What is a hearing test?
Hearing tests, also known as audiometry, are assessments performed by audiologists (hearing specialists) to measure an individual's ability to perceive various sounds, pitches, and frequencies. These painless, non-invasive tests can provide an indication of your overall hearing capabilities.
They can help to determine whether you have hearing loss, what type it is, and how severe the condition is. Based on the results, your audiologist may recommend treatment such as hearing aids or cochlear implants to improve your hearing.
In Singapore, hearing tests are widely available at specialist clinics, ENT centres, and public and private hospitals that are staffed by audiologists and equipped with soundproof rooms. These services usually include both in-clinic and online hearing tests to suit different needs and preferences.
Why is a hearing test needed?
A hearing test is usually performed to monitor hearing health and detect early hearing problems. Here are some reasons your healthcare provider performs these tests:
Prevent developmental delays in infants, as hearing impairment at birth can increase the risk of delayed speech, language, and intellectual development.
Detect hearing loss early and identify any hearing health conditions before they get worse.
Diagnose underlying conditions if hearing loss is caused by medical problems such as infection or nerve damage.
Monitor hearing over time and track changes in hearing ability, especially in people who are often exposed to noisy environments, such as construction or factory work.
Screening for age-related hearing loss, which usually begins between the ages of 50 and 60.
Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and assess the success of interventions such as hearing aids or surgery.
Signs of hearing loss
Watch for these signs of hearing loss in kids and adults:
In children:
Difficulty understanding when spoken to by parents.
Delayed or unclear speech.
Pulling, tugging, or scratching at their ears.
Inconsistent responses to sounds, such as not reacting to loud noises or only responding to sound when looking directly at the source.
In adults:
Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments.
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
Increasing the sound volume on electronic devices higher than normal.
Perceiving speech or sounds as mumbled or muffled
Experiencing ringing or buzzing noises in the ears (tinnitus).
Trouble following conversations with more than two people.
If you or someone you loved experienced any of the mentioned symptoms and showed reduced hearing health, request an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists can help with further diagnosis, including hearing tests, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide a tailored treatment plan.
Types of hearing tests
To determine the level of your hearing health, there are two main types of hearing tests that are usually performed:
In-clinic hearing tests
These tests are performed by an audiologist at a hearing clinic and provide the most thorough evaluation. There are several tests designed to assess different aspects of your hearing health, including:
Pure-tone test
This common hearing test is used to determine the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches and frequencies.
During this test, the audiologist will give you a pair of headphones to wear and play samples of sounds while observing your response
Bone conduction testing
This test is used to find out if there is a problem with the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that send vibrations to the auditory nerve (cochlea) that allows you to hear.
During the test, your audiologist will place a vibrating device behind your ear that sends sound directly to your inner ear.
Speech test
During this test, you'll be asked to listen to and repeat spoken words or sentences.
Speech testing is used to measure how well you understand speech at different volumes.
Tympanometry
A tympanometry test measures how well your eardrum moves, which can detect middle-ear problems such as fluid buildup, infection, earwax blockage, or a perforated eardrum.
Acoustic reflex testing
During an acoustic reflex test, the audiologist will play a loud sound to see how the involuntary muscle in the middle ear responds.
It can help your healthcare provider to identify any neurological or auditory nerve issues.
Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
This test evaluates the connections between your inner ear and your brain and is usually performed to check the hearing of children and people who are unable to complete pure-tone tests.
The audiologist may also use this test for people who have had a brain injury that affects their hearing.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)
This test is used to assess the function of the inner ear by inserting a small probe and measuring the sound waves produced by the cochlea.
Audiologists usually use this test on babies and young children.
Online hearing test
These are quick, accessible tools for testing your hearing at home. While they cannot provide a medical diagnosis, they are useful in identifying potential hearing problems and may indicate whether you should seek professional help.
Here are some online tests you can take, including:
Basic online hearing test
This test plays different sounds at different pitches and volumes and asks you to indicate when you hear a sound.
It can help identify possible hearing threshold problems.
Speech in noise test (online version)
You listen to speech mixed with background noise and try to identify the words or phrases.
It can assess how well you understand speech in noisy environments — a common challenge with hearing loss.
Self-assessment questionnaire
The questionnaire asks about everyday hearing experiences and challenges to help you reflect on your personal hearing concerns.
Not sure which type of hearing test suits your condition? Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to consult a healthcare provider who can help determine which screening method best suits your medical condition.
What to prepare before having a hearing test
This test is a straightforward procedure that usually does not require any special preparation. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure the test goes smoothly:
For an in-clinic hearing test:
Avoid going to noisy places for at least 24 hours before your appointment to prevent temporary hearing loss.
If you have a lot of earwax, visit an ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinic or general practitioner (GP) to have it removed.
