Hearing Tests
Regular Hearing Tests Help Prevent Further Hearing Loss
Hearing Tests in Athens
A hearing test is the first step in determining if hearing loss is present and if yes, what degree. An audiologist will assess the results of each individual test to develop a treatment plant that is tailored to your unique needs.
During the hearing exam, you will sit in a soundproof booth and listen for a series of sounds at different pitches and volumes. Your responses will be recorded on an audiogram which your audiologist will use to diagnose your hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Tests
There are a few different types of tests that are used to determine the exact type and degree of hearing loss you have. Depending on what your concerns are, we may perform additional tests to develop a full picture of your hearing health.
During the hearing exam we will perform a series of tests, including any of the following:
- Pure Tone Testing
- Bone Conduction Testing
- Speech Testing
- Tympanometry
- Acoustic Reflex Testing
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
Ototoxicity Monitoring
Some drugs cause damage to the sensory cells responsible for hearing. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, salicylate pain relievers (e.g., aspirin), quinine (for treating malaria), and diuretics. To reduce your odds of hearing loss when taking medications, follow these tips:
- Take medications only as directed.
- If you experience symptoms of hearing loss such as tinnitus while taking new drugs, see your doctor immediately.
Our hearing clinic offers ototoxicity monitoring, a specialized service to help protect and preserve hearing in patients undergoing treatments that carry a risk of inner ear damage. Through baseline testing and regular follow-up evaluations, our audiology team closely monitors auditory function to detect early changes before they progress. This proactive approach allows for timely communication with prescribing physicians, ensuring that treatment decisions consider both medical efficacy and long-term hearing health.