Hearing Test in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)

Quick answer: A hearing test (audiometry) is a painless check in which you listen to soft tones through headphones in a quiet room and respond when you hear them. It shows the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches. A basic test takes about 20–30 minutes and a full diagnostic evaluation about 45–60 minutes. You do not need to fast or prepare much. If your hearing has dropped suddenly in one or both ears, do not wait for a routine appointment: see an ENT doctor the same day.

Looking for a hearing test in Aurangabad? VR Speech and Hearing Clinic is in CIDCO, N-3. Call or WhatsApp +91 91127 17179 or book an appointment online.

Aurangabad is now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Both names are in everyday use, so this guide uses both.

Why a hearing test matters more than most people think

Hearing loss is common, gradual and easy to ignore. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss, and that the number could reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050. In India, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) estimates that about 63 million people, roughly 6.3% of the population, have significant auditory impairment.

Because the decline is slow, most people adjust without noticing: the TV volume creeps up, noisy restaurants get avoided, and phone calls become guesswork. Untreated hearing loss can strain relationships and work, and research links it with social isolation, low mood and faster cognitive decline in older adults.

The encouraging part is that many causes, such as earwax, infection or fluid behind the eardrum, are treatable. When the loss is permanent, hearing aids and rehabilitation work best when they are started early.

Signs you should get your hearing tested

In adults and seniors

• Asking people to repeat themselves, or feeling that everyone mumbles

• Trouble following conversations in groups, at weddings, in restaurants or in traffic

• Difficulty understanding words on phone calls

• TV or phone volume that family members find too loud

• Ringing, buzzing or whooshing in the ears (tinnitus)

• A blocked or full feeling in one or both ears

• Feeling exhausted after social events, or withdrawing from conversations

• Family or friends telling you that you do not hear well (often the first sign)

In children

• Delayed, unclear or limited speech for their age

• Not responding to their name or to sounds from behind

• Sitting close to the TV, turning the volume up, or saying “what?” often

• Trouble paying attention in class or falling behind at school

• Frequent ear infections, ear pain or ear discharge

See a doctor promptly, not just for a routine test, if you have ear pain, ear discharge or bleeding, hearing loss in only one ear, dizziness, or hearing loss after a head injury or a loud blast.

Types of hearing tests and what each one shows

A screening (such as OAE for newborns) only tells you whether a deeper check is needed. A diagnostic evaluation combines several of these tests to find the type, degree and likely cause of hearing loss. Your audiologist chooses the combination that fits your age, symptoms and history.

Audiologist or ENT doctor: who should you see first?

They work as a team.

• An audiologist measures your hearing, identifies the type and degree of loss, fits and programs hearing aids, and provides counselling and rehabilitation.

• An ENT specialist is a medical doctor who diagnoses ear disease and treats it with medicines or surgery.

If you have noticed gradual difficulty hearing, a hearing test with an audiologist is a sensible first step. The audiologist will refer you to an ENT doctor if the results suggest something medically treatable. Go to an ENT doctor first if you have sudden hearing loss, pain, discharge, bleeding, hearing loss in one ear only, dizziness or a recent head injury. Our guide to an ENT doctor in Aurangabad explains what to expect.

How to prepare for your hearing test

• Do not clean your ears just before the test. Never push cotton buds, hairpins or oil into your ears. The audiologist will examine for wax first and advise on safe removal if needed.

• Avoid very loud sounds (loud music, DJ speakers, machinery) for several hours beforehand, as they can temporarily lower your hearing and affect results.

• Tell the audiologist about colds, ear infections, allergies, medicines, previous ear surgery, family history of hearing loss and noisy work.

• Bring old audiograms, ENT notes and your medicine list. Wear your hearing aids if you use them.

• Bring a family member if you can. They can describe what they notice and help you remember the advice.

• For children: book a time when your child is rested and fed, not at nap time. Bring a favourite toy and describe the test as a listening game.

• No fasting is needed. Eat and drink normally.

What happens during a hearing test, step by step

1. Conversation (case history). The audiologist asks about your symptoms, which ear is worse, how long it has been going on, noise exposure, ear infections, medicines and family history.

2. Ear examination. A small torch-like instrument (otoscope) checks the ear canal and eardrum.

3. Pure tone test. In a sound-treated booth you wear headphones and press a button or raise your hand whenever you hear a beep, even a very faint one. Each ear is tested separately, followed by bone conduction with a small vibrator behind the ear.

