What should you know about kHz hearing test?

kHz means kilohertz, a unit used to describe pitch. During audiometry, you listen for tones at different pitches and indicate when you hear them. The clinician records the quietest sounds detected at each frequency, producing a hearing chart for the left and right ears. Other parts of an assessment may check speech understanding, middle-ear function, or how the ear responds to sound.

A result can show whether hearing loss is more noticeable at low, middle, or high pitches. Earwax, inner-ear conditions, noise exposure, infection, and other causes can affect hearing, so the chart is interpreted with symptoms and examination findings. [Earwax Buildup](/conditions/earwax-buildup/) is one potentially treatable cause.

Tell the clinician about ear pain, discharge, ringing, dizziness, recent loud noise, and any sudden change in hearing. Follow instructions about headphones and responding to tones; guessing is not helpful, and asking for a break is fine. Avoid loud noise immediately before an appointment if possible, and bring earlier hearing results or details of hearing devices.

A formal [Hearing Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/hearing-test/) can guide follow-up, hearing protection, communication strategies, or referral. [Meniere's Disease](/conditions/menieres-disease/) is one condition that may be considered when hearing changes occur with vertigo or ringing.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, or hearing loss with severe dizziness, facial weakness, head injury, or neurological symptoms. Arrange a timely appointment for progressive hearing difficulty, persistent ringing, recurrent ear pain, or discharge. Do not insert cotton buds or objects into the ear while waiting for assessment.

Which frequencies are affected, and is the pattern different between my ears? Does the result suggest a blockage, middle-ear problem, or inner-ear change? Do I need repeat testing, hearing protection, or referral? Which symptoms should make me seek urgent care?