While technology exists to perform certain components of a comprehensive hearing evaluation online, it is not possible to perform a hearing test that will provide enough information to determine if hearing aids are the right solution to your hearing trouble. In particular, an online test can not provide for a visual examination of the ear or bone conduction and tympanometry tests.
A visual examination of the patient’s outer and inner ear is used to check for things like ear wax, an intact ear drum, fluid discharges, skin conditions and unusual ear canal conditions. A bone conduction test will determine if your hearing loss is sensorineural or conductive in nature and helps indicate whether hearing aids or medical intervention are the best solution. Tympanometry uses gentle air pressure to test the function of your eardrum and middle ear. This test will also help determine if hearing aids are the best solution to your hearing troubles.