Hearing Tests & Hearing Loss

Hearing tests are simple to do and are painless. The aim of the hearing test is to determine the softest sound a person can hear (hearing threshold) over a range of frequencies (pitches). For the most accurate results, testing should be performed in sound proof conditions.

Headphones are placed over the ears and pure tones or beeps are presented at various frequencies and volume levels to ascertain the softest sound you can hear at each frequency. You are required to respond (usually by pressing a button) to each sound that you hear, no matter how soft. As hearing loss can affect ears differently, both ears are tested separately.

The results are plotted on a graph called an Audiogram. The frequency or pitches are measured in Hertz (Hz) and are marked on the horizontal axis. The pitch increases from left to right, with the lower numbers representing lower pitch or bass sounds and the higher numbers representing higher pitch or treble sounds. The loudness of sound is marked on the vertical axis and is measured in decibels (dB). 0dB represents the softest sound heard by a normal healthy ear. 120dB is usually considered to be the loudest sound tolerated by a person.

How well you can hear speech is also tested. To hear speech, you need the ability to detect or hear the sounds of speech and secondly, the ability to understand speech. The audiogram show’s a person’s hearing ability, but it does not indicate how clearly a person can understand speech. For a speech test, words are presented through the headphones at various volume levels and you are required to repeat back what you heard. A person who has difficulty understanding speech even with a lot of volume, may be limited in the benefits that hearing aids can provide.

We also have the equipment to do tests of middle ear function. These tests are helpful in determining the cause of hearing loss by giving us information on how well the eardrum moves with pressure changes and how the ossicular chain (small bones in our middle ear) react to loud sounds.

At All Ears in Hearing, we will discuss the results of the hearing loss assessment with you and send a report to yourself or to your GP if you wish. A Medicare rebate is available for General Practitioner Referrals, Ear Nose and Throat Specialist referral, Neurologist referral or referral through the Chronic Disease Management Program.

At All Ears in Hearing Rochedale South and Springwood, we have the right equipment, so you can actually see inside your own ears!