On the day of your appointment, don't forget to bring your ID card.
For the online hearing test:
You will need your computer or smartphone and a good internet connection to take the test.
It is recommended that you use earphones or headphones during the test for more accurate results.
Find a quiet room with no background noise.
Adjust the volume on your device so that you can hear comfortably.
What happens during a hearing test
During an in-clinic hearing test, the audiologist will begin by discussing your medical and hearing history. They'll then use an otoscope—a device that shines a light—to look inside your ear canal and check for physical problems, such as earwax buildup.
You will then undergo various tests, such as pure tone audiometry, speech tests, or other tests that are necessary to assess hearing thresholds, speech comprehension, and general hearing health.
With online hearing tests, you'll usually use headphones and follow instructions on a website or app. Online tests are more convenient, but they are not as thorough as a full clinical evaluation.
Getting your hearing test results
Results are usually available immediately after the test. The audiologist will explain the results and tell you if your hearing is within normal limits or if you have some degree of hearing loss.
They'll also recommend appropriate measures, which may include hearing aids, earwax removal, medical treatment, or lifestyle changes.
Hearing test cost in Singapore
In Singapore, hearing tests are available at specialist clinics, ENT centres, and public and private hospitals. The cost of the test will vary depending on the tests performed and the healthcare facility chosen.
In general, the cost of an in-clinic hearing test ranges from SGD 45 to SGD 140 (including GST). For those who prefer a basic check, free online hearing tests are available, although these are less comprehensive and are not a substitute for a professional evaluation.
Unfortunately, Medisave cannot be used for hearing aids or standard hearing tests. However, there are government schemes that help make hearing care more affordable for eligible Singaporeans, such as:
Senior's Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)
This scheme is available to Singaporeans aged 60 years and above, living at home (not in a nursing home), with a monthly household income of SGD 2,600 or less.
The SMF provides means-tested grants of up to 90% of the cost of hearing aids or up to 90% of the maximum grant limit for the device, whichever is lower.
Assistive Technology Fund (ATF)
This scheme is intended for Singapore citizens or permanent residents with a certified permanent disability, including hearing impairment, and a monthly household income of $2,600 or less per person.
The ATF provides grants of up to 90% of the cost of assistive technology devices (including hearing aids), subject to a lifetime cap of $40,000 per applicant.
For detailed fee information and payment options, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical today.
FAQ
How can I test my hearing for myself?
You can perform a self-hearing test at home using the following methods:
Online hearing tests
Many websites and apps offer free tests that let you listen to sounds at different frequencies and volumes to give you a rough idea of your hearing ability.
The whisper test
Ask your friend to stand about 2 metres away from you and whisper simple words or numbers. If you have difficulty hearing them, this could indicate a mild hearing loss.
High frequency sound test (earphone test)
You can also search the internet for high-frequency sounds above 8,000 Hz and listen to them with earphones.
Difficulty hearing these sounds may indicate a high-frequency hearing loss, which is common with age or exposure to loud noise.
How do I know if my hearing is good?
Your hearing is likely normal if you can:
Hear conversations clearly, even in noisy environments.
Listen to the TV at a normal volume.
Distinguish between similar-sounding words.
Hear high-pitched sounds like birds chirping or phone notifications.
If you notice muffled sounds, ringing in your ears, or difficulty following conversations, it’s best to see an audiologist.
Can my phone do a hearing test?
Yes, many apps can assess your hearing using headphones or built-in speakers. These include:
Pure-tone audiometry apps which play tones at different pitches to check your hearing thresholds.
Speech-in-noise tests that assess how well you hear speech with background noise.
Hearing aid calibration tools that can help adjust sound settings on your phone based on your hearing profile.
What does tinnitus sound like?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Common descriptions include:
Ringing
Buzzing
Hissing
Clicking sound
It may occur in one or both ears and can range from mild to distracting. Tinnitus is often a symptom of hearing loss, ear injury, or exposure to loud noise.
Can you improve your hearing naturally?
While hearing loss is usually irreversible, you can protect and enhance your hearing with these tips:
Eat a healthy diet, like foods rich in omega-3, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants that support ear health (e.g., fish, nuts, and spinach).
Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation to the ears.
Reduce loud noise exposure by using earplugs at concerts or loud workplaces.
Practice active listening by engaging in sound therapy, listening exercises, or meditation to sharpen auditory processing.
Manage stress well, as high stress levels can worsen hearing problems like tinnitus.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol, as they restrict blood flow to the inner ear, resulting in damage.
Can earwax affect hearing tests?
Yes, excess earwax can block the ear canal and cause temporary hearing loss or distort hearing test results. If you're preparing for a hearing test, it’s important to ensure your ears are clean.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists Paragon (Health Screening)
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- Sat: 8.30am - 12.30pm
Call: 6735 0300
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