4. Speech tests. You repeat words at soft and comfortable levels, and sometimes in background noise.

5. Middle-ear test (tympanometry), if needed. A soft rubber tip sits at the entrance of the ear canal for a few seconds while the machine changes air pressure slightly.

6. Results and counselling. You receive your audiogram, a plain-language explanation and clear next steps.

Nothing in the test hurts. The only effort is concentration. A basic test takes about 20–30 minutes, a full diagnostic evaluation about 45–60 minutes, and BERA longer (babies are usually tested while asleep).

How to read your audiogram

An audiogram is a graph of your hearing:

• The horizontal axis shows pitch in hertz (Hz), from low pitches on the left (about 250 Hz) to high pitches on the right (about 8,000 Hz).

• The vertical axis shows loudness in decibels (dB HL), with the softest sounds at the top. The lower a mark sits, the louder the sound had to be before you heard it.

• By convention, the right ear is marked with red circles and the left ear with blue crosses.

Most speech sounds fall between about 500 and 4,000 Hz. Soft, high-pitched consonants such as s, f and th sit at the upper end, which is why people with high-frequency loss often say, “I can hear you, but I cannot understand you.”

Classification systems differ by a few decibels. The scale above is a widely used one, and your audiologist will explain which category applies to you.

Types of hearing loss

• Conductive: the problem is in the outer or middle ear (wax, fluid, infection, perforated eardrum, otosclerosis). It is often medically treatable.

• Sensorineural: the problem is in the inner ear or hearing nerve (ageing, noise, some medicines, infections, genetics). It is usually permanent and managed with hearing aids or implants.

• Mixed: a combination of both. A gap between air-conduction and bone-conduction results on the audiogram points to a conductive component.

Normal audiogram but still struggling in noise? Standard tests measure the softest sounds you can hear, not how well your brain sorts speech from background noise. If you struggle in crowds despite a normal result, ask for speech-in-noise testing.

Hearing tests for babies and children

Newborn screening. International guidelines (the “1-3-6” benchmark from the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing) aim for hearing screening by 1 month of age, confirmation of any hearing loss by 3 months, and start of intervention by 6 months. If your baby did not have an OAE screening before leaving the hospital, ask for one now. A “refer” result does not mean the baby is deaf. Fluid in a newborn’s ear is a common cause. But it should be retested promptly.

Babies who need closer follow-up even if they passed screening: premature babies and those who spent time in the NICU, babies with severe jaundice, a family history of childhood hearing loss, infections during pregnancy (such as CMV or rubella), meningitis, or exposure to certain medicines.

Watch for these signs as your child grows

• Does not startle at a sudden loud sound, or does not turn toward voices and sounds by about 6 months

• Little babbling in the first year, or no first words by around 12 months

• Speech that is delayed, unclear or limited at 2–3 years

• Asks “what?” a lot, turns the TV up, or seems inattentive at school

• Repeated colds and ear infections. Fluid behind the eardrum (“glue ear”) causes temporary hearing loss that is often mistaken for naughtiness or poor attention.

How common is it? Indian studies suggest about 4 in every 1,000 children have severe-to-profound hearing loss, and WHO estimates that around 60% of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes such as infections. Vaccinations and prompt treatment of ear infections matter.

With early diagnosis, hearing aids or cochlear implants combined with speech therapy let most children develop age-appropriate language. Paediatric audiologists use the behavioural, OAE and BERA tests listed above, chosen by the child’s age.

Hearing tests for senior citizens

WHO reports that over 25% of people older than 60 have disabling hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) usually affects both ears and starts with high-pitched sounds.

If your parent says they are fine

• Pick a calm moment and describe a specific situation (“you missed the doorbell”) instead of saying “you cannot hear.”

• Present the test as a routine check, like blood pressure or sugar.

• Offer to go with them, or ask about a home hearing test if travel is difficult.

How often? A commonly followed guideline is a hearing test every 3 years from age 50, and every year (or more often) if you have symptoms, work in noise, or already wear hearing aids.

Noise, work and everyday habits: protecting your hearing

• Industrial work. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s industrial areas, such as Waluj, Chikalthana and Shendra, employ many people around machinery. Regular exposure at about 85 dB and above can damage hearing over time. Use earplugs or earmuffs and get an annual hearing test.

