How to Interpret Your Hearing Test Results

Getting a hearing test is an important step toward understanding your hearing health, but the results can sometimes be difficult to make sense of on your own. Between charts, numbers and unfamiliar terms, it’s easy to feel unsure about what everything means. One key part of the results is the audiogram, a chart that shows how well you hear different tones and pitches. While this tool gives helpful insight into your hearing abilities, it often requires some explanation to fully understand.

That’s why audiologists take the time to walk you through your results. They can explain how the test relates to your everyday hearing and answer questions about what it might mean for conversations, background noise or recognizing speech. Learning how to interpret your hearing test results can help you feel more confident and informed, especially when thinking about next steps. Whether you’re exploring treatment options or just looking to better understand your hearing, this knowledge can make a meaningful difference.

What To Expect During a Typical Hearing Test

When you go in for a hearing test, the process is usually straightforward and doesn’t take long. An audiologist will ask about your medical history and any changes you’ve noticed in your hearing. During the test, you’ll wear headphones and respond to a series of sounds or spoken words by pressing a button or raising your hand. These tests are designed to be easy to follow and are typically completed in under an hour. The test provides clear information about how well you hear different tones and speech. If you have trouble hearing certain sounds, that’s part of what the audiologist is looking for – it helps them figure out what kind of support might be most useful. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and talk about next steps if any are needed.

What Your Hearing Chart Shows

Your hearing chart shows how well you hear sounds across different pitches and volumes. Along the top of the chart, you’ll see a range of frequencies while the side shows loudness levels, from soft whispers to louder noises. During your test, your responses are marked on the chart to show the softest sounds you can hear at each pitch. These marks help show if your hearing falls within the normal range or if there are any areas where hearing becomes more difficult. The pattern can also point out whether certain tones are easier or harder for you to hear.

The audiogram also helps compare how each ear is working. In some cases, one ear may hear better than the other, or you might struggle more with high-pitched sounds like birds chirping or certain speech sounds. Your audiologist uses this chart to get a better picture of your hearing ability and how it might affect daily conversations or listening in noisy places. Understanding what the chart shows is a good first step in figuring out whether hearing support is needed and what type might be the most helpful for you.

What Do the Numbers on a Hearing Test Mean?

The numbers on your hearing test show the quietest sounds you can hear, measured in decibels (dBs). Lower numbers mean you can hear softer sounds. Higher numbers mean sounds have to be louder before you notice them. Each ear gets checked on its own, so you might see different numbers for your left and right ears. If one ear has higher numbers, it means that ear needs louder sounds to hear the same things. This helps your audiologist suggest the best options for you.

How to Understand the Sounds and Volumes Measured

Sounds have both pitch and volume. Pitch is measured in hertz (Hz) and volume in decibels. On your chart, pitch usually runs from left to right, starting with lower tones like drums and moving toward higher tones like whistles. Volume goes from top to bottom, with softer sounds at the top.

Marks lower on the chart mean those sounds need to be louder before you can hear them. Most people can hear quiet sounds between zero and 20dBs across different pitches. If your results go outside this range, it means those sounds need to be louder for you to notice them. This explains why things like whispers or high voices might be harder to hear. Your audiologist uses this information to suggest what type of help may work best for you.

Noticing If One Ear Hears Differently Than the Other

A hearing test may reveal that one ear hears better than the other, which is not unusual. There are several reasons this can happen, and the audiogram will show any difference between your ears. If there’s a noticeable gap, your audiologist will explain what it might suggest and talk with you about possible next steps. Uneven hearing doesn’t always point to a major issue, but it’s still something worth understanding. Your audiologist can go over your results, answer any questions and help you decide if follow-up testing or treatment is needed.

Learning What Type of Hearing Loss Your Results Show

The type of hearing loss shown in your results depends on which parts of the ear are involved. Hearing tests usually show one of three types: sensorineural, conductive or mixed hearing loss. Your results may show:

• Sensorineural hearing loss: This type happens when there is a problem in the inner ear or with the nerve that sends sound to the brain. It is usually permanent but often managed with hearing aids.
• Conductive hearing loss: This type happens when sound has trouble moving through the outer or middle ear. It can be caused by things like earwax, fluid or problems with the eardrum or small bones in the middle ear.
• Mixed hearing loss: This is when both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss are present.

What To Do After Looking at Your Test Results

After reviewing your hearing test results, the next step is to talk them over with your audiologist. They’ll help explain what the results mean and how they might affect your daily life. If the test shows hearing loss, your audiologist can walk you through different options, like hearing aids, communication strategies or further testing if needed. This is also a good time to ask questions about anything that wasn’t clear during the appointment. Understanding your hearing levels now can make it easier to manage changes later on.

Even if your results show little or no hearing loss, it’s still helpful to know where you stand. Your audiologist might suggest keeping track of your hearing over time, especially if you’ve noticed symptoms like ringing in the ears or trouble hearing in noisy places. They can also recommend ways to protect your hearing going forward. Paying attention to early signs and staying in touch with a professional can help you stay ahead of any future issues.

Why Follow-Up Appointments Matter

Follow-up appointments help keep track of any changes in your hearing over time. These visits let your audiologist check that your hearing aids or other support are working well. If your results change, your audiologist can adjust your devices or care plan as needed. Regular check-ins also give you time to talk about any new questions or concerns.

Understanding Your Results

Understanding your hearing test results gives you helpful information about your hearing health. Working with your audiologist can help you find ways to support your hearing and make choices that feel right for you. If you want to learn more about hearing tests or your hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.