Audiogram- Pure tone audiometry is what most people associate with a hearing test. It involves measuring hearing sensitivity at discrete frequencies by air conduction (headphones) and bone conduction (a special headband placed on the mastoid bone behind the ear). Tones are presented to the listener at various frequencies and loudness levels until "threshold" of hearing is found at each frequency. This is the softest level at which the patient can hear a tone at each specific frequency. These measurements are marked on a chart called the audiogram. Speech Recognition Thresholds as well as Speech Discrimination scores are also used in conjunction with pure tone audiometry to provide additional information about each persons hearing loss. It is from the audiogram that the type and severity of the hearing loss can be determined as well as the best treatment options.

The audiogram provides the most accurate picture of an individuals hearing sensitivity. It is used to identify the source of the impairment as well as develop the best possible treatment plan.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) - Otoacoustic emissions are sounds measured in the external ear canal that reflect active processes in the cochlea. The hair cell movement in the inner ear produces a mechanical energy within the cochlea that moves outward back toward the middle ear (eardrum). Vibration of the eardrum produces an acoustic signal (otoacoustic emission) that is picked up by a sensitive microphone. When the hair cells are damaged the otoacoustic emissions cannot be evoked. OAEs are used on patients who are unable to provide reliable information regarding their hearing.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) - The ABR is the measurement of the nerve impulse after it leaves the inner ear. The ABR is used to measure hearing thresholds for patients who are unable to respond to pure tone audiometric testing (babies). It is also used to measure the integrity of peripheral auditory nervous system, the nerves that carry sound to the brain. The nerve impulses which are measured during the test show up in identifiable waveforms and the time and height in which these waveforms occur are used to evaluate the auditory system.

A time locked response is expected when a controlled stimulus is presented to a normal auditory system. Responses that deviate from the norm offer information regarding the source of the problem, which is used to develop a treatment plan.

Electrocochleography (EcochG) - Electrocochleography is a method of recording the stimulus-related electrical potentials associated with the inner ear and auditory nerve. The EcochG examines the amount of stimulus required to stimulate the auditory nerve relative to the size the response once it is stimulated. Imbalance between the fluids of the inner ear will elevate the amount of stimulus required to stimulate the auditory nerve. Information obtained from the examination of these potentials is helpful in the identification and monitoring of Meniere's disease and endolymphatic hydrops.

Tympanometry is a test used to detect disorders of the middle ear. Air pressure in the ear canal is varied to test the condition and mobility or movement of the eardrum (tympanic membrane).