• Weddings, DJs, firecrackers and headphones. WHO warns that over a billion young people are at risk from unsafe listening. Keep headphone volume low enough to hear your surroundings, take listening breaks, and use earplugs near loud speakers.

• Ear cleaning. Avoid cotton buds, pins and home remedies. They push wax deeper and can injure the eardrum.

• Medicines. Some medicines (certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, high-dose aspirin) can affect the inner ear. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own, but tell your doctor if you notice ringing or hearing changes.

• Infections. Treat colds, ear pain and discharge early, and keep children’s vaccinations up to date.

Sudden hearing loss: do not wait

If hearing drops over a few hours or days in one or both ears, treat it as a medical emergency (sudden sensorineural hearing loss). It can feel like waking up with a muffled or “dead” ear that does not clear, sometimes with ringing or dizziness.

• See an ENT doctor the same day or the next day. Do not wait to see whether it settles.

• Get an audiogram quickly. Earwax, fluid or a cold can also cause sudden changes. A hearing test shows whether the problem lies in the outer and middle ear or in the inner ear, which decides the treatment.

• Time matters. American ENT guidelines stress prompt audiometry and early treatment. Steroids, the usual approach, work best when started early, with roughly the first two weeks being the key window.

• Go to an emergency department if it comes with facial weakness, trouble speaking, severe headache or severe dizziness, or follows a head injury.

Are online or app-based hearing tests reliable?

Free online and phone-app tests can be a useful nudge: if you struggle with one, that is a reason to book a proper test. But they are screening tools, not diagnosis. They cannot look inside your ear for wax or infection, cannot tell conductive from sensorineural loss, and depend on your headphones, volume settings and room noise. A normal online result does not rule out hearing loss, and an abnormal result does not tell you the cause. Please do not buy hearing aids based on an online test alone.

Hearing test cost in Aurangabad

The price depends on what is included. A test with only pure tone audiometry costs less than a full diagnostic evaluation with speech audiometry, tympanometry, counselling and a printed audiogram. BERA and OAE cost more because they need specialised equipment and more time.

For a rough idea, Tata 1mg lists pure tone audiometry at about ₹315–₹450 in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata, while the Medicover hospital group lists ₹1,300–₹1,800 for audiometry (the same range for every city on its page, so treat it as a ballpark). These figures are only a guide.

At VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, call +91 91127 17179 for the current fee and what it includes. A hearing test does not oblige you to buy anything, and hearing aids, if you need them, are a separate decision. If travelling is difficult, ask about our home hearing test. Government hospitals and the NPPCD programme also offer ear and hearing services, so call ahead to confirm what is available near you.

What if the test shows hearing loss?

1. Find the cause. An ENT check can identify treatable causes such as wax, infection, fluid or a perforated eardrum. Some conductive losses are corrected with medicines or surgery.

2. Hearing aids. For permanent loss, properly fitted and programmed hearing aids make speech clearer. Good fitting includes a trial, verification and follow-up adjustments, because the brain needs a few weeks to adapt.

3. Cochlear implants and assistive devices. For severe-to-profound loss that hearing aids cannot help enough, a cochlear implant may be considered. TV streamers and phone amplifiers can also help.

4. Auditory training and speech therapy. These are especially important for children and for adults who have had hearing loss for years.

5. Government support. The ADIP scheme can provide free or subsidised hearing aids and cochlear implants to eligible people, usually with a disability certificate or UDID. Your audiogram is a key supporting document. See our guide to government hearing aid schemes in India.

6. Regular follow-up tests to track any change.

A diagnosis of hearing loss is not the end of the story. Most people do well with timely help.

Hearing tests and services at VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, Aurangabad

VR Speech and Hearing Clinic was founded in 2018 by audiologist Vilas Rathod and serves patients in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune, Ahmednagar and other cities in Maharashtra. At our Aurangabad clinic you can get:

• Pure tone audiometry (air and bone conduction) and speech audiometry

• Tympanometry (middle-ear testing)

• OAE and BERA for babies and young children

• Paediatric hearing assessment using age-appropriate methods

• Hearing aid counselling, trial, fitting and follow-up, from brands such as Signia, ReSound, Widex and Unitron

• Home hearing test (please confirm the current offer and your area when you book)

• Guidance on documents for government schemes such as ADIP

Speech therapy. We also provide speech therapy for children and adults, including delayed speech and language, stuttering, articulation problems, voice disorders, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), communication difficulties after stroke (aphasia), and communication challenges linked to autism spectrum disorder. Each programme is individualised.

