Hearing Tests Explained: What to Expect at a Screening

Hearing tests are painless, non-invasive, and suitable for every age — even newborns a few hours old.

Common tests

• OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions): a tiny probe plays soft sounds and measures the inner ear's echo. Takes seconds; used for newborn screening.
• AABR / BERA: small sensors on the head measure how the hearing nerve responds to sound — ideal for infants, done while the baby sleeps.
• Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA): you press a button or raise a hand when you hear beeps at different pitches and volumes. The result is an audiogram — a picture of your hearing.
• Speech Audiometry: measures how well you understand words, not just detect sound.
• Tympanometry: checks how the eardrum moves, detecting fluid or pressure problems in the middle ear.
• Play Audiometry / VRA: child-friendly versions where toddlers respond to sound through play.

What happens after?

An audiologist explains your results, and if needed, recommends medical referral, hearing aids, or further evaluation. At SilentCare screenings, follow-up guidance is always included — a screening is a beginning, not an end.