Hearing loss is the third most frequently reported chronic medical condition in America. The test to determine the level of a hearing loss is usually conducted by an audiologists. Hearing loss is caused by a number of factors including infection or disease, drugs, continuous and excessive exposure to noise, trauma, or aging process. Sometimes the hearing loss is accompanied by ringing in the ears.

Anyone who suspects some degree of hearing loss should undergo hearing tests such as when someone experiences difficulties in understanding a conversation between persons or on phone. People who are exposed to loud noise during work should also have their hearing checked.

Here some testing methods:

Pure Tone Testing

In this test, the audiologist will ask to report hearing a series of tones. The softest sounds that you can is determined, in various frequencies.

Speech audiometric

First, you are tested for the softest level at which you are able to repeat words. The second test will check your ability at a moderately loud level of listening.

Acoustic Measures

This adult hearing loss test determines the movement of the eardrum and that of the middle ear by placing a soft plug in the ear. It detects any problem in the eardrum or middle ear that may cause hearing loss.
 

Acoustic Reflex Testing

The acoustic reflex is tested by presenting several loud tones. By this means, the function of the middle ear is thoroughly tested.

Specialized Hearing Loss Tests

Auditory Brainstem Response, Threshold Auditory Brainstem Response, Electrocochleography, and Otoacoustic Emissions.