Hearing Screening vs. Hearing Test

Hearing Screening vs. Hearing Evaluation

Often at a company or community center sponsored health fair, individuals receive free hearing screenings. There are many differences between hearing screenings and hearing tests. It's important to know these differences in the event that further testing is required.

Hearing Screenings

A hearing screening tests four frequencies at 25 dB. If the individual hears all four frequencies, they pass the screening. However, if the individual does not hear all four frequencies, further testing is recommended. A screening onlydetermines the need for further testing. A screening usually takes 3-4 minutes. 

Hearing Test

A hearing test examines all three parts of the ear and usually takes about an hour.

• Outer Ear
  • First, the audiologist will look in the ear to make sure there's no fluid or obstruction (infection). The pathway to the inner ear must be clear. If it is not, a medical doctor must see the patient to treat the cause of the obstruction.
• Middle Ear
  • Tympanometry is performed to test ear drum movement, the presence of fluid, and to confirm the absence of eustachian tube dysfunction.
  • Acoustic Reflex Testing is performed to check the muscles of the middle ear to see if it contracts in the presence of loud sound.
• Inner Ear
  • Speech and Tone Testing- to discover the full range of a patient's hearing
    • Test thresholds- testing the softest sounds that are audible
    • Test MCL- testing the most comfortable level of hearing
    • Test UCL- testing the most uncomfortable level of hearing
  • Air and Bone Conduction

Together, these tests tell the audiologist what type of hearing loss the individual has and where the loss is located.

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