Embodiments generally relate to a method of assessing the hearing of a patient using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The method comprises receiving at least one response signal from an optode placed on a scalp of the patient, the response signal comprising fNIRS data generated by the optode and relating to an aural stimulation received by the patient； comparing at least one parameter of the at least one response signal to a predetermined parameter value； and determining an auditory response of a patient based on the at least one parameter of the at least one response signal.
