An audiometry test, also known as a hearing test, measures how well a person can hear sounds. It's a non-invasive procedure that evaluates the function of the hearing mechanism, including the middle ear, cochlea, and central integration.

During an audiometry test, a trained professional uses an audiometer to present sounds at different frequencies and intensities to the patient. The patient responds by listening to the sounds and indicating when they hear them. The results are plotted on a graph called an audiogram, which helps healthcare providers determine the severity and type of hearing loss.

Some types of audiometry tests include:

• Pure tone audiometry: Uses pure tones (single frequencies) to test air and bone conduction
• Impedance audiometry: Measures the mobility and air pressure of the middle ear
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR): Measures how long it takes for neural signals to travel from the cochlea through the brainstem
• Tympanometry: Shows how your eardrum responds to air pushed into your ear
• Otoacoustic emissions test (OAE): Checks for damage to the hair cells in your cochlea

A healthcare provider may recommend an audiometry test if a patient reports hearing loss or if a family member notices a decrease in the patient's conversational interaction. Patients who have been exposed to loud music or occupational noise are also good candidates for an audiometry test.