RINO Clinic offers a complete audiology assessment for children and adults: hearing measurement, evaluation of the middle ear, tests for infants and hearing aid fitting. This page explains each test, who it is intended for and how it is carried out.
When a hearing test is needed
Hearing loss rarely appears suddenly. More often it develops slowly, and the person notices it through difficulty following conversation rather than through the sounds themselves.
An audiology assessment is recommended when:
- People often have to repeat what they said, especially in noisy surroundings
- You turn the television up louder than others at home
- You have persistent noise or ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- You feel blockage or pressure in the ear without an obvious reason
- You have worked in environments with high noise levels
- You experience dizziness or balance problems
- In children: delayed speech, no reaction to sound, or repeated ear infections
Audiometry
Audiometry is the basic hearing test. It determines the lowest threshold at which you hear sounds at different frequencies, and helps establish the type of hearing loss — conductive, sensorineural or mixed — as well as its degree.
The test is performed in a quiet room, using headphones. You signal each time you hear a tone, even when it is very faint. The result is presented as an audiogram, a chart that shows clearly which frequencies are affected.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry assesses the middle ear: the pressure behind the eardrum and how freely the eardrum moves. It does not measure hearing, but the mechanical condition of the ear.
It is particularly useful in children with repeated infections, because it detects fluid behind the eardrum — a frequent cause of temporary hearing loss. The test takes a few seconds per ear and requires no active cooperation.
BERA / ABR
BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) measures the response of the auditory nerve and nerve pathways to sound. It does not require any reaction from the patient, which makes it the key test for infants, young children and cases where standard tests do not give reliable results.
It is carried out with electrodes placed on the skin and takes about one hour. The child usually sleeps during the test.
How the BERA test works · BERA for early diagnosis
Otoacoustic emissions
This test measures the faint sounds produced by the inner ear itself when it is working normally. It is quick, painless, and widely used to assess hearing in newborns.
Hearing aids
When hearing loss is confirmed and cannot be corrected with medical or surgical treatment, a hearing aid is the solution that restores everyday communication.
The process has three steps: the audiology assessment that establishes the need, fitting the device according to the audiogram and the patient's lifestyle, and follow-up for adjustments after the first period of use. A poorly fitted device is rarely worn — which is why the third step matters just as much as the first.
Frequently asked questions
When is audiometry needed?
Audiometry is recommended in cases of reduced hearing, noise in the ear, a feeling of blockage, dizziness, or when the level of hearing needs to be documented.
Can hearing improve?
It depends on the cause. Conductive hearing loss — caused by earwax, fluid or infection — is often reversible with treatment. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent, but is well managed with hearing aids.
Are the tests painful?
No. None of the audiology tests causes pain. Audiometry requires only attention, while tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions take a few seconds.
At what age can a child be tested?
Hearing can be assessed from the first days of life with otoacoustic emissions and BERA. These tests require no cooperation from the child.
Book an audiology assessment
For hearing measurement, tinnitus assessment or advice on a hearing aid, please contact us to book an appointment.