How to choose a good hearing clinic

Whichever clinic you choose in Aurangabad, check these points:

• The audiologist is registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Ask for the registration (CRR) number.

• Testing is done in a sound-treated room with a calibrated audiometer.

• The evaluation is complete (ear examination, air and bone conduction, speech tests), not just a quick beep test.

• You receive a written audiogram and a plain-language explanation.

• You are referred to an ENT doctor when the results call for it.

• Hearing aid advice matches your audiogram, lifestyle and budget, with a trial period and follow-up.

• Pricing and warranty terms are clear, and you do not feel pressured.

Where to find us and areas we serve

VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, Second Floor, Vasantrao Naik Chowk, opposite Hotel Deepali Executive, N-3, CIDCO, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra 431003.

Phone / WhatsApp: +91 91127 17179 · All our clinic locations

We see patients from across Aurangabad, including CIDCO, Osmanpura, Garkheda, Shreyanagar, N-2 and N-6, as well as from nearby towns and districts in Marathwada.

Frequently asked questions

What is a hearing test called?

The standard test is called audiometry. A fuller visit is called an audiological evaluation.

Is a hearing test painful or risky?

No. You only listen to sounds through headphones and respond. Tympanometry may feel like slight pressure for a few seconds.

How long does it take?

A basic hearing test takes about 20–30 minutes, and a full diagnostic evaluation about 45–60 minutes. BERA takes longer.

Do I need a doctor’s referral or any preparation?

You do not need a referral to get a hearing test at a clinic. Booking ahead avoids waiting. No fasting is needed; just avoid loud noise beforehand and tell the audiologist about any ear problems.

How much does a hearing test cost in Aurangabad?

It varies with the tests included. Please call the clinic for the current fee. See the cost section above for indicative price ranges.

Can I take a hearing test online or on my phone?

Online tests can flag a possible problem, but they cannot diagnose the type or cause. A test with an audiologist in a sound-treated room is the reliable option.

How often should adults get tested?

A common guideline is every 3 years from age 50, and yearly if you have symptoms, noisy work or existing hearing aids.

At what age can a baby be tested?

Babies can be screened in the first days of life with OAE. If screening was missed, test within the first month if possible, and do not wait for speech problems to appear.

Can hearing loss be cured or reversed?

It depends on the type. Conductive loss from wax, infection or fluid can often be treated. Sensorineural loss is usually permanent but can be managed well with hearing aids or implants.

Can earwax cause hearing loss?

Yes. Blocked wax can reduce hearing and mimic other problems. Do not dig it out yourself; have an audiologist or ENT doctor check and remove it safely.

Should I see an ENT doctor or an audiologist first?

For gradual hearing difficulty, start with an audiologist. For sudden loss, pain, discharge, one-sided loss or dizziness, see an ENT doctor first.

Is there a free or low-cost option?

Government hospitals and the NPPCD programme offer ear and hearing services, and the ADIP scheme supports eligible people with hearing aids. VR Speech and Hearing Clinic also offers a home hearing test; please confirm the current offer.

My hearing test is normal but I cannot follow conversations in noise. Why?

Standard tests measure the softest sounds you can hear. Difficulty in noise can come from mild high-frequency loss or from how the brain processes speech. Ask for speech-in-noise testing.

Book your hearing test

Do not let untreated hearing loss affect your relationships, work or safety. A short, painless test can tell you where you stand. Book your hearing test at VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, or call or WhatsApp +91 91127 17179.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, discharge or dizziness, consult a doctor immediately.

References

• WHO, Deafness and hearing loss fact sheet

• WHO, World Report on Hearing (news release, 2021)

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD)

• Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, 2019 Position Statement: Executive Summary

• ASHA, Newborn Hearing Screening

• AAO-HNSF, Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss

• Medicover Hospitals, Audiometry test: purpose, cost, results

• Tata 1mg, Audiometry (PTA) test price

• Down To Earth, Every 4th person to suffer hearing loss by 2050: WHO

• Newborn hearing screening study, Int J Community Med Public Health