Get your hearing checked through a structured assessment conducted by trained audiologists. The test helps identify hearing difficulties, assess severity, and determine the right next step. At Resonnocare, every hearing test follows a structured process designed for children, adults, and seniors. We begin with a case history and ear examination, then move to audiometry or other relevant tests based on age and need. Each test includes an audiologist-led hearing assessment and clear report guidance, so you understand your results and the right next step for your hearing health. A hearing test is useful if you often ask people to repeat themselves, increase the TV volume, struggle in group conversations, or experience ringing/noise in your ears.
Hearing Test for Every Age Group
What Happens During a Complete Hearing Assessment?
A complete hearing assessment checks how well you hear different sounds, whether hearing loss is present and how hearing difficulties may affect everyday communication. The audiologist reviews your symptoms and hearing history, examines your ears and selects the appropriate hearing tests based on your age and clinical needs.
The assessment may involve the following steps:
Assessment step | What happens | Why it matters |
Case history | The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure and symptoms. | Helps identify possible factors contributing to hearing difficulties. |
Ear examination | The ear canal and eardrum are visually examined where appropriate. | Helps identify visible concerns such as earwax blockage or other conditions requiring medical attention. |
Hearing threshold testing | Pure Tone Audiometry may be used to identify the quietest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. | Helps determine the degree and pattern of hearing loss. |
Middle-ear assessment | Tympanometry may be performed when clinically indicated. | Provides information about eardrum movement and middle-ear function. |
Speech hearing assessment | Speech audiometry may assess speech detection, recognition or understanding. | Helps explain hearing difficulties during conversations. |
Additional diagnostic tests | OAE, BERA or other assessments may be recommended in selected cases. | Provides further information when routine hearing tests are not sufficient. |
Report explanation | The audiologist reviews the findings and explains the recommended next step. | Helps you understand your results and available care options. |
Not every person needs every test. For example, an adult with gradual hearing difficulty may begin with Pure Tone Audiometry, while a baby who cannot reliably respond to sounds may need objective tests such as OAE or BERA.
A complete hearing assessment should provide a clear understanding of your hearing status, the limitations of the tests performed and whether further hearing care or medical evaluation is needed.
What Does a Complete Hearing Assessment Help You Understand?
A hearing assessment should answer more than “Can I hear?” It should help clarify:
- Whether hearing loss is present
- Whether one or both ears are affected
- Which frequencies are affected
- How much hearing is reduced
- Whether speech understanding also needs assessment
- Whether a medical/ENT review is needed
- Whether the next step is monitoring, another test or hearing rehabilitation
Not every patient needs every hearing test. The audiologist selects the appropriate assessment according to age, symptoms and clinical need.
When Should You Get a Hearing Test?
Hearing difficulty can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and it is not always obvious to the person experiencing it. It may show up as trouble following conversations in noisy places, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, raising the TV volume more than before, or noticing a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. These changes can be linked to aging, prolonged noise exposure, ear infections, genetic factors, certain medications or other medical conditions. Left unchecked, hearing difficulty can affect communication, relationships, and confidence at work or in social settings. A timely hearing test helps identify the type and degree of difficulty early, so the right next step can be planned without delay
Signs You Should Consider a Hearing Assessment
- People seem to mumble
- You frequently ask for repetition
- Speech is difficult in restaurants or meetings
- TV or phone volume has increased
- One ear seems better than the other
- Telephone conversations have become harder
- You notice persistent tinnitus
- Family members have noticed a change
- A child has speech/listening concerns
How Do Everyday Hearing Problems Relate to Different Types of Hearing Loss?
Everyday hearing problems can provide clues about possible hearing difficulties, but symptoms alone cannot determine the type or cause of hearing loss. A professional hearing assessment helps distinguish between conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound transmission through the outer or middle ear is affected. Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear or auditory nerve. Mixed hearing loss includes both conductive and sensorineural components.
Different hearing difficulties may be associated with different findings:
Everyday hearing problem | What it may suggest | How a hearing assessment helps |
Difficulty understanding speech in noisy places | Reduced access to speech sounds, age-related hearing changes or other listening difficulties | Pure Tone Audiometry and speech testing can provide relevant information. |
Frequently increasing the television volume | Gradual changes in hearing sensitivity | Hearing threshold testing helps identify the frequencies affected. |
One ear hears better than the other | Possible asymmetric hearing loss | Testing each ear separately helps identify differences requiring further evaluation. |
A blocked or muffled ear | Possible outer-ear or middle-ear concerns, among other causes | Ear examination, audiometry and tympanometry may help identify the next step. |
Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears | Tinnitus, which may occur with or without measurable hearing loss | A hearing assessment can identify associated hearing difficulties. |
A child does not respond consistently to sounds | Possible hearing difficulties or other developmental and attention-related factors | Age-appropriate behavioural or objective hearing tests may be recommended. |
The pattern of hearing loss is important because two people with similar symptoms may require different assessments and care plans.
