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Masking in Hearing Tests: Why Audiologists Use Noise During Your Hearing Test - by Acoustik Hearing

Have you ever wondered why an audiologist suddenly plays a "shhh..." or rushing noise in one ear while testing the other? Many people think something has gone wrong with the hearing test, but this is actually a very important procedure called masking.

What is Masking?

Masking is a special technique used during a hearing test to make sure each ear is tested independently and accurately. A controlled noise is presented to the better-hearing ear so it cannot "help" the ear being tested.

This allows the audiologist to find the true hearing ability of each ear, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan.

Why is Masking Needed?

Our ears are connected through the bones of the skull. Sometimes, a loud sound played into one ear can travel through these bones and be heard by the opposite ear. This is called cross hearing.

If this happens, the hearing test may incorrectly suggest that the poorer ear hears better than it actually does. Masking prevents this problem by keeping the non-test ear occupied with gentle masking noise.

When is Masking Used?

Your audiologist may use masking when:

There is a large difference in hearing between your two ears.
Bone conduction testing is being performed.
Speech hearing tests require separate ear evaluation.
Accurate diagnosis of hearing loss is essential before hearing aid fitting or medical treatment.

Not every hearing test requires masking. It is only used when necessary to improve test accuracy.

How is Masking Performed?

During the hearing test:

A soft masking noise is played into one ear through headphones or insert earphones.
At the same time, test tones or speech are presented to the other ear.
You simply respond whenever you hear the test sound, just as you would during a regular hearing test.

The masking noise is comfortable, safe, and carefully adjusted by the audiologist.

Is Masking Safe?

Yes. Masking is completely safe, painless, and routinely used by audiologists around the world. The noise is controlled and used only for a short time during the test. It does not damage hearing or cause hearing loss.

What Do the Results Tell Us?

Masking helps identify the true hearing level of each ear. Accurate masked results help your audiologist:

Diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss.
Decide whether the problem is in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Recommend medical treatment when needed.
Select the correct hearing aid settings.
Monitor hearing changes over time with confidence.

Without masking, hearing test results may be misleading, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate treatment.

Book your pure tone audiometry and hearing aid trial at home, or visit our clinic for masking testing — with Acoustik Hearing and Speech Clinic, serving @Mumbai, @Navi Mumbai, and @Thane.

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