Hearing Tests
Routine hearing assessments are vitally important in children as poor hearing may go unnoticed and negatively affect speech development and general learning skills. Hearing loss in adults can come on suddenly or gradually and affect relationships, work and other daily life activities. Normal hearing is 25 or less decibels (dB) in adults and less than 15dB in children. Profound hearing loss is typically 95dB or more. 100dB is generally considered complete deafness.
Whether it be for a routine hearing screening or for a concern that hearing loss is present, a variety of hearing tests are available to assess hearing. They can be as simple as using rubbed fingers and a whispered voice or more involved like electrophysiological tests that help determine the specific cause of any hearing loss. Tuning forks, rubbing fingers, the whisper test and the use of a ticking watch are some of the simpler methods of hearing assessment. More complex tests include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, electrophysiological tests, and acoustic reflex testing.
| Hearing threshold in decibels (dB) | Degree of hearing loss | Ability to hear speech |
|---|---|---|
| 0-25 Db | None | No significant difficulty |
| 26-40 dB | Mild | Difficulty with faint or distant speech |
| 41-55 dB | Moderate | Difficulty with conversational speech |
| 56-70 Db | Moderate to severe | Moderate to severe |
| 71-90 dB | Severe | Difficulty with even loud sounds, must be amplified |
| 91+ Db | Profound | May not understand amplified speech |
If significant hearing loss is found, the nature and cause of the hearing loss is then investigated. If a reversible cause exists, steps are taken to remove or treat the cause. Influencing factors such as infection, environmental factors or obstruction are usually involved. If the hearing loss is not reversible, hearing rehabilitation is often the next step in managing hearing loss. Hearing rehab, also known as audiologic, aural or auditory rehab, involves training and assistance to improve one’s hearing. Focus is on making the most of assistive devices and managing conversations with others.
Hearing rehabilitation is much more than just learning how to work a hearing aid or television device, though. Rehab trains individuals with hearing loss to optimize their other senses such as the use of visual cues and aids. Visual cues include lipreading, taking notice of speakers’ facial expressions, body language, context and environment. Individuals with hearing loss also learn ways to maximize communication. They learn to reduce background noise, rearrange furniture in the home or office to encourage closer face to face interactions, even carpeting and rugs can be used to absorb noise and enhance conversation.
Most importantly, individuals prevent hearing loss from affecting their quality of life. Through hearing rehabilitation, they learn to control their environment and optimize their new level of hearing and we are here to help every step of the way. Call The Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin today for all your hearing needs!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hearing Tests
Where can I get a hearing test near Appleton, Neenah, or Oshkosh, WI?Ear,
Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin offers hearing tests across the Fox Valley through our affiliated Audiology Center, with ENT offices serving Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh, De Pere, Shawano, and Waupaca. Call (920) 969-1768 to schedule at whichever location is most convenient for you. Because our audiologists work directly alongside ENT physicians, any medical cause of hearing loss can be identified and treated during the same visit rather than requiring a separate referral. You can request an appointment online or contact us with questions about which office fits your needs.
How long does a hearing test take?
A comprehensive adult hearing test typically takes 45 to 60 minutes from check-in to results discussion. A basic screening, used to flag whether a full evaluation is needed, can be completed in about 15 to 20 minutes. Pediatric testing varies by age and cooperation level, with infant testing sometimes requiring the child to be sleeping. Most of the time is spent in a soundproof booth responding to tones and words through headphones, plus a brief ear exam and a conversation about your symptoms. Results are usually discussed the same day. Schedule with Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin by calling (920) 969-1768.
Do I need a doctor's referral to get a hearing test?
In most cases, no, you can schedule a hearing test directly with an audiologist without a referral from your primary care doctor. Some insurance plans, particularly HMOs and certain Medicare Advantage plans, do require a referral for the test to be covered, so it’s worth calling your insurer to confirm. If a medical issue like ear infections, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or ear drainage prompted the visit, an ENT evaluation may be recommended alongside the hearing test. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin schedules both directly, call (920) 969-1768 or contact us.