For example, someone with difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds may struggle with certain consonants during conversations, even when speech seems loud enough. Another person may experience muffled hearing because of a middle-ear problem.
Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, requires urgent medical assessment. Do not delay an ENT or emergency evaluation while arranging a routine hearing test.
A hearing test helps clarify these differences so that recommendations are based on test findings rather than symptoms alone.
What Happens During a Hearing Test
The audiologist discusses your hearing concerns, how long you have noticed them, noise exposure, medical history, and any family history of hearing loss. This gives context before testing begins.
A physical check of the ear canal and eardrum to look for wax build-up, infection, fluid, or any blockage that could affect hearing or the test results.
Standardized tests are conducted based on age and clinical need, such as pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, or speech tests, to measure the type and degree of hearing difficulty.
The audiologist explains your results in simple terms and recommends the right next step, which may include continued monitoring, a medical referral, or a hearing aid trial.
Which Tests May Be Used?
Depending on your age and symptoms, the audiologist may select one or more of these:
Pure-Tone Audiometry → measures hearing thresholds
Air & Bone Conduction → helps understand the type of hearing loss
Speech Audiometry → assesses speech detection or understanding
Tympanometry → checks middle-ear function where relevant
OAE → provides objective cochlear information in selected patients
BERA / ABR → may be used when reliable behavioural responses cannot be obtained
Not every patient receives every test.
Report Explanation
What Should Be Explained After the Test?
You should leave the appointment understanding:
- Whether hearing loss is present
- Which ear is affected
- The degree and pattern of hearing loss
- Whether speech understanding was assessed
- Whether another test is required
- Whether an ENT review is needed
- Whether monitoring or hearing aids should be considered
Ask for a copy of your audiogram or hearing report so it can be compared with future tests or used for another clinical review.
Which Hearing Test May Be Recommended for Different Hearing Concerns?
The hearing test recommended for you depends on your age, symptoms, ability to respond during testing and the part of the hearing system that needs evaluation. Pure Tone Audiometry is commonly used for adults and cooperative older children, while OAE and BERA may be useful for babies and patients who cannot reliably complete behavioural hearing tests.
Different tests answer different clinical questions:
Hearing concern | Test that may be recommended | What the test helps assess |
Gradual hearing difficulty in adults | Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing thresholds across different sound frequencies |
Difficulty understanding conversations | Pure Tone Audiometry and Speech Audiometry | Hearing sensitivity and aspects of speech understanding |
Blocked ears or suspected middle-ear problems | Tympanometry and audiometry | Middle-ear function and hearing levels |
Newborn hearing screening | OAE or automated ABR | Early identification of babies who need further hearing assessment |
Hearing concerns in infants and young children | Age-appropriate behavioural testing, OAE or diagnostic BERA | Hearing sensitivity, cochlear responses or auditory-pathway responses |
Inconsistent behavioural hearing-test results | BERA or other objective tests | Additional information when reliable responses cannot be obtained |
Hearing loss affecting one ear more than the other | Pure Tone Audiometry, speech testing and further investigations when indicated | Differences in hearing between the ears |
Persistent tinnitus with hearing concerns | Audiometry and other assessments based on symptoms | Associated hearing loss and possible need for further evaluation |
A hearing test is not selected simply because it is more advanced or uses different equipment. The most useful assessment is the one that answers the patient’s specific clinical question.
For example, PTA may identify reduced hearing sensitivity, while tympanometry can provide additional information about middle-ear function. If results are unclear, the audiologist may recommend complementary testing.
Patients with sudden hearing loss should seek urgent medical care rather than booking routine audiometry as their only next step.
Why Resonnocare
How to Understand Your Audiogram and Hearing Test Results
An audiogram is a chart that shows the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches or frequencies. It is one of the main ways audiologists explain the results of Pure Tone Audiometry.
Understanding the basic parts of an audiogram can help you ask informed questions about your hearing health.
What Do the Numbers on an Audiogram Mean?
An audiogram typically displays:
- Frequency (Hz): The pitch of the sound, shown along the horizontal axis. Lower frequencies represent lower-pitched sounds, while higher frequencies represent higher-pitched sounds.
- Hearing level (dB HL): The intensity at which a sound is detected, usually shown along the vertical axis. Higher hearing-threshold values generally indicate that a louder sound is needed for detection.
- Right-ear and left-ear results: Separate symbols identify the hearing thresholds measured in each ear.
- Air-conduction results: Show hearing responses when sounds travel through the outer, middle and inner ear.
- Bone-conduction results: Help assess inner-ear hearing sensitivity by bypassing much of the outer- and middle-ear sound transmission pathway.
What Are the Different Degrees of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss may be described as mild, moderate, severe or profound based on measured hearing thresholds. The exact classification system and frequency averages used can vary, especially between adult and pediatric assessments.
The audiologist will interpret the audiogram based on your age, the test method, symptoms and other findings rather than relying only on one number.
What Does an Air-Bone Gap Mean?
An air-bone gap occurs when air-conduction hearing thresholds are poorer than bone-conduction thresholds by a clinically meaningful amount. This may suggest a conductive component of hearing loss involving sound transmission through the outer or middle ear.
The finding must be interpreted alongside the complete audiogram, ear examination and other appropriate tests.
Does a Normal Audiogram Mean Hearing Is Completely Normal?
Not necessarily. A standard audiogram measures hearing sensitivity for selected pure tones under controlled conditions. It does not measure every aspect of real-world listening or speech understanding in background noise.
If you continue to experience hearing difficulties despite results within the expected range, your audiologist may recommend speech testing or further assessment based on your symptoms.
Ask your audiologist to explain which frequencies are affected, whether the results differ between your ears and what the findings mean for everyday communication.
Hearing Tests for Every Age Group
Every hearing test at Resonnocare is conducted under the supervision of an audiologist, with assessments tailored to different age groups and needs.
Adult Hearing Test
For adults who have difficulty with conversations, phone calls, or noisy environments. The test evaluates hearing thresholds and speech understanding to guide the next step.
Child Hearing Test
Age-appropriate hearing assessments for infants and children, including BERA testing for babies who cannot respond to standard hearing tests, to support early identification and speech development.
Senior Hearing Screening
A focused hearing check for older adults to understand age-related hearing changes and their impact on daily communication and independence. A home visit hearing test can also be arranged if mobility is a concern.
Hearing Report Explanation
A dedicated session where the audiologist walks you through your hearing test report in plain language and outlines the recommended next step for your hearing health.
What Is the Difference Between a Hearing Screening and a Diagnostic Hearing Test?
A hearing screening is a brief assessment used to identify whether someone may need further hearing evaluation. A diagnostic hearing test is a more detailed assessment designed to understand hearing sensitivity, the nature of a hearing problem and the possible next steps.
Although both are important, they serve different purposes.
Feature | Hearing screening | Diagnostic hearing test |
Purpose | Identify possible hearing concerns | Investigate hearing difficulties in greater detail |
Typical result | Pass or refer, depending on the screening method | Detailed findings about hearing thresholds or other aspects of hearing function |
Time required | Often shorter | Depends on the tests and clinical needs |
Common methods | Screening audiometry, OAE or automated ABR, as appropriate | Pure Tone Audiometry, speech testing, tympanometry, diagnostic BERA or other indicated tests |
Suitable for | Routine checks and early identification programmes | People with symptoms, an unsuccessful screening result or a need for detailed evaluation |
Does it establish the complete diagnosis? | No | It can support diagnosis, sometimes alongside medical evaluation and additional tests |
For example, a newborn who does not pass hearing screening may be referred for diagnostic audiology testing. Similarly, an adult who has difficulty following conversations may require a comprehensive hearing assessment rather than relying only on a basic screening result.
Passing a hearing screening does not rule out every possible hearing difficulty, particularly if symptoms continue or develop later.
The audiologist should explain which type of assessment is appropriate and whether further testing is required.
How Does a Hearing Test Help Plan the Next Step in Hearing Care?
A hearing test helps guide the next step by identifying whether hearing loss is present, examining its degree and pattern, and highlighting findings that may require further investigation. The results can support decisions about monitoring, medical referral, hearing protection or hearing rehabilitation.
The recommended next step depends on the test findings and the patient’s everyday hearing needs.
Hearing test finding | Possible next step |
Hearing thresholds within the expected range | Monitoring or additional assessment if hearing concerns continue |
Possible conductive hearing loss | ENT assessment to investigate outer-ear or middle-ear conditions |
Sensorineural hearing loss | Discussion of communication needs, hearing support and rehabilitation options |
Asymmetric hearing loss | Further audiological or medical investigation as clinically indicated |
Unclear or inconsistent test findings | Repeat testing or additional diagnostic tests |
Hearing difficulties in a child | Age-appropriate follow-up and consideration of speech-language or developmental assessment when indicated |
Hearing loss affecting everyday conversations | Counseling about communication strategies, hearing aid evaluation or other suitable support |
Hearing aids are not automatically recommended for every person with hearing loss. The decision depends on the type and degree of hearing loss, communication difficulties, medical considerations and individual preferences.
