Having a ear and hearing test is important if you believe that you are starting to lose your ability to hear. Having a hearing test is also important if you begin to acquire tinnitus which is a consistent noise within the inner ear. This is generally a ringing sound but can be can other types of noise too. The first step for a hearing or tinnitus test is for your medical professional to physically inspect your ear. Using an instrument with a light at the end, called an auriscope or otoscope, they'll look for anything that isn't standard, including; discharge, a prominent ear drum, perforated ear drum or an object that might be blocking the ear. You can also be asked about any agony or pain which you could be getting.