A Guide to Your Hearing Test Results

Taking a hearing test is an important step in understanding your auditory health, but you may not understand what your results mean. The information provided by your audiologist is crucial in determining the best course of action for your hearing. This guide will help you understand the key aspects of your hearing test results, what they mean and what steps you might take next to maintain or improve your hearing health.

Understanding Your Audiogram

Your audiogram is the key to understanding your hearing test results. This graph charts your hearing ability across a range of frequencies and volumes. The horizontal axis represents frequency, measured in hertz (Hz), indicating the pitch of a sound. The vertical axis shows intensity, measured in decibels (dBs), which indicates how loud a sound needs to be for you to hear it. During the test, your hearing thresholds – the softest sounds you can hear – are plotted on this graph. The closer these marks are to the top, the better your hearing at that frequency. Typically, results for the left ear are marked with an X, while the right ear is marked with an O.

Interpreting Different Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing test results can reveal different types of hearing loss, depending on where in the ear the issue occurs. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not efficiently conducted through the outer or middle ear, often due to earwax buildup or fluid behind the eardrum. This type of loss is often temporary. Sensorineural hearing loss, which is more common, occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent but can often be effectively managed with hearing aids. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural loss, affecting multiple parts of the auditory system.

What Your Hearing Thresholds Mean

Your hearing thresholds, as shown on the audiogram, are categorized to determine the degree of hearing loss, if any. Normal hearing typically falls within the range of zero to 25dBs across all frequencies. Mild hearing loss is indicated by thresholds between 26 and 40dBs, where you may struggle to hear soft or distant sounds. Moderate hearing loss, between 41 and 55dBs, may cause difficulty in following conversations, especially in noisy environments. Severe-to-profound hearing loss, with thresholds above 70dBs, often means that even loud sounds are hard to hear without assistance.

Managing Your Hearing Health

After reviewing your hearing test results, your audiologist will discuss the best course of action for managing your hearing health. If your test reveals normal hearing, no immediate action may be necessary, though periodic monitoring might be recommended. For those with hearing loss, hearing aids are often the most effective treatment. These devices can significantly improve your ability to hear and communicate. In cases where conductive hearing loss is detected, your audiologist may recommend treatments to address the underlying issue, like earwax removal or managing middle ear fluid.

Understanding your hearing test results is crucial for making informed decisions about your hearing health. By interpreting your audiogram and understanding the type and degree of hearing loss, you can work with your audiologist to determine the best steps forward. Whether it involves monitoring your hearing over time or exploring hearing aids as a treatment option, being informed helps you to take control of your auditory well-being.