What should you know about an ECOG hearing test?

An ECOG hearing test records electrical responses from the inner ear after sound stimulation and helps clinicians assess selected hearing and balance problems. It is a specialised investigation, not a complete hearing assessment on its own.

The clinician places recording electrodes near the ear or, in some settings, in the ear canal. Headphones or inserts deliver sounds while the equipment captures the inner ear's response. You normally remain still and quiet so sound-related signals can be distinguished from movement and muscle activity.

The tracing may provide information about inner-ear function, including patterns that can be considered when Meniere's disease is suspected. Earwax can interfere with hearing measurements, so the ear canal may be checked first. A standard [Hearing Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/hearing-test/) may be performed as well.

Follow the clinic's instructions, bring hearing devices if you use them, and tell the team about ear surgery, current ear symptoms, or discomfort with ear inserts. Avoid applying products inside the ear unless a clinician has advised it. Try to rest beforehand and keep your jaw and body relaxed during recording.

Write down whether symptoms are in one or both ears and whether they include pressure, ringing, imbalance, or reduced hearing. [Earwax Buildup](/conditions/earwax-buildup/) can be one reason for temporary hearing change.

Arrange prompt assessment for sudden hearing loss, severe new vertigo, drainage with significant pain, or symptoms after a head injury. Get emergency help for hearing or balance symptoms with facial weakness, new limb weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking. Do not wait for a routine ECOG appointment when these warning signs occur.

Ask why ECOG is recommended, what the electrodes will feel like, whether the test will be combined with audiometry, and how the findings may affect the next step. Ask how conditions such as [Meniere's Disease](/conditions/menieres-disease/) are considered.