Understanding How Audiologists Diagnose Hearing Loss
                     Understanding How 
Audiologists 
Diagnose Hearing 
Loss
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Introduction
Understanding your hearing loss and guiding you towards better 
hearing are central roles of an audiologist. However, not many people 
know how they perform a hearing test. Check out this blog to gain a 
deeper understanding!
Audiologists follow a strategic and results-oriented process to not 
only understand the intensity of hearing loss but also to determine 
what’s actually causing it.
The diagnosis doesn’t just rely on one procedure, but on various 
methods, including otoscopy, tympanometry, speech recognition, and 
others.
Check out this blog post to understand how an 
audiologist conducts a hearing test to diagnose hearing loss. So, let’s 
start!
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How Audiologists Diagnose 
Hearing Loss?
• Initial Consultation to Understand the Problems 
You’re Facing
The process begins with a consultation, during which the audiologist 
asks you about the problems you’re experiencing. For example, if 
you’re struggling to hear conversations, experiencing ringing in the 
ears, or you frequently need to turn your phone’s or television’s 
volume up! The questions might also be related to the medical history, 
lifestyle, and exposure to loud sounds.
• Video Otoscopy for Visual Examination
Otoscopy is one of the first physical checks. The audiologists use a 
specialised instrument to examine your ear canal and eardrum. This is 
primarily used to determine the underlying problem, including wax 
buildup, fluid, or structural abnormalities that can result in hearing 
difficulties.
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• Tympanometry to Understand If There Are Blockages
Tympanometry is a test that measures how your middle ear and eardrum 
respond to changes in pressure. It is done to find out if there’s fluid behind 
the eardrum, blockages in the Eustachian tube, some issues with middle ear 
bones (ossicles), etc. Through this, the audiologist determines if the hearing 
loss is due to a conductive issue or nerve damage.
• Audiometric Testing to Understand the Nature of Hearing 
Loss
Audiometric testing is performed to determine the type and degree of 
hearing loss, as well as how sound travels through different parts of the ear. 
It typically includes air conduction testing and bone conduction testing.
• Audiometric Testing to Understand the Nature of Hearing 
Loss
Audiometric testing is performed to determine the type and degree of 
hearing loss, as well as how sound travels through different parts of the 
ear. It typically includes air conduction testing and bone conduction 
testing.
Air conduction testing measures how sound waves pass through the outer 
and middle ear before reaching the inner ear. During this test, you’ll wear 
headphones, and various tones will be played at different volumes and 
frequencies to evaluate how well you hear through the normal auditory 
pathway.
Bone conduction testing, on the other hand, bypasses the outer and 
middle ear entirely. A small device is placed behind your ear to send 
sound vibrations directly to the inner ear (cochlea). This allows the 
audiologist to understand how well your inner ear is functioning without 
the influence of the outer or middle ear.
Understanding both gives your audiologist a clear idea of the nature of the 
hearing loss you’re having. If you hear significantly better through bone 
conduction than air conduction, it indicates a conductive hearing loss, 
often related to problems in the outer or middle ear. However, if both bone 
and air conduction results are similarly poor, it suggests a sensorineural 
hearing loss, typically linked to issues in the inner ear or auditory nerve.
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• Speech Audiometry to Understand Words at Different 
Volumes
Beyond tones and vibrations, audiologists check your ability to hear and 
understand spoken words through speech audiometry.
In this test, words are played at different volumes and in quiet or noisy 
conditions. This helps assess how clearly you can distinguish speech, 
something pure tone tests alone cannot capture.
This stage is crucial for tailoring hearing aid services, since hearing aids 
are programmed not only to amplify sounds but also to improve speech 
clarity.
• Summarisation of the Whole Scenario
After running through all these tests, the audiologist compiles the results 
into a clear picture of your hearing health. They explain:
• The type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed)
• The severity (mild, moderate, severe, or profound)
• The recommended next steps may include medical treatment, further 
specialist referrals, or personalised hearing aid services.
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What happens when hearing 
loss is detected?
• Temporary or Reversible Issues
If hearing problems are due to earwax buildup or middle-ear pressure, 
audiologists address them first through in-clinic microsuction or a GP 
referral before considering long-term options.
• Medical Concerns
For more serious conditions such as sudden hearing loss, ear disease, 
or unusual asymmetry, audiologists provide a referral letter to your GP 
or ENT, including full audiological details for accurate care.
• Permanent Hearing Loss (Sensorineural)
When permanent loss is identified, audiologists guide you through 
hearing aid options tailored to your lifestyle and communication 
needs.
The Empower Hearing 
Advantage
At Empower Hearing, our team understands that caring for your ears 
goes beyond just running a test. That’s why every assessment 
includes professional, lifestyle-focused guidance tailored to your 
personal hearing needs and goals.
We design practical communication strategies to make your 
everyday interactions easier, especially in busy or noisy settings.
Our care also extends to your family, providing guidance and 
support to help everyone adapt to hearing changes with confidence.
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Conclusion
A hearing test is more than checking for loss; it’s a complete pathway to better 
hearing.
With Empower Hearing, you can access personalised solutions for hearing aids, 
tinnitus management, and more, helping you protect your hearing and improve the 
way you connect with others.
Canberra’s trusted audiologists are here for you. Book your comprehensive hearing 
assessment today.
At our clinic, eligible pensioners, veterans, and concession cardholders may access 
free services through the Government-Backed Hearing Services Program.
Contact Us
(02) 61898424
[email protected]
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