Audiologist how-to

How to Perform a Pure-Tone Hearing Test

Accurate tests guide treatment.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Accurate tests guide treatment. In short: check; explain; test, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Check the ears with an otoscope.

  2. Explain the instructions.

  3. Test each ear by frequency.

  4. Find the softest sounds heard.

  5. Test bone conduction.

  6. Plot the audiogram.

Safety reminders for audiologists

  • Clean equipment between patients
  • Use safe sound levels in testing
  • Refer sudden hearing loss urgently
  • Follow infection control

AuD · Audiogram · Decibel · Conductive hearing loss · Sensorineural hearing loss · Tinnitus: see the full audiologist glossary.

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