If hearing aids are appropriate, the audiologist may discuss technology options, fitting, adjustment and follow-up care.
For children, early identification of hearing difficulties can help families access appropriate hearing and communication support without unnecessary delay.
A hearing assessment therefore provides more than a test result. It helps create a clearer pathway from identifying a hearing concern to choosing an appropriate next step.
How to Find a Qualified Audiologist and Hearing Test Centre Near You
To find a qualified audiologist or hearing test centre near you, look for a clinic that provides age-appropriate hearing assessments, qualified professional interpretation, suitable testing equipment and a clear explanation of the results.
Before scheduling a hearing test, consider the following:
- Audiologist qualifications: Ask whether the professional is appropriately qualified and holds a current Rehabilitation Council of India registration where required.
- Available hearing tests: Confirm whether the centre offers PTA, speech audiometry, tympanometry, OAE or other tests relevant to your needs.
- Age-appropriate assessments: If the appointment is for a child, check whether suitable pediatric hearing-testing methods are available.
- Equipment and testing conditions: Ask whether the hearing-test equipment is maintained and calibrated appropriately.
- Written hearing report: Confirm whether the test includes an audiogram or another suitable written report.
- Report interpretation: Check whether the audiologist will explain the findings and recommended next steps.
- Specialist referral: Ask whether an ENT consultation or additional diagnostic assessment can be arranged when necessary.
- Clinic accessibility: Consider location, appointment availability and whether suitable support is available for older adults or patients with mobility difficulties.
When searching for a hearing test near me or an audiologist near me, remember that not every clinic offers every type of hearing assessment.
For example, a centre offering routine adult Pure Tone Audiometry may not necessarily provide diagnostic BERA for infants. Always confirm the exact service at the selected location before visiting.
A qualified audiologist should be able to explain why a particular test is recommended, what it can and cannot assess, and whether further evaluation is needed.
Book a Hearing Test
A professional hearing test can give you clarity on your hearing health and the right next step for you or your family.
FAQ’s
Which hearing test do I need?
The right hearing test depends on your age, symptoms, medical history, and the type of hearing problem suspected. For many adults, Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is a common starting point. Your audiologist may also recommend tests such as tympanometry, OAE, or BERA if more information is needed about how different parts of the hearing system are working.
What tests are included in a hearing assessment?
A hearing assessment may include a discussion of your symptoms and hearing history, an examination of the ear canal, and one or more hearing tests. Common tests include pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, tympanometry, OAE, and BERA. The exact combination depends on your hearing concerns and clinical findings.
Why might I need more than one hearing test?
Different hearing tests examine different parts of the hearing pathway. One test may measure how softly you can hear sounds, while another checks middle-ear function or how the inner ear and auditory nerve respond. Using more than one test can help your clinician understand where the hearing difficulty may be coming from and what next steps are appropriate.
What is the difference between PTA, OAE, BERA and tympanometry?
PTA measures the quietest sounds you can hear at different frequencies and helps determine the degree and pattern of hearing loss. OAE checks the function of the outer hair cells in the inner ear. BERA measures electrical responses from the hearing nerve and brainstem after sound stimulation. Tympanometry evaluates how well the eardrum and middle ear are functioning.
How long does a hearing test take?
A basic hearing assessment often takes around 20 to 40 minutes, although the duration can vary depending on the tests required. More detailed assessments, including BERA or additional diagnostic testing, may take longer.
Is a hearing test painful?
No. Standard hearing tests are generally painless and non-invasive. You may wear headphones, have a small probe placed gently in the ear canal, or have small electrodes placed on the skin for certain tests such as BERA.
Who performs the hearing test?
Hearing tests are usually performed by a qualified audiologist or trained hearing healthcare professional. Depending on your symptoms and results, you may also be referred to an ENT specialist for further medical evaluation.
Do children and adults need different hearing tests?
They can. The choice of test depends heavily on age and the person’s ability to respond reliably. Adults and older children can usually complete behavioural tests such as PTA, while babies and young children may require objective tests such as OAE or BERA that do not depend on them pressing a button or responding to sounds.
Can a hearing test tell me whether I need hearing aids?
A hearing test is an important part of deciding whether hearing aids may help, but the decision is not based on the audiogram alone. Your audiologist will also consider how much difficulty you experience in conversations, work, social situations, and noisy environments, along with the type and degree of hearing loss.
What happens after the hearing test?
Your audiologist will explain your results and discuss what they mean for your everyday hearing. Depending on the findings, the next step may be monitoring your hearing, treating a medical cause, referring you to an ENT specialist, discussing hearing protection, or exploring hearing aids or other hearing-support options.