Decoding the Hearing Test: What Do the Results Mean?

Hearing tests are necessary to assess your auditory function, but only two in 10 adults have consulted a hearing professional in the last five years. The test also measures if hearing loss is present and to what degree – making it an essential piece to forming a treatment plan. It is a highly technical field; unless you have the training to read the results, you may stare at a printed sheet and not understand what’s on there. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation, wishing you had at least basic knowledge of your test results? To understand what your audiogram means, let’s learn a little more about the testing process and how they gather these results.

Audiometry Tests

This name describes a series of listening tests to check your hearing and possibly detect any impairment. It involves wearing headphones to listen to different beeps at various volumes. The hearing professional conducts this test and takes note of your responses to the beeps playing through the headphones. The results from the audiometry create a hearing chart that shows your responses to sounds played at different pitches. Here is a breakdown of what an audiometry test entails.

Pure-Tone Test

It is considered the standard hearing test to measure your hearing threshold for sounds played at different frequencies. With your headphones still on, the hearing professional will ask for your cooperation by alerting them when you hear soft sounds. The pure-tone evaluation checks your natural ability to hear soft sounds at different pitches.

Tympanometry

This test is purposely for checking your middle ear’s health. A healthy middle ear should have optimal functionality; a tympanometry test can determine this. It is characterized by the hearing professional inserting a tiny probe into the ear. You must sit still at this stage while the hearing professional conducts this crucial test – the tympanometry checks for your ear’s response to changes in pressure. Sometimes, the hearing professional detects fluid in the middle ear, indicating a possible issue with your eardrum.

Speech Audiometry

People experiencing hearing loss find it challenging to understand speech at different volumes. An early decline in auditory function may present as lowered volume, and the individual can only hear at an increased level. The hearing professional will ask you to listen and repeat words or sentences to determine how well you can hear at different volumes. It is known as the speech reception threshold; the results will show on your word recognition score.

How to Read Your Audiogram

The audiogram layout is a graphical representation of your hearing thresholds. If you remember the various tests under audiometry, you will realize that your scores are being recorded, which is what you see on the audiogram layout. The Hertz or Hz frequency, represented on the horizontal axis, shows your low to high-pitch scores. The vertical axis, on the other hand, represents the intensity in decibels (dBs). This particular axis indicates the loudness of each sound played through the headphones.

The hearing professional’s role at this point is to interpret the readings for you by explaining the shapes and patterns on the audiogram. Correct interpretation is critical at this stage because it informs the professional about your type and degree of hearing loss. Normal hearing is what many strive for. However, any detected issue is typically categorized as mild, moderate, severe and profound. The audiogram results become the blueprint to tailor solutions for your unique hearing needs.

Unilateral and Bilateral Hearing Loss

What does it mean when the hearing professional says you have unilateral or bilateral hearing loss? The latter refers to hearing loss in both ears, while unilateral means an impairment in one ear. Each type has its peculiarities, ranging from difficulty localizing sounds to tremendous communication impact. Fortunately, the hearing professional has the experience to help you manage both, which improves your quality of life.

What if Your Results Indicate Hearing Loss?

If your hearing test results indicate hearing loss, it is an important step towards addressing and managing your auditory health. Understanding that you have hearing loss opens the door to potential solutions and interventions that can significantly enhance your quality of life. Consult your hearing professional to discuss the extent and nature of your hearing loss, explore suitable hearing aid options and develop a personalized treatment plan. Recognizing and addressing hearing loss early can not only improve your ability to communicate effectively but also positively impact your overall well-being, social interactions and cognitive function.

Your hearing health is vital; understanding the results after a hearing test can help you know the next step. If you notice any signs of hearing loss, contact Life Hearing & Tinnitus Health Centers at (239) 963-2429.