Is a hearing test covered by insurance or Medicare?
Original Medicare (Part B) covers diagnostic hearing exams when they’re ordered by a physician to evaluate a medical condition, meaning if hearing loss, dizziness, or ear symptoms prompted the test, it’s typically covered after the deductible. Medicare does not cover routine hearing screenings or exams done specifically to fit hearing aids. Many Medicare Advantage plans include additional hearing benefits, and most private insurance covers diagnostic testing when medically indicated. Coverage varies by plan and reason for the visit. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can help clarify what your plan covers before you come in, call (920) 969-1768.
What is the difference between an audiologist and an ENT for a hearing test?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional with a doctoral degree (AuD) who specializes in testing hearing, diagnosing hearing loss, and fitting hearing aids and other assistive devices. An ENT (otolaryngologist) is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats medical and surgical conditions of the ears, nose, and throat, including ear infections, eardrum problems, and conditions that may require ear tubes or surgery. For most hearing tests, the audiologist performs the evaluation, and the ENT gets involved when a medical cause needs treatment. At Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin, both work together under one roof, call (920) 969-1768.
At what age can a child get a hearing test?
Children can be tested at any age, starting at birth. Wisconsin newborns receive a hearing screening before hospital discharge, and babies who don’t pass are referred for full diagnostic testing, ideally by 3 months of age. Infants and toddlers are tested using specialized methods that don’t require verbal responses, such as otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. Older children can participate in more traditional testing by around age 3 to 4. Any concern about speech delays, frequent ear infections, or inconsistent hearing warrants an evaluation regardless of age. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin tests infants and children, call (920) 969-1768.
How often should adults get their hearing tested?
Adults with no known hearing concerns should have a baseline hearing test by around age 50, then be retested every 3 years afterward. Adults over 60 should be tested every 1 to 2 years, since age-related hearing loss accelerates in this window. Adults regularly exposed to loud noise at work or from hobbies, construction, farming, firearms, or motorized recreation, should be tested annually. Anyone noticing new symptoms like ringing in the ears, muffled sounds, or trouble following conversations should schedule a test right away rather than waiting for a routine check. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can establish your baseline, call (920) 969-1768.
How should I prepare for a hearing test appointment?
Preparation for a hearing test is simple: bring a list of current medications, note when you first noticed hearing changes, and be ready to describe situations where hearing is hardest for you. Avoid exposure to loud noise for at least 16 hours before the appointment, since temporary noise fatigue can affect results. Clean your outer ears gently, but don’t use cotton swabs, they push wax deeper and can skew testing. If you already wear hearing aids, bring them with you. Bring your insurance card and any relevant medical records. Schedule with Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin by calling (920) 969-1768.
Are online hearing test apps and OTC screeners accurate enough to skip a professional test?
Online and app-based hearing screeners are useful for flagging potential hearing loss, but they aren’t accurate enough to replace a full professional evaluation. Results depend heavily on your device, headphones, and background noise, and screeners can’t measure the full frequency range, evaluate speech understanding, or identify medical causes like fluid, ear infections, or a perforated eardrum. They also can’t rule out conditions where sudden or one-sided loss requires urgent care. Treat a failed app screening as a signal to schedule a real test rather than as a diagnosis. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin offers full diagnostic evaluations, call (920) 969-1768.
What does electrophysiological hearing testing actually involve?
Electrophysiological hearing tests measure the brain and nerve response to sound, rather than requiring the patient to signal what they hear, making them essential for testing infants, young children, and patients who can’t respond reliably. The two most common are auditory brainstem response (ABR), which records nerve signals through small sensors placed on the head, and otoacoustic emissions (OAE), which measures sounds the inner ear produces in response to a soft tone. Both are painless, non-invasive, and often performed while an infant sleeps. These tests help identify hearing loss and its likely origin in the ear or nerve pathway. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can perform these evaluations, call (920) 969-1768.