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Upon completing a hearing evaluation, you will be provided with an audiogram showcasing your results. This visual representation illustrates your ability to perceive sounds based on their frequency (pitch) and intensity (loudness). The audiogram typically appears as a graph with plotted points, indicating the softest level at which you can hear each frequency. With practice, you can become proficient at interpreting an audiogram.
Steps
Understanding Different Audiogram Components
Identify the frequency marked along the graph's horizontal axis. The graph's x-axis displays the frequencies used in your hearing test, measured in Hertz (Hz). Each line on the graph corresponds to a specific frequency, revealing your hearing sensitivity at different pitches. Frequencies typically range from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz, with lower numbers indicating lower pitches and higher numbers representing higher pitches.
Identify the sound intensity on the graph's vertical axis. The vertical axis indicates the volume of the sounds you heard, measured in decibels (dB). Each horizontal line corresponds to a specific intensity level. During your hearing test, the volume started at the lowest intensity and increased until you detected the sound.
Spot the symbol for your left ear: an “X” or square. Depending on the test provider's preference, your left ear will be denoted by either an “X” or a square. Look for this symbol on one of the plotted lines within the graph.
- The left ear line is typically blue.
- If earphones were used, you'll only see two lines, one for each ear.
Locate the symbol for your right ear: a circle or triangle. Similar to the left ear, the symbol for your right ear varies depending on the test provider. Look for the circle or triangle on one of the plotted lines in the graph.
- The line for the right ear is often red.
- Most audiograms display only the right and left ears. If you see one line, the other represents the opposite ear.
Find the “S” symbol if no headphones were used. In cases where earphones weren't utilized, sounds may have been presented through a speaker. The “S” line indicates how well your stronger ear detected these sounds.
- Results from the speaker test reflect your stronger ear's hearing ability.
Check for arrows ('<' or '>') for bone conduction testing. If bone conduction testing was conducted, your right ear will be represented by the '<' symbol, and your left ear by the '>' symbol.
- Bone conduction testing may also be depicted with brackets, like [ for the right ear and ] for the left ear.
- This test helps identify the cause of hearing loss, such as nerve damage or blockages like earwax.
- Most audiograms do not include these symbols.
Identify the hearing thresholds. Your audiogram should include shading to represent five different hearing thresholds, ranging from normal to profound hearing loss. Each threshold encompasses a range of intensity readings, allowing you to compare your hearing ability to that of individuals with normal hearing.
- Normal hearing: 0 to 25 dB
- Mild hearing loss: 25 to 40 dB
- Moderate hearing loss: 40 to 55 dB
- Moderate to severe hearing loss: 55 to 70 dB
- Severe hearing loss: 70 to 90 dB
- Profound hearing loss: above 90 dB
Understanding Your Results
Proceed from left to right. Start with the left side of the graph, which displays lower frequencies corresponding to lower-pitched sounds. Beginning here facilitates easier interpretation of the graph.
- Many individuals with hearing loss are more sensitive to lower frequencies, potentially yielding better results in this range.
Focus on one ear at a time. Analyzing one set of results at a time is typically more manageable, especially if you have varying degrees of hearing loss in each ear. Processing results for each ear individually simplifies interpretation.
- If the results are closely aligned, simultaneous evaluation may be beneficial.
Start with the frequency. Begin with the lowest frequency, 250 Hz. Trace your finger up the chart to locate the corresponding dot. Then, refer to the left side of the graph to identify the intensity level associated with the dot. This indicates the minimum volume required for you to perceive sounds at that frequency.
- For instance, if your 250 Hz dot aligns with the 15 dB intensity line, you could only detect that frequency when it was played at a volume of 15 dB or higher. Higher dB values indicate louder sounds required for perception.
Locate your results for each frequency. Follow the line connecting the plotted points for each ear to find the intensity for each frequency. This process should include frequencies of 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz.
- Ensure you identify plots for all specified frequencies.
Repeat the process for the opposite ear. Begin anew from the lowest frequency and trace the plotted line to identify the faintest intensity at which each sound was audible. If additional results are present, such as those from speaker ('S') or bone conduction testing, interpret them similarly, noting differences in symbols.
- Apply the same method for analyzing alternative results.
Assessing Your Hearing Condition
Determine the threshold range for each frequency. Categorize each plotted point into one of five threshold ranges. Some frequencies may fall within normal thresholds, while others may align with hearing loss ranges.
- If any plots fall within a 'hearing loss' range, hearing loss is evident.
Observe the slope of each ear's line. This indicates the type of hearing loss present. Hearing loss can vary across frequencies. A sharp slope suggests fluctuating hearing ability, potentially indicating partial hearing loss. Conversely, a flatter line signifies consistent hearing, facilitating determination of the corresponding threshold range.
- A steep slope implies varied hearing ability across frequencies, complicating classification of hearing loss. Conversely, a flat line denotes consistent hearing, aiding in the identification of the severity of hearing loss.
Consult your physician. Seek further clarification from your doctor regarding the implications of your results and the necessary actions to manage any identified hearing loss. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments to prevent further deterioration and suggest aids like hearing aids to improve your hearing.
- You might need to adopt lifestyle modifications to avoid exacerbating hearing loss, and your doctor may propose solutions such as hearing aids to enhance your hearing abilities.
