At which frequency should a hearing test typically start?

A hearing test typically starts at 1000 Hz because this frequency is crucial for evaluating speech recognition and understanding, as it falls within the range of frequencies that are most important for communication.

Beginning the test at 1000 Hz allows audiologists to efficiently determine a patient's ability to detect and perceive sounds that are significant for daily conversation. This frequency is often chosen because it is generally perceived as more audible and less influenced by ambient noise compared to lower frequencies, which can be affected by various factors such as the testing environment and individual hearing profiles.

Additionally, testing at 1000 Hz provides a reliable baseline for how well a patient can hear. Once this frequency is assessed, the clinician can then move to lower frequencies like 250 Hz and 500 Hz, which are also essential for a comprehensive evaluation of hearing loss but are not as critical for speech understanding as 1000 Hz. Starting at this frequency efficiently balances clarity in testing while allowing for a structured approach to audiometry.