This test usually takes place in a soundproof booth. You will put on headphones that are connected to an audiometer. This device sends sounds of different volumes and pitches to one ear at a time. You will be asked to respond each time you hear a sound. You may be asked to respond by raising your hand.

You may also be asked to wear a special instrument called a bone oscillator. It is worn behind each ear. The device sends sounds as vibrations directly to the inner ear. You will again be asked to respond each time you hear a sound.

You will wear special headphones. You will hear simple, 2-syllable words. Words will be sent to one ear at a time at different volume levels. You will be asked to repeat each word or point to a picture.

A probe is inserted into your ear. The device changes the air pressure in your ear and makes sounds. The test measures how much your eardrum moves in response to the air pressure change and the sounds. It can help find out how well the middle ear is working and if there is fluid in it.

Babies are watched to see how they react to certain sounds.

Children are taught to look toward the source of a sound.

Older children are given a fun version of the pure tone audiometry test. Sounds of varying volume and pitch are sent through headphones to one ear at a time. Children are asked to do something with a toy each time they hear a sound. They may be asked to drop a block in a bucket.

Newborns and young infants may have brain stem auditory response testing. A sound is sent through headphones to one ear at a time. The response is measured using electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings over the auditory cortex.