What to Expect During a Hearing Test
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 29
A hearing test is quick, painless, and completely non-invasive. Understanding the process helps you feel confident and prepared. Here is exactly what happens.
Expert guidance from Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Call 0332-5014111.
Types of Hearing Tests
Test | What It Measures | How It Works |
Pure Tone Audiometry | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | Listen to tones through headphones, indicate when you hear them |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand speech | Repeat words spoken at different volumes |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function | Small probe placed in ear — measures eardrum movement (no pain) |
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) | Inner ear (cochlea) health | Probe plays sounds, measures echoes from inner ear |
Bone Conduction | Inner ear vs outer/middle ear function | Vibrating device placed behind ear |
Step-by-Step: What Happens
You arrive and complete a brief medical history form
The audiologist examines your ears with an otoscope (a small light) — checking for wax or abnormalities
You enter a sound-treated room or booth for accurate testing
Headphones are placed on your ears
Pure tone test: tones are played at different frequencies (low to high) and volumes — you press a button when you hear a sound
Speech test: words are played at various volumes — you repeat what you hear
Bone conduction: a small vibrating device is placed behind your ear to test inner ear directly
Tympanometry: a soft probe is placed at the ear canal entrance — this is automatic and takes seconds
The audiologist reviews results with you immediately
Understanding Your Audiogram
An audiogram is a chart showing your hearing ability at different frequencies
The vertical axis shows volume (decibels) — lower is softer, higher is louder
The horizontal axis shows frequency (Hertz) — left is low-pitched, right is high-pitched
Normal hearing: 0-25 dB across all frequencies
Mild loss: 26-40 dB — difficulty with soft speech
Moderate loss: 41-55 dB — difficulty with normal conversation
Moderately severe: 56-70 dB — difficulty without amplification
Severe: 71-90 dB — hearing aids essential
Profound: 90+ dB — powerful hearing aids or cochlear implant needed
Tips for Accurate Results
Get a good night's sleep before the test — fatigue affects concentration
Avoid loud noise exposure 24 hours before the test
If you have earwax buildup, the audiologist may clean it first for accurate results
Be honest — do not guess if you did not hear a sound
Ask questions if you do not understand any part of the process
Types of Hearing Tests Available
Professional Hearing Solutions offers a complete range of diagnostic hearing tests using calibrated audiological equipment. Each test provides specific information about your hearing health.
Test | What It Measures | Duration | Who Needs It |
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | 15-20 minutes | Everyone — baseline hearing assessment |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function and eardrum movement | 5 minutes | Suspected middle ear problems |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand spoken words | 10-15 minutes | Hearing aid candidates |
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Inner ear (cochlea) function | 5-10 minutes | Newborns and children |
ABR/BERA | Auditory nerve pathway function | 30-45 minutes | Infants, neurological cases |
What Happens During a Hearing Test
Case History: The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history of hearing loss.
Otoscopy: A visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for wax blockage, infection, or structural issues.
Pure Tone Testing: You sit in a sound-treated booth wearing headphones. Tones are played at different frequencies and volumes. You press a button when you hear each tone.
Speech Testing: Words are played through headphones at different volumes to measure your speech understanding ability.
Results Discussion: Your audiologist explains the audiogram results, identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, and discusses next steps including hearing aid options if needed.
Understanding Your Audiogram Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means | Treatment |
0-25 dB | Normal | No difficulty hearing | No treatment needed |
26-40 dB | Mild Loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech | Hearing aid may help |
41-55 dB | Moderate Loss | Difficulty hearing normal conversation | Hearing aid recommended |
56-70 dB | Moderate-Severe | Difficulty hearing loud speech | Hearing aid essential |
71-90 dB | Severe Loss | Only very loud sounds heard | Powerful hearing aid needed |
91+ dB | Profound Loss | Almost no hearing | Super power aid or cochlear implant |
Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Adults over 50: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common. Get tested every 3 years even without symptoms.
Noise-exposed workers: Factory workers, musicians, traffic police, and military personnel should test annually.
Children: Newborns should be screened at birth. Children should be tested before school enrollment and if speech development is delayed.
Anyone with symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up TV volume, or ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Current hearing aid users: Annual hearing tests ensure your hearing aid settings match your current hearing levels.
Book Your Hearing Test
Walk-in hearing tests are available at both Professional Hearing Solutions branches. For shorter wait times, book an appointment by calling 0332-5014111. Hearing test pricing is confirmed on consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a hearing test take?
A complete hearing evaluation takes 30-45 minutes including consultation and results discussion.
Q2: Is the hearing test painful?
Absolutely not. No part of the hearing test involves pain. It is as simple as listening to sounds and repeating words.
Q3: Can children be tested?
Yes. Pediatric hearing tests use modified techniques appropriate for the child's age. We test children of all ages.
Q4: How often should I get tested?
Adults: every 2-3 years if no concerns, annually if you have hearing aids or risk factors. Children: as recommended by your pediatrician.
Q5: Where can I get a hearing test in Islamabad?
Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111 to book.
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Google Maps: View Islamabad Location on Map
Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
Google Maps: View Rawalpindi Location on Map
Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
Conclusion
Hearing tests are quick, painless, and provide essential information about your hearing health. Do not delay — early detection leads to better outcomes. Call 0332-5014111.
