Hearing tests help identify hearing loss and guide recommendations for treatment or hearing technology. Our audiologists use a variety of tests to evaluate hearing for patients of all ages.
At the end of the appointment, we review the results and discuss recommendations for next steps. Patients receive a copy of their hearing test results, called an audiogram, along with a personalized report.
Electrophysiologic Testing
In some cases, additional testing may be recommended. One example is the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, which measures how sound travels along the hearing pathway from the ear to the brain.
Because ABR is an objective test, it is helpful for individuals who cannot participate in traditional hearing tests. The UW Speech and Hearing Clinic offers non-sedated ABR testing for both children and adults.
We also use otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing, which provides information about the health of the inner ear (cochlea). OAE testing is often used alongside hearing evaluations, screenings, and ABR testing.
Hearing Screenings
The UW Speech and Hearing Clinic provides hearing screenings for children and adults.
Our audiology team conducts screenings for children enrolled in Dane County Head Start programs and participates in community outreach events that offer hearing screenings for adults.
Occupational Hearing Monitoring
The clinic provides occupational hearing testing in accordance with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
These services include baseline and annual hearing tests for individuals exposed to workplace noise. The UW Speech and Hearing Clinic provides testing for UW–Madison employees enrolled in the university’s hearing conservation program, as well as hearing monitoring services for private companies.
