Understanding Your Hearing Test Results: Your Guide to Pure Tone Audiometry
At Audiology House, we understand that booking a hearing test can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to have concerns. Many people worry about hearing loss, but the truth is, getting a hearing test is one of the best ways to take control of your hearing health. And when it comes to understanding your test results, we're here to make it easy and clear, so you feel confident in your next steps.
Let’s take a look at the Pure Tone Audiometry test – the most common test for measuring hearing – and what the results really mean for you.
What Is a Pure Tone Audiometry Test?
A Pure Tone Audiometry test is a straightforward and reliable way to assess your hearing. During the test, you'll be in a quiet, soundproof room where you'll listen to a series of soft tones through headphones or earbuds. The tones will vary in pitch and volume, and your job is simple: just let us know when you hear them. The audiologist will record your responses to create a detailed picture of your hearing.
What Is a Pure Tone Audiogram?
The results of your Pure Tone Audiometry test are displayed on something called a pure tone audiogram. This graph shows the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies (or pitches). The audiogram helps us see if your hearing is within the normal range or if there’s any degree of hearing loss.
The graph will also display the normal hearing range for adults, and we'll help you understand what the numbers mean. The lower the decibel (dB) reading, the softer the sound. We measure hearing sensitivity across frequencies from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. If your results show a loss at certain frequencies, it can give us insight into the type and degree of hearing loss you may have.
Interpreting Your Audiogram Results
We know that audiograms can look a bit complicated at first glance, but don't worry – your audiologist at Audiology House will guide you through every detail. Here’s a basic overview of what you might see:
Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss happens when there’s damage to the inner ear or the nerves that carry sound signals to the brain. It’s typically permanent and can be due to age, loud noise exposure, or certain medical conditions.
Conductive Hearing Loss: This type occurs when there’s an issue in the outer or middle ear, like a blockage or eardrum damage. In many cases, this can be treated or resolved with medical attention.
Mixed Hearing Loss: Sometimes, people experience a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, which means both the inner ear and middle ear are affected.
Your audiologist will explain your results clearly and recommend the best next steps.
What Are Decibel Levels and Why Do They Matter?
Decibels (dB) are how we measure sound intensity. The higher the number, the louder the sound. For example, a sound that measures 70 dB is much louder than one that measures 60 dB.
Here’s a quick guide to the different levels of hearing loss:
Normal Hearing: 0–25 dB
Mild Hearing Loss: 26–40 dB
Moderate Hearing Loss: 41–70 dB
Severe Hearing Loss: 71–90 dB
Profound Hearing Loss: 91 dB and above
Understanding your hearing threshold helps us determine if a hearing aid or another treatment might be beneficial for you.
When Should You Book a Hearing Test?
It’s always a good idea to schedule a hearing test if you’re noticing any changes in your hearing. Here are some signs that could indicate it’s time for a Pure Tone Audiometry test:
Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
Struggling to understand speech on the phone or TV
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Feeling like people are mumbling or speaking too softly
Turning the volume up on electronic devices to levels others find too loud
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (like birds chirping or a doorbell ringing)
Experiencing ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t wait! A hearing test can give you the answers you need.
We're Here for You Every Step of the Way
At Audiology House, we’re committed to providing you with the care, support, and understanding you deserve. We know that interpreting hearing test results can feel overwhelming, but our audiologists are here to guide you through it all. If you have any questions or concerns about your audiogram results or if you’d like to schedule your hearing test, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to make the process simple, clear, and – most importantly – about you and your well-being.
Book your hearing test with Audiology House today and let us help you on your journey to better hearing.
