About Hearing Evaluations
The purpose of a hearing evaluation is to determine the softest sounds each ear can hear and the softest levels at which speech can be repeated, as well as the percentage of correct words that can be repeated at a comfortable level. This test is typically performed on patients greater than four years of age when there are concerns about hearing, tinnitus, dizziness or speech development
Procedure
A comprehensive hearing test or audiometric evaluation is the first step in determining whether hearing is within normal limits, or if a loss in hearing sensitivity is present. The patient is asked to respond to different tones (typically by raising the hand or pressing a button). The patient is also asked to repeat words at both soft and average levels.