What is the Difference in Hearing Screening and Hearing Tests?

Maintaining good hearing health is essential for quality of life, and both hearing screenings and hearing tests play pivotal roles in this process. But do you know the difference between the two?

Many people often use the terms interchangeably, but it’s important to know that they serve distinct purposes. What are the differences between the two, when you should consider each and why both are important. Always remember, consulting a hearing health professional should be your first step in addressing any hearing concerns.

What is a Hearing Screening?

A hearing screening is a quick evaluation that you may consider detecting potential hearing issues. This evaluation is usually conducted in various settings, such as schools, workplaces or health fairs and the process involves a series of simple tests. For example, a hearing health professional may ask you to wear headphones and respond to tones produced at various frequencies and volumes. These screenings are non-invasive, painless and typically last just a few minutes – but they play a vital role in fostering hearing health education and identifying issues early on.

When Do You Need a Hearing Screening?

The main benefit of regular hearing screenings is that they help with the early detection of hearing loss. The frequency at which you should undergo hearing screening depends on several factors, including your age and level of risk of hearing loss. For example, children should have their hearing screened periodically during their development.

Adults, especially those over the age of 50, should undergo screenings every few years.

Individuals who work in noisy environments, like construction or manufacturing, should have annual screenings due to constant exposure to high-decibel environments. If you suspect hearing problems, you should not think twice about undergoing a hearing screening or test.

What is a Hearing Test?

A hearing test is a more in-depth assessment performed by a hearing health professional, usually performed following hearing health concerns to diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss. Typically, a hearing test starts with a review of your medical history and any symptoms. Next, a hearing care provider will perform an otoscopic examination to check for earwax buildup or abnormalities in the ear canal that may be at the root of your hearing loss.

Other tests your hearing health professional may perform to confirm a diagnosis include pure-tone audiometry – where you listen to sounds at different pitches and volumes in a soundproof booth – and tympanometry tests to assess the eardrum’s movement. These tests are also non-invasive, painless and quick.

When Do You Need a Hearing Test?

A hearing test is recommended if you notice signs of hearing loss, like asking others to repeat themselves or turning up the volume on devices.

Adults over 50 should have a hearing test every few years, while those exposed to loud noises at work may need more frequent assessments. You may also consider scheduling an appointment for a hearing test if you notice sudden hearing changes, ear pain or dizziness also necessitate a hearing test.

Consult a Hearing Health Professional

Maintaining optimal hearing is essential for overall health – and both hearing screenings and tests can help you keep your hearing in check. Consult your hearing health professional to better understand the benefits of early diagnosis and determine how often you should get your hearing checked.