Decoding Your Hearing Test Results

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing and are curious about your test results, it helps to understand the purpose of the audiogram. This chart provides a detailed view of your hearing across different sound frequencies. It shows how well you can hear various sounds that are common in everyday life. Understanding your audiogram and what it reveals about your hearing abilities is an important step in knowing how to address any changes. Let’s take a closer look at how to read this chart and what the results mean for your hearing health.

What is an Audiogram?

An audiogram is a visual representation of your hearing abilities. It’s a chart that shows how well you can hear different sounds at various pitches, ranging from low to high frequencies. The results of a hearing test are plotted on the audiogram, helping to map out which sounds you can hear clearly, and which ones are harder for you to detect. The chart typically has two axes: one for frequency and one for intensity. The lower the sound on the chart, the harder it is for you to hear.

By looking at an audiogram, a hearing health professional can determine the degree of hearing loss you might have and in which frequencies. This can help them suggest the best solutions for improving your hearing, like hearing aids or other assistive devices. The audiogram is an important tool in understanding your hearing health and helps guide decisions about treatment.

What Your Results Might Show

When you look at your hearing test results, you’ll see how well you can hear sounds at different pitches and volumes. The audiogram will show whether you have normal hearing or some level of hearing loss. If your results show that you can hear sounds at higher volumes but struggle with quieter or lower-pitched sounds, it could indicate that you have a hearing loss in specific frequencies. The severity of your hearing loss is usually categorized as mild, moderate, severe or profound, depending on how much difficulty you have hearing certain sounds. Your hearing health professional will explain what your results mean and help you understand what they suggest about your hearing health.

So, What Happens Next?

Well, the next steps depend on your results and your lifestyle needs. Your hearing care provider will work with you to create a plan that helps you hear and communicate better. If hearing loss is present, your hearing health professional will help you choose and fit the right hearing aids to support your level of hearing loss. Whether it is a behind-the-ear or in-the-canal hearing aid, they will tailor your hearing aids to your specific needs.

Take Control of Your Hearing Health

Decoding your hearing test results doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right guidance from your hearing care provider, you’ll understand what the numbers mean and what the next steps are. If you’re unsure about your results or have any questions, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional. They’re there to help you take the next steps toward better hearing.