Hearing Tests: What to Expect and What Results Mean
A practical guide to common hearing assessments, why they are used, and how results can help explain difficulty hearing speech or sounds.
Read MoreWhat does a hearing assessment involve?
The clinician asks about onset, which ear is affected, noise exposure, infections, medicines and associated symptoms such as tinnitus or dizziness. Ear examination and formal hearing tests may be recommended to measure the type and degree of hearing change.
The next step depends on the results. Some causes are treatable, while others may need monitoring, hearing support or further specialist evaluation. Sudden hearing loss is different from gradual change and should be assessed urgently.
Prepare for your appointment
- When you first noticed the change and whether it was sudden
- Difficulty hearing in quiet settings, crowds or on the telephone
- Any tinnitus, dizziness, pain, discharge or recent loud-noise exposure
- Previous hearing tests, ear surgery or use of hearing devices
Sudden hearing loss is urgent
A sudden reduction in hearing over hours or a few days requires urgent medical evaluation; do not wait for a routine hearing appointment.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
