When you visit your audiologist for a hearing test, they will review the results with you. Once they have your results, they will explain what the charts show and what it means for your hearing. It’s worth noting that there are three types of hearing loss and that’s why it’s important to make sure that you understand the results of your hearing test. If you’re unsure about what to expect, this will help you understand the details.

Severity of Hearing Loss

When you get a hearing test, you’ll find out how severe your hearing loss is. The test will measure how well you can hear different sounds and pitches. Hearing loss is usually described as mild, moderate, severe or profound, depending on how much sound you can hear. Knowing the severity helps your audiologist recommend the best treatment options. It also gives you a clearer idea of how your hearing might affect your daily life.

The Audiogram

Your hearing test is typically going to be presented in the form of an audiogram. This is a chart with a graph which includes the numbers that are presented along the top. These represent low frequency sounds. An audiologist will then use this to determine what sounds and frequencies you can hear and which ones you have more difficulty with overall. The ideal result will be a steady line across the graph instead of a line which dips in places.

Lines and Circles

On an audiogram, the lines and circles show how well you hear different sounds. The audiogram is a graph with a horizontal line for pitch and a vertical line for loudness. The circles usually represent the hearing levels in your right ear, while the Xs show the hearing levels in your left ear. Each mark on the graph tells you how well you can hear specific sounds. By looking at where the circles and Xs fall on the graph, your audiologist can see which sounds are harder for you to hear.

Any Questions

At the end of your hearing test, if you have any questions, you will be provided with the opportunity to ask your audiologist and make sure that you get the answers that you need.

Why Get a Hearing Test?

As well as providing you with information about your hearing ability, a hearing test will also reveal if there’s any new steps that you need to take. For instance, it might suggest that you should get hearing aids to improve your overall hearing ability. This is a common option and it’s a possibility that your audiologist will discuss with you once your hearing test is complete.

If you are experiencing hearing loss, it is important to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. Remember, if you have any questions, then this is something that you will be able to discuss with your audiologist. They will make sure you know about the various treatment options available for your hearing loss and discuss which might be the best option for your specific needs.