Hearing Tests for ENT Consultations

 

Why Do I Need a Hearing Test?

Before your ENT consultation, a up-to-date hearing test (audiogram) is required if you have been referred for a concern related to your ears, hearing, or inner ear system. This may include hearing loss, recurring ear infections, vestibular disorders (such as dizziness or imbalance), tinnitus, or middle ear issues. Having a complete diagnostic audiogram ensures your diagnosis is accurate and allows your treatment to be tailored to your needs.

An ENT surgeon relies on the audiogram to give a full picture of how your ears are functioning. It is much more than simply measuring how well you hear—it provides critical details that guide diagnosis and treatment planning.​ Your hearing test helps determine:

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• Type of hearing loss – whether the underlying cause is related to the outer/middle ear (conductive), the inner ear (sensorineural), or both.

• Degree of hearing loss – from mild to profound, which influences whether surgery, medical treatment, or hearing devices are most appropriate.

• Symmetry – whether both ears are affected equally or if one side is worse, which may point to more complex conditions.

• Middle ear function – tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing reveal fluid, stiffness, or dysfunction in the eardrum or middle ear bones.

• Speech understanding – word recognition and speech-in-noise scores show how well your brain processes sound, not just how loud you hear it.

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With this information available, your referral can be triaged appropriately, and your ENT surgeon will be able to provide a timely and accurate diagnosis, avoid unnecessary repeat testing, and create an effective treatment plan—whether that involves medication, surgery, or medical clearance for hearing rehabilitation.

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What Should My Hearing Test Include?

Your audiogram must include the following tests:

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• Tympanometry

• Acoustic reflexes

• Air and bone conduction (masked when needed)

• Speech reception thresholds

• Word recognition scores

• Speech-in-noise testing (when possible)

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​What is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are licensed health professionals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of hearing and balance disorders. They hold advanced education (a master’s or doctoral degree) and are trained to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, provide counseling, and develop individualized management strategies.

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Audiograms must be completed by a registered audiologist, per office policy, as tests from hearing instrument specialists (HIS) often do not include the full range of required diagnostic measures. Audiologists have a broader scope of practice diagnosing and managing complex auditory and balance disorders across all ages, and providing rehabilitation—going beyond dispensing hearing aids.​ While we value the many professionals who support hearing health, audiologist-performed testing is essential for managing complex conditions in otolaryngology.​​​​​​