ear function) and speech recognition tests are also part of a basic hearing assessment.
