Hearing is one of our most important senses, yet many people aren’t sure when or how to check it. If you’re wondering about the difference between a screening hearing test and a full auditory test, you’re not alone. Both tests evaluate hearing, but they serve different purposes and provide different levels of detail.
Contact Wild Rose Audiology Clinic to find out which hearing assessment is right for you.
What is a Screening Hearing Test?
A screening hearing test is designed to identify potential hearing issues. It’s often the first step in monitoring hearing health and can be done for children in schools, adults during routine checkups, or anyone experiencing hearing concerns. It checks whether you can detect sounds and helps determine if hearing loss may be present.
Key features of a screening hearing test:
- Detects if there is a possible hearing problem
- Often the test is pass/fail, it doesn’t provide detailed results
If the screening test shows a potential issue, the next step is usually an auditory test.
What is an Auditory Test?
A full auditory test, also called a diagnostic hearing test, is a comprehensive evaluation performed by an audiologist that examines how the ears and brain process sound, determines the type and severity of hearing loss, and guides treatment options.
Key features of an auditory test:
- Detailed evaluation of both ears separately
- Tests hearing across a wide range of frequencies and volumes
- Includes speech recognition and auditory processing tests
- Helps identify the type and degree of hearing loss
- Provides a personalized report and recommendations
When to Get Tested
- If you notice difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments
- If a child shows signs of delayed speech or inattentiveness
- During regular checkups for adults over 50 or those with a family history of hearing loss
- After exposure to loud noises, such as concerts, machinery, or firearms
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are additional questions related to Screening hearing test and auditory tests:
Is a Hearing Test Covered by Alberta Health?
Routine adult hearing tests in private clinics are generally not covered by Alberta Health. Eligible individuals may receive support through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) or private insurance plans.
What Is the 60-60 Rule in Audiology?
The 60-60 rule recommends listening at no more than 60 percent of maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time to reduce noise-related hearing damage. For more information how to protect your hearing health visit Health Canada.
Can You Regain Hearing after Hearing Loss?
Recovery depends on the cause. Some conductive hearing losses may be medically treated, while most sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and managed with hearing devices.