Decoding the Hearing Test: What Do the Results Mean?

If you notice any signs of hearing loss like difficulty following along during conversations, your ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist will likely advise you to undergo a hearing test. This examination aims to pinpoint the specific issues affecting your auditory system and aims to find a suitable treatment for your hearing needs.

Understanding how to interpret the results of this test is crucial to gather comprehensive information about the extent of your condition. Here’s a detailed guide on interpreting the outcomes of your hearing test.

What Exactly Is an Audiogram?

An audiogram is a representation of a person’s hearing ability. It charts the softest sounds an individual can hear across different frequencies or pitches. The graph typically displays frequencies from low to high on the horizontal axis and the volume or intensity of sound on the vertical axis. A higher point on the audiogram indicates better hearing ability at that specific frequency, while lower points signify difficulty in hearing softer sounds at those frequencies. This diagnostic tool helps an ear, nose and throat specialist assess hearing loss, identify its type and severity and tailor treatment to the individual.

How to Read the Graph

With the help of an ear, nose and throat specialist, they will help you to understand and read the graph. The graph comprises a Y-axis and an X-axis, where the Y-axis represents the sound’s intensity, measured in decibels, reaching your ears. These decibel measurements span a range of up to 110, with softer sounds like whispering registering in lower decibels and louder noises such as a chainsaw being represented in higher decibels.

The other axis that you can measure is the X-axis. This will measure the frequency and pitch of any sound that you are hearing. These numbers run higher than on the Y-axis and they may go up to 8,000 and they are usually measured in what is known as hertz.

The graph of your audio file is easily interpreted especially when you are able to understand with the help of your ENT. Your ENT will tell you which decibels constitute normal hearing and which points to hearing loss. However, normal hearing should be about in the zero to 20 decibel range. While mild hearing loss will be another range of 20-40 decibels. If you have a moderate hearing loss you can expect it to be between 40-70 decibels. If you have severe hearing loss your test will read between 70-90 decibels and if you have a profound hearing loss it will measure anywhere from 100-120 decibels.

How the Audiometer Produces the Report

The audiometer delivers highly accurate results by employing various tests designed to assess different aspects of hearing. It measures various types of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss, indicating issues within the external and middle ear that affect hearing. Another type it measures is sensorineural hearing loss, indicating compromised function within the inner ear. These precise measurements aid in diagnosing specific types of hearing loss, enabling tailored treatment plans to address individual needs effectively. There may also be mixed hearing loss as well which means that conductive and sensorineural hearing loss are both present.

How Does Hearing Loss Happen?

Hearing loss can arise from various causes, with prolonged exposure to loud noise being a primary factor. While attending concerts can be enjoyable, taking precautions to safeguard your hearing is essential. Positioning oneself farther from the stage might not offer the same excitement, but it can significantly protect your hearing. Additionally, listening to loud music on devices like phones or televisions poses risks to your hearing health.

Infections in the ears or age-related changes are other prevalent reasons for hearing loss. Ear infections can contribute to hearing issues, while aging often leads to a natural decline in hearing acuity compared to younger years. Understanding these diverse causes is crucial in taking proactive steps to preserve and protect one’s hearing abilities.

Treatments

ENT specialists offer various treatments tailored to address different types and causes of hearing loss. For conductive hearing loss, caused by issues in the outer or middle ear, treatments may involve removing earwax blockages, treating infections with antibiotics. Sensorineural hearing loss, stemming from inner ear or nerve damage, might be managed with hearing aids to improve hearing. ENT specialists can also provide rehabilitative services such as auditory training or counseling to assist individuals in adapting to their hearing loss and enhancing communication skills. In some cases, when appropriate, they may recommend specific medications or therapies to alleviate certain types of hearing loss or prevent further loss.

If you want to learn more about your hearing or about what to expect at a hearing test contacting Vero ENT Associates. Call us today at (772) 408-9556.