Audiometry and spirometry tests explained

The tests assess separate body systems and may be booked together for a workplace check, baseline assessment, or follow-up of known concerns. Audiometry involves responding to sounds in a quiet environment. Spirometry involves sealing your lips around a mouthpiece and breathing according to coached instructions. One result does not explain the other.

An audiometry chart records the softest tones detected at different pitches and can compare ears or listening pathways. Spirometry records the volume and flow of exhaled air; the pattern can suggest restricted lung expansion or narrowed airflow, but interpretation depends on symptoms, effort, health history, and test quality.

A clinician reviews hearing findings with ear examination, noise exposure, and communication difficulty. Breathing findings are considered with cough, wheeze, breathlessness, smoking or exposure history, medicines, and sometimes further respiratory assessment. An unusual screening value may need confirmation rather than serving as a diagnosis.

Follow the clinic's instructions about inhalers and do not change prescribed medicine unless specifically directed. Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict a deep breath, avoid a heavy meal just beforehand, and tell staff about a recent chest infection, chest pain, surgery, fainting, or pregnancy. For audiometry, limit avoidable loud-noise exposure beforehand and bring any hearing devices.

Give full effort during the forced breathing manoeuvre, but tell the tester immediately if you become dizzy, painful, or very short of breath. During hearing checks, respond to faint sounds without waiting for certainty. Ask when and how you will receive both interpretations.

Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pressure, fainting, confusion, or difficulty speaking because of breathing requires emergency assessment. Sudden hearing loss, especially on one side, also needs urgent medical review. Seek prompt help for hearing change with facial weakness, neurological symptoms, head trauma, intense ear pain, bleeding, or discharge.

Ask whether each test met quality requirements, how your symptoms affect interpretation, and whether either result needs repeating. Clarify if an ear examination, specialist hearing review, inhaler assessment, or further lung testing is appropriate, and what symptom change should prompt earlier care.