Basics of Hearing Tests – Pure-Tone Testing

Pure-tone testing is a hearing test where individuals identify sounds played at specific volumes and pitches. This takes place as part of a hearing test with an audiologist. The purpose of the test is to measure a person’s hearing capacity in one or both ears, and also check for potential ear blockages.

When Would I Need A Pure-Tone Test?

A pure-tone test is a standard part of every hearing test. This is because it helps the audiologist check how your ears currently receive sound. You may have full hearing, but the test will help the audiologist check for any moderate to severe hearing loss. If you work in a noisy environment or find it difficult to follow conversations in crowds, you may need a hearing test. Booking early hearing tests helps prevent permanent ear damage and sets you on the path to improved hearing.

What Will I Be Asked to Do During A Pure-Tone Test?

In a pure-tone test, you will be asked to put on a pair of headphones and identify sounds played into each ear. The test will generally be performed on one ear at a time, so an audiologist can check the hearing of each ear. You may be asked to press a button, put your hand up or verbally confirm each time you hear a particular sound. The sounds will be played at various pitches and volumes. This test is sometimes called air-conduction testing.

Pure-Tone Testing for Children 

When conducting pure-tone testing on children, sometimes they might refuse to wear headphones. If this happens your audiologist might play the sounds in a sound-booth and ask the child to put their hand up when they hear a noise. This form of testing does not allow the audiologist to test hearing in each ear individually, as a sound-booth will transmit the noise to both ears simultaneously. Your audiologist may have a more gamified pure-tone test for children to help them engage with the assessment. For very young children, they might ask them to put a ring on a cone for instance when they hear the sound.

Pure-Tone Testing for Ear Blockage

If your audiologist identifies a potential blockage in the ear, like compacted earwax, they may recommend pure-tone bone testing. This type of pure-tone testing will involve an additional small device, placed behind your ear or on your forehead. Sounds are sent through this device directly and cause your skull to vibrate, sending a signal to your inner ear. This device helps to measure if there is a blockage in your outer or middle ear, and where it is located. This is normally conducted after a pure-tone test using headphones, as a way of comparing the hearing between the outer, middle and inner ear.

Pure-tone testing is a simple and effective way for audiologists to measure an individual’s hearing at different pitches and volume. It also helps pinpoint the location of fluid or wax build-up in the ear, so they can help the person improve their hearing. If you think you are experiencing some form of hearing loss, contact your audiologist.