Which test is primarily used to evaluate hearing loss?

Audiometry is the primary test used to evaluate hearing loss because it measures an individual's ability to hear different sounds, pitches, and volumes. This test provides a comprehensive assessment of hearing across various frequencies and intensities, allowing healthcare providers to determine the type and degree of hearing loss present. Different types of audiometry, including pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry, can help identify specific hearing deficits and guide appropriate interventions or treatments.

In contrast, CT scans and Optical Coherence Tomography are imaging techniques that are not used for evaluating hearing loss but rather for visualizing structures within the body, including the ear's anatomy or the brain, to identify potential causes of hearing problems. Tympanometry evaluates the middle ear's function, measuring the mobility of the eardrum and the conduction of sound through the ear, but it does not provide a complete assessment of hearing ability itself. Thus, while these tests have their roles in diagnosing ear conditions, audiometry remains the definitive method for assessing hearing loss.