Tests & Procedures
Hearing Tests
Before your hearing test, we will discuss your hearing history.
Different types of hearing test may be performed. Many of them are carried out in a specially made sound-proof booth to prevent outside noise from interfering with the test.
Pure tone audiometry
This tests the volume at which you can hear. Children above the age of 4-5 years old and adults can perform this test. You will be asked to wear headphones and raise your hand when you hear sounds of varying pitches and volumes. A small bone conduction device may be placed behind your ear to deliver sound directly to the inner ear through the bones of the skull to determine how well your inner ear is working.
Visual reinforcement audiometry and play audiometry
These are tests to determine the volume at which young children can hear who are unable to perform pure tone audiometry.
Speech audiometry
You will be asked to repeat words to check whether your hearing loss affects the clarity of the speech that you hear.
Tympanometry
We will check the air pressure in your ears to check eardrum and middle ear function.
Otoacoustic emission test
This tests the function of the cochlear (inner ear) hair cells. A small earphone is placed in to the ear canal to play and detect sounds.
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test
This is performed to check the integrity of the hearing pathways all the way from the inner ear to the brain. It is carried out when patients are unable to perform other hearing tests.
Balance Tests
Balance tests, also known as vestibular tests, are a group of tests that check for balance disorders that cause unsteadiness or vertigo. Different systems in your body need to work together for you to have good balance. One is the vestibular system, located in your inner ear. It includes three semicircular canals, which indicate rotational movements, and the utricle and saccule, which indicate linear movements of the head.
Why do I need a balance test?
You may need a balance test if you have symptoms such as:
Dizziness
Feeling like you are in motion or spinning, even when standing or lying still (vertigo)
Loss of balance while walking
Veering to the side while walking
A floating sensation
What happens during a balance test?
Diagnosing balance disorders usually requires several tests. You may get one or more of the following tests:
Testing for loose crystals within the semicircular canals (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
Dix Hallpike test and logroll test
Video head impulse test (vHIT)
Testing inner ear (utricle/saccule) function
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) test
Testing inner ear function and the reflex between your ears and eyes
Electronystagmography (ENG) and videonystagmography (VNG) tests
Rotary test, also known as a rotary chair test.
Testing inner ear function and the reflex between your ears and eyes
Posturography, also known as computerised dynamic posturography (CDP).
How do I prepare for the test?
We will let you know before the test if you need to stop any medications for a few days beforehand. You should wear loose, comfortable clothes. As the tests may make you dizzy, it is advisable that you have someone to accompany you home.
Testing inner ear (semicircular canal) function
Microsuction
Microsuction is a procedure that clears the ear canal using low pressure suction under direct vision using a microscope. Generally, it is painless but can be noisy. Occasionally you may experience dizziness during the procedure or may feel discomfort, especially if the ear is inflamed.
