Does audiology perform hearing tests?

Yes, audiology performs hearing tests to measure hearing ability and help identify the type of hearing difficulty. An audiologist selects tests according to your age, symptoms, communication needs and medical history.

The appointment may include questions about hearing, ear symptoms, noise exposure and medicines. You may listen for tones or speech and respond when you hear them. The clinician can also check how the middle ear moves and whether sound travels through the outer, middle and inner ear pathways. The results help distinguish reduced hearing from problems such as blockage, middle-ear changes or inner-ear damage.

Bring hearing devices, previous reports and a list of relevant medicines. Mention ear pain, discharge, dizziness, ringing, recent infections and difficulty hearing in groups. Avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into the ear before assessment. Ask whether someone should accompany you if communication is difficult or the results may lead to a referral.

Arrange prompt assessment for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, or hearing loss with severe dizziness, facial weakness, head injury or neurological symptoms. Ear discharge, severe pain or a foreign object also needs medical attention. Do not wait for a routine hearing test when symptoms appear suddenly or are rapidly worsening.

Ask which tests are planned, whether wax or infection could affect the result, what the hearing pattern shows, and whether you need an ear, nose and throat referral or hearing support.