Audiometry Test

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Jana Lim
Last updated: Dec 08, 2025

An audiometry test is a hearing assessment that measures how well you detect sounds at different volumes and pitches. It evaluates hearing thresholds (the quietest sounds you can hear), identifies possible hearing loss, and indicates whether further testing or treatment may be required.

An audiometry test is often considered when there are hearing changes that may be linked to ageing, prolonged noise exposure, or underlying ear conditions.

During the test, you respond to tones or speech delivered through specialised equipment such as an audiometer and calibrated headphones, indicating whenever you hear a sound so your hearing levels can be measured accurately across different pitches and volumes.

Hearing loss is categorised based on which part of the hearing system is affected:

1. Conductive hearing loss arises from problems in the outer or middle ear, such as wax build-up, fluid, or eardrum issues.
2. Sensorineural hearing loss results from changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve, commonly linked to ageing or noise exposure, and may also occur with medical disorders such as Ménière's disease.
3. Mixed hearing loss includes features of both conductive and sensorineural loss.

An audiometry test can be considered by individuals who notice changes in hearing, have ongoing ear-related symptoms, or require routine hearing assessments for work or health monitoring. This includes those who:

• Struggle to hear conversations, especially in noisy places
• Notice muffled or unclear sounds
• Experience ringing, buzzing, or discomfort in the ears
• Experience age-related changes that affect hearing clarity
• Work in environments with prolonged or excessive noise exposure
• Have a history of chronic or recurrent ear infections
• Are required by their employers to undergo regular hearing checks as part of workplace safety programmes

An audiometry test involves a series of listening tasks that assess hearing across different tones, pitches, and speech patterns.

These tasks may include pure-tone audiometry (air conduction), bone conduction testing, and speech audiometry. Not all components are required for every individual, and the tests performed depend on age, symptoms, and the purpose of the assessment.

You usually sit in a quiet room with headphones while sounds are played through an audiometer (a device that produces controlled tones and speech for hearing assessment), and you indicate whenever a tone or word is heard.

Pure-Tone Audiometry (Air Conduction)

Pure-tone audiometry measures the quietest sounds that can be heard at different pitches using headphones. A series of beeps is played at various frequencies and volumes, and the softest ones detected are recorded to form the basis of the audiogram.

Bone Conduction Testing

Bone conduction testing assesses how well the inner ear receives sound by sending gentle vibrations through a small device placed behind the ear. This test is usually performed when air conduction results suggest a possible hearing issue, as it helps determine whether any hearing loss is related to the outer or middle ear (conductive) or the inner ear or hearing nerve (sensorineural).

Speech Audiometry

Speech audiometry evaluates how clearly spoken words are understood at different volumes. Words or sentences are played through the headphones, and the responses provide information about speech clarity and overall hearing function.

Audiometry findings are presented in different ways depending on the type of test performed:

Type of Audiometry	Interpretation
Air Conduction	Thresholds are plotted on an audiogram to show whether hearing falls within a normal range or reflects mild, moderate, or more severe loss.
Bone Conduction	Thresholds are marked on the same audiogram to indicate whether changes arise from the outer or middle ear (conductive) or from the inner ear or hearing nerve (sensorineural).
Speech Audiometry	Speech understanding is shown as a percentage score based on how many spoken words are correctly repeated at different loudness levels.

Your doctor will review these findings with you and explain whether further evaluation or specialised care is recommended.

At ATA Medical, we provide pure-tone audiometry (air conduction) and bone conduction at our Jurong clinic as part of our broader health assessment services. The prices for this test and other related assessments are as follows:

We also offer audiometry testing at a corporate level, along with other workplace health services provided by our Designated Workplace Doctors (DWD).

For a more comprehensive review of your health, you may also consider our health screening packages.

At our clinic, the audiometry test itself typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete during off-peak hours, excluding consultation time. For statutory testing, a consultation is not required.

Contact us to find the most suitable time to book your appointment.

There are no specific compulsory steps before an audiometry test, but certain measures can help ensure more accurate and reliable results. These may include:

• Avoiding loud noise for at least 12 to 24 hours before the test
• Informing the doctor of any ear infections, recent ear procedures, or ear-related symptoms

ATA Medical (CPF Jurong Building)