During the hearing test , the audiologist will look inside your ears using an instrument called an otoscope, which is pain free. It is designed to ascertain whether you have any obstructions or ear infections that might be temporarily affecting your ability to hear properly. In many cases, the issue will not be hearing loss related - but simply a build-up of too much earwax.
After that, you will be asked to listen to several sounds, usually a series of beeps set at different frequencies , to determine if you have trouble hearing certain types of sounds. This part of the hearing test is known as 'audiometry’.
You may then be presented with a list of words, which will be read out to you and which you will then be asked to repeat. This part of the hearing test is known as the ‘Familiar Voice Test’ , and this is when we will ask your friend or family member to take part in the testing, so that we can assess how well you understand a familiar voice.
Learn more about the procedure of the hearing test:
What to expect at a hearing test