Which specialist performs hearing test?

The audiologist asks about hearing changes, ear noise, dizziness, infections, noise exposure, and medicines that may affect hearing. They inspect the ear when appropriate and use controlled sounds through headphones or other equipment to measure responses at different pitches and loudness levels. The appointment may also include speech understanding or middle-ear checks. Results can show whether hearing difficulty is present and whether one or both ears need further evaluation.

Bring hearing aids, previous hearing reports, and a list of relevant medicines. Tell the audiologist if you have ear pain, discharge, blocked ears, recent loud-noise exposure, or difficulty understanding speech in groups. Avoid loud noise before the appointment when possible. Follow instructions about hearing aids or ear products, and ask how results will be shared with your GP or an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, or hearing change accompanied by severe dizziness, facial weakness, severe headache, or neurological symptoms. Get prompt advice for significant ear pain, blood or pus-like discharge, or a foreign object in the ear. Do not wait for a routine hearing test when these warning signs are present.

Ask whether the test checks both ears, whether earwax or infection could affect the result, what the findings mean for communication, and whether you need follow-up with an ENT specialist or another clinician.