Explaining the Audiogram: A Guide to Interpreting Your Hearing Test
An audiogram is a crucial tool in understanding your hearing health. It provides a visual representation of your hearing capabilities and can help identify various types of hearing loss. Discover how to interpret your audiogram and understand what it reveals about your hearing health.
Finding the Right Place for a Hearing Test
First, it’s important to know where to get your hearing checked. The professionals at Dr. Campbell’s Hearing Solutions are experts in hearing testing and hearing aid technology. Our team can help you identify hearing loss, will go over your audiogram with you, and will make personal recommendations of management options.
The Different Types of Hearing Tests
Hearing tests come in various forms, each targeting specific aspects of your hearing health. The most common test is pure-tone audiometry, which measures your ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes. Speech audiometry is also common, as this assesses how well you can understand and repeat spoken words at varying loudness levels. Then there is tympanometry, which evaluates the function of your middle ear, checking for issues like fluid or pressure changes.
Together, these tests provide a comprehensive overview of your auditory system and help our hearing specialists detect potential hearing problems.
Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test
If you have ever asked yourself, “Do I need a hearing test?” the chances are you probably do. If you experience difficulty following conversations, increasing the volume on electronic devices, or trouble hearing in noisy places, it’s time to consider having your hearing checked. Age is also a significant factor in hearing health, with natural declines occurring as we grow older. Regular hearing screenings are important, especially for those over 50 years old or who are frequently exposed to loud noise.
Comprehending Your Hearing Test Results
After completing your hearing test, the results are plotted on an audiogram. This graph displays your hearing thresholds across different frequencies, measured in Hertz (Hz) and loudness levels measured in decibels (dB). The audiogram helps identify the type and severity of hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
- Conductive hearing loss involves problems with sound transmission through the outer or middle ear, often due to blockages, fluid, or damage to the eardrum.
- Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve often caused by aging, noise exposure, or certain medical conditions.
- Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Understanding Your Audiogram
The audiogram consists of two axes: the horizontal axis represents frequency (Hz), ranging from low to high, and the vertical axis represents loudness (dB), ranging from soft to loud. Each ear is tested separately.
- Normal Hearing: Hearing thresholds between 0-25 dB across all frequencies indicate normal hearing
- Mild Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 26-40 dB
- Moderate Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 41-55 dB
- Moderately Severe Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 56-70 dB
- Severe Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 71-90 dB
- Profound Hearing Loss: Thresholds above 90 dB
Taking Control of Your Hearing Health
Interpreting your audiogram is vital for understanding your hearing health. Knowing where to get your hearing checked, the types of hearing tests available, and recognizing the signs that indicate the need for a hearing test are key steps in maintaining your overall well-being.
At Dr. Campbell’s Hearing Solutions, we offer comprehensive hearing tests for the people of Granger, South Bend, Pleasant Valley, and the surrounding areas. Regular hearing evaluations and accurate interpretation of results are important for your long-term health. Contact us today to schedule your hearing test!
