Hearing Tests

A hearing test is a comprehensive evaluation that measures how well you hear and understand speech. Your results are recorded on an audiogram, a chart that maps the specific pitches and volumes where you may be experiencing hearing loss.

At Parker Hearing Institute, all hearing tests are conducted by licensed audiologists, ensuring your evaluation is diagnostic, thorough, and tailored to your hearing health, not just hearing aid sales.

What to Expect During a Hearing Test

Your appointment is designed to be comfortable, informative, and personalized. A typical hearing evaluation includes the following steps:

1. Consultation & Lifestyle Questions

Your appointment begins with a discussion with your audiologist. We’ll talk about your hearing concerns, relevant medical history, and lifestyle factors that may affect hearing, such as noise exposure, work environment, hobbies, and overall health.

New patients will complete a questionnaire prior to the visit so your audiologist can better understand your needs and goals.

2. Ear Exam (Otoscopy)

Next, your audiologist will examine your ears using an otoscope to check for:

-Earwax buildup

-Signs of irritation or infection

-Eardrum health and integrity

In many cases, we can perform this exam using video otoscopy, allowing you to actually see your ear canal and eardrum on screen.

3. Middle & Inner Ear Testing

We then run a series of objective tests that help evaluate the function of your middle and inner ear. These tests may include:

-Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

-Tympanometry

-Acoustic Reflex Testing

These tests are quick and non-invasive, and you don’t have to do anything during them; the equipment measures everything automatically.

4. Hearing & Speech Testing (Interactive Portion)

Finally, you’ll complete the interactive portion of the test in a sound-treated booth. During this portion, you’ll:

-Respond to tones to measure hearing sensitivity

-Repeat words to evaluate speech understanding

-Complete testing that helps determine both loudness and clarity levels

This is where we measure how well you hear in real-life listening situations.

5. Review of Results

After all testing is complete, your audiologist will review your results with you in plain, easy-to-understand language. If follow-up care is needed, we’ll explain your options and can refer you to the appropriate provider if medical care is recommended.

How Long Does a Hearing Test Take?

The testing portion typically takes about 35 minutes, but we schedule one-hour appointments so there is plenty of time for consultation, questions, and a thorough review of results.

Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Dispenser: What’s the Difference?

There is a major difference between an evaluation completed by a hearing aid dispenser and one performed by a licensed audiologist.

Hearing Aid Dispensers

A hearing aid dispenser can perform basic testing primarily for fitting hearing aids. Dispensers also generally work with adults only.

Audiologists

Audiologists are trained to perform full diagnostic evaluations for both children and adults. They can also collaborate with medical teams to monitor and evaluate patients with more complex hearing-related concerns, including:

Tinnitus
Vertigo and balance issues
Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity)
Ototoxicity monitoring (medication-related hearing risk)

Audiologists can fit hearing aids, but they also evaluate, diagnose, and guide treatment for hearing health beyond amplification.

CPT Codes for Hearing Testing

Below are common CPT codes typically included in a full diagnostic hearing evaluation. Many insurance plans cover a hearing test once per year, though coverage varies.

Insurance & Prior Authorization

We require prior authorization for all applicable CPT codes if you would like insurance to cover your exam.
PPO and cash-pay patients do not require prior authorization.

CPT Codes for Adults

Tympanometry and Reflex Threshold – 92550
Air, Bone & Speech Test – 92557
Loudness Balance Test – 92562
Otoacoustic Emissions – 92588

CPT Codes for Children (8+ years old)

Tympanometry and Reflex Threshold – 92550
Air, Bone & Speech Test – 92557
Loudness Balance Test – 92562
Conditioning Play Audiometry – 92582
Select Picture Audiometry – 92583
Otoacoustic Emissions – 92588

Schedule Your Hearing Test

If you’re concerned about hearing loss, struggling to understand speech, or simply want to know where your hearing stands, a professional evaluation is the best first step.

We’re here to provide answers, clarity, and guidance...without pressure.