There is no single blood test or scan that detects tinnitus, because the ringing you hear is a sound only you can perceive. A tinnitus test is really an assessment: an audiologist combines your history, an ear check, a full hearing test, and a few tinnitus-specific measurements to understand what you hear and why.
This guide explains how tinnitus is diagnosed in five steps, what a tinnitus hearing test shows, and when to see a doctor promptly. If you would like an assessment, our team offers tinnitus treatment in Newmarket, led by Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology.
Clinically reviewed by Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology (CASLPO-regulated) · Newmarket Hearing ClinicTinnitus is diagnosed through a combination of your story, an ear examination, a hearing test (audiogram), and tinnitus pitch and loudness matching. It is painless, and the goal is to find out whether hearing loss or another cause is involved and how much the ringing affects your life.
Is There a Test for Tinnitus?
Not a single one. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, and it is subjective, which means no machine can measure the sound directly. What an audiologist can do is measure your hearing, describe the tinnitus you perceive, and look for clues about its cause. For a medical overview of tinnitus causes and treatments, see our guide to 11 diseases that cause tinnitus and ways to treat it.
How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed? The 5-Step Tinnitus Diagnosis Test
Your story
We ask what the sound is like, whether it is in one ear or both, how long it has lasted, and what makes it better or worse.
An ear check
We look inside your ear canals. Earwax or an infection can cause or worsen tinnitus.
A hearing test
A full hearing test shows whether hearing loss is present, which is common alongside tinnitus.
Pitch and loudness matching
You compare test sounds with your tinnitus so we can describe its pitch and loudness.
Impact and plan
We ask how tinnitus affects sleep, concentration, and mood, then explain your options.
Tinnitus Hearing Test: Why a Hearing Test Matters
Many people with tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss, sometimes mild or limited to high pitches that you may not notice in daily life. That is why a complete hearing test is the foundation of any tinnitus assessment. A comprehensive hearing assessment usually includes pure-tone and speech testing, and our guides on audiometry testing and how to read an audiogram explain what the results show.
A hearing test does not detect the tinnitus itself, but it shows whether hearing loss is part of the picture. If it is, treating the hearing loss, sometimes with hearing aids, can help reduce how noticeable the tinnitus is.
Tinnitus Sound Test: Pitch and Loudness Matching
In a tinnitus sound test, the audiologist plays tones and sounds and asks you to say which one most closely resembles what you hear. We repeat this to find the approximate pitch and loudness of your tinnitus. It does not measure your tinnitus with a machine, but it gives you and your clinician a shared way to describe it and track changes over time.
Can an Online Tinnitus Test Diagnose Tinnitus?
No. Online tinnitus sound tests and apps can help you describe your sound, but they cannot diagnose tinnitus or its cause. Only a professional assessment can check your ears and hearing and decide whether medical follow-up is needed.
When Should You See a Doctor Promptly?
- Tinnitus that began suddenly, especially with a sudden drop in hearing
- Ringing in only one ear
- A pulsing sound that beats in time with your heartbeat
- Dizziness, facial weakness, numbness, or other neurological symptoms
- Tinnitus that began after a head or neck injury
What Happens After a Tinnitus Assessment?
Tinnitus often cannot be cured, but it can be managed, and many people find it becomes much easier to live with. Depending on your results, your plan may include:
- Counseling and education so you understand what is happening
- Sound therapy to make the tinnitus less noticeable
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to reduce the stress and distress around tinnitus
- Treating hearing loss, including hearing aids when appropriate
- Medical referral when an underlying condition needs attention
For a clinical overview of one approach, see this Canadian Academy of Audiology article on tinnitus management. Tinnitus assessment and management at our clinic starts at $90. See our pricing.
Tinnitus Test: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a test for tinnitus?
There is no single test that detects tinnitus. Diagnosis combines your history, an ear examination, a hearing test, and tinnitus pitch and loudness matching.
Can a hearing test detect tinnitus?
A hearing test does not detect the tinnitus sound itself, but it shows whether hearing loss is present, which is often linked with tinnitus.
Can an audiologist diagnose tinnitus?
Audiologists assess tinnitus, measure hearing, and manage its impact. If a medical cause is suspected, we refer you to a physician for further investigation.
How do you test for tinnitus?
With a case history, an ear check, a full hearing test, pitch and loudness matching, and a discussion of how tinnitus affects your daily life.
How much does a tinnitus assessment cost in Newmarket?
Tinnitus assessment and management starts at $90. See our pricing page.
Ringing in your ears?
Book a tinnitus assessment with Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology, and get clear answers. No pressure, no obligations.
Book Your Tinnitus AssessmentKeep reading