Audiometry is a painless, non-invasive, and widely used hearing assessment that measures an individual’s ability to detect and understand sounds across a broad range of frequencies (pitches) and intensity levels (loudness). It is one of the most important tests used by audiologists to evaluate hearing sensitivity and identify whether a person has normal hearing or a degree of hearing impairment.

During an audiometry test, the patient listens to different tones or speech sounds presented through headphones or insert earphones and responds whenever they are able to hear the sound. The test measures the softest level of sound a person can detect at various frequencies, creating a detailed record of hearing ability known as an audiogram. This graphical representation helps audiologists understand the pattern and severity of hearing loss in each ear.

Audiometry helps determine the degree and type of hearing loss, including conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. It provides valuable information about whether the problem is related to the outer or middle ear, the inner ear (cochlea), or the auditory nerve pathways. The results assist healthcare professionals in developing an appropriate hearing care plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs.