Hearing Tests

Acoustic Reflex Test, Audiometry, Auditory Brainstem Evoked Potential (ABEP) Test, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test, Pure Tone Audiometry, Rinne Test, Schwabach Test, Tuning Fork Test, Weber Test, Whispered Speech Test

What To Think About

• Other types of tests may be used to evaluate hearing. These tests include:
  • Acoustic immitance testing (tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing). This 2-minute to 3-minute test measures how well the middle ear relays sound. The soft tip of a small instrument is inserted into the ear canal and adjusted to achieve a tight seal. Sound and air pressure are then directed toward the eardrum. The test is not painful, but slight changes in pressure may be felt or the tone may be heard.
  • Vestibular tests (falling and past-pointing tests). These tests can detect problems with areas of the inner ear that help control balance and coordination. During these tests, the person tries to maintain balance and coordination while moving the arms and legs in certain ways, standing on one foot, standing heel-to-toe, and performing other maneuvers with the eyes open and closed. The health professional will protect the person from falling, and no special preparation is needed.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 22, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
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