You have been scheduled for an audiological evaluation, also called an audiogram. This test is simple and painless. It helps determine the status of your hearing and identify possible hearing loss and its causes.
When you arrive, the audiologist will guide you to the test area and seat you in the sound booth. They will examine your ears to be sure your ear canals are clear. The audiologist may also perform a quick pressure test (tympanometry) to check your middle ear for fluid, a hole in the eardrum or other middle ear conditions.
The audiogram usually takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your age and cooperation:
Babies and toddlers (7 months to 3 years): Your child will sit on your lap while the audiologist uses a process called visual reinforcement audiometry. Sounds will be presented, and lighted toys will be used to reinforce your child’s responses.
Children (4-6 years): The audiologist will use a process called PLAY Audiometry to evaluate hearing. Your child will play a listening game, responding to sounds as part of a simple, fun activity.
Children and adults (7 years and older): You will wear headphones or insert earphones and repeat words or respond “yes” to tones, even when they are very soft. Sometimes you will also hear background noise, which you should ignore. Toward the end, a headband may be placed on your forehead to test bone conduction (how sounds travel through skull bones), and you will again respond to the tones.