Ear and hearing tests When do you need them and what do they reveal

These symptoms may be early warning signs of a health issue in the ear—whether in the middle ear, inner ear, or even related to the nervous system.This is where ear tests and diagnostic evaluations become essential, as they help in accurately diagnosing the condition and guiding an effective treatment plan.In this article from Dalili Medical, we provide you with a comprehensive guide to ear testing, including the main types of exams, when you might need them, and what each test can reveal about your hearing and balance health.

✅ When Do You Need an Ear Test?

Ear tests are not ordered randomly—they are essential in the following cases:

Sudden or gradual hearing loss
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Recurrent ear infections or pus-like discharge
Dizziness or balance disorders
Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
Suspected fluid buildup behind the eardrum
Feeling of pressure or blockage in the ears
Preoperative evaluation before hearing aids or ear surgery

Key Ear Tests and Examinations

1. Audiometry Test (Hearing Test)

One of the most important tests to assess hearing ability and type of hearing loss.

Performed in a soundproof room by an audiologist
The patient listens to sounds of various frequencies through headphones
Determines whether the hearing loss is:
- Conductive (outer or middle ear)
- Sensorineural (inner ear or auditory nerve)
Useful in diagnosing age-related or hereditary hearing loss

2. Tympanometry (Middle Ear Test)

Measures eardrum movement in response to pressure changes.

This test helps in detecting:

Fluid behind the eardrum
Perforated eardrum
Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube

3. Balance Test (VNG or ENG)

Used in cases of dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo.

It tracks eye movements and balance responses related to the vestibular system in the inner ear.

Diagnoses conditions like:
- Meniere’s disease
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis (inner ear nerve inflammation)

4. Acoustic Reflex Test

Measures the middle ear muscles’ reflex to loud sounds.

Evaluates auditory nerve and brainstem pathways
Helps in diagnosing auditory nerve dysfunction

Blood Tests Related to Ear Disorders

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Detects infections or inflammation
High white blood cell count may indicate middle ear infection

CRP – ESR

General markers of chronic inflammation
Useful in long-standing ear infections

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

Requested if autoimmune diseases are suspected (e.g., lupus, vasculitis)

Blood Sugar and Thyroid Function Tests

Ordered if tinnitus or dizziness is unexplained
Chronic conditions may affect inner ear circulation

Infection and Discharge Tests

When ear discharge or pus is present:

Ear Swab Culture

Sample is cultured to identify bacteria or fungi
Helps determine the most effective antibiotic

Ear Fluid Analysis (Post-surgical aspiration)

Used in chronic or deep infections
Identifies hidden pathogens

Nerve and Neurological Tests

Sometimes, hearing or balance issues may be neurological in origin. In such cases:

ABR – Auditory Brainstem Response

Measures how the auditory nerve and brainstem respond to sound
Detects acoustic neuromas or early hearing loss in infants

MRI Scan (Inner Ear Imaging)

Ordered for unexplained dizziness or sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Detects tumors, nerve damage, or congenital deformities

❓ Why Are Ear Tests So Important?

Because a wrong or delayed diagnosis may lead to:

Permanent hearing loss
Poor quality of life due to chronic dizziness
Balance issues affecting walking or daily activities
Delayed speech and learning in children

Important Tips Before Ear Testing

Avoid using ear drops 24 hours before testing (unless prescribed)
Inform your doctor about any medications affecting hearing (e.g., aminoglycosides)
Get regular ear checkups if you have diabetes or a family history of hearing loss
Don’t ignore chronic tinnitus—it may signal a neurological or vascular issue

✅ Summary

Ear tests are essential tools for early diagnosis of hearing loss, balance disorders, and infections.Whether you're dealing with dizziness, ringing, or hearing problems, getting the right test can reveal the true cause and guide you toward the right treatment.Don’t delay your ear checkup… Sight is precious, but hearing is life!