When testing hearing, which ear should be examined first if there is a significant difference in ability?

When conducting hearing tests, the general protocol is to start with the ear that has the worst hearing ability when there is a significant difference in auditory perception between both ears. This approach is based on several principles in audiology practice.

Beginning with the worse ear allows for a more accurate assessment of its true capabilities without the influence of the better ear's performance. By doing so, the audiologist can gain a clearer understanding of the extent of hearing impairment and make better-informed recommendations for treatment or further testing. It helps in establishing baseline results for rehabilitation services, fitting hearing aids, or planning postoperative assessments if necessary.

In contrast, starting with the better ear might lead to a biased assessment, which could result in overlooking significant issues in the worse ear. Overall, the practice of prioritizing testing the worse ear is essential for developing an effective treatment strategy tailored to the individual’s specific hearing needs.