What is the Difference in a Screening and a Hearing Test?

When it comes to assessing your hearing, you may have heard the terms hearing screening and hearing test used interchangeably. However, they serve different purposes and are conducted in distinct ways. Understanding the difference between a screening and a hearing test is important for knowing what to expect and how each can contribute to your overall hearing health.

Hearing Screening

A hearing screening is quick and simple designed to identify potential hearing issues. Screenings are often conducted in environments like schools, workplaces or during routine health check-ups. The primary goal of a hearing screening is to determine whether a person has normal hearing or if there might be a need for further evaluation.

During a hearing screening, you’ll typically listen to a series of tones through headphones and indicate whether you hear them. The tones are usually set at a volume that a person with normal hearing would be expected to hear easily. If you can hear all the tones at the expected levels, your hearing is considered normal, and no further action is needed. However, if you miss any of the tones, it suggests that there may be some level of hearing loss, and a more comprehensive hearing test is recommended.

Hearing screenings are particularly useful for early detection, especially in children or individuals who may not realize they have hearing loss. Because screenings are quick and easy, they can be administered to large groups, making them an effective tool for identifying who might need a full hearing evaluation.

Hearing Test

A hearing test, on the other hand, is a detailed assessment conducted by an audiologist to diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss. Unlike a screening, which is a pass or fail check, a hearing test provides a thorough evaluation of your hearing ability across a range of frequencies and volumes.

During a hearing test, several types of assessments may be conducted, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry and tympanometry. Pure-tone audiometry measures your hearing thresholds at different frequencies, while speech audiometry evaluates how well you understand speech at various volumes. Tympanometry checks the condition of your middle ear, like the eardrum and ossicles, which are essential for proper hearing.The results of a hearing test are plotted on an audiogram, a graph that shows your hearing sensitivity across different frequencies.

When to Choose a Screening vs. a Hearing Test

Deciding whether you need a hearing screening or a hearing test depends on your situation. Hearing screenings are ideal for routine checks, especially if you haven’t noticed any issues with your hearing. They are often the first step in identifying potential hearing problems, particularly in environments where a quick assessment is necessary.

While both hearing screenings and hearing tests are important tools for assessing hearing health, they serve different purposes. Screenings are quick, preliminary checks designed to detect potential issues, while hearing tests offer a comprehensive evaluation of your auditory system. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make informed decisions about your hearing care and ensure that you receive the appropriate level of assessment and treatment when needed. If you want to learn more about hearing tests or screenings, consult an audiologist.