You go to the audiologist for a hearing test. You may be told that you have a mild hearing loss. Or, you may find out that your hearing loss is more severe. This description is referred to as “the degree of hearing loss.” It is based on how loud sounds need to be for you to hear them. Decibels, or dB, describe loudness.

Sep 29, 2023 · In this guide, we explain how to read your hearing test results and interpret an audiogram so you can continue to make informed decisions about your hearing health. Hearing tests are important diagnostic tools, that provide insights into your hearing health.

Jan 8, 2024 · Understanding the results of your hearing test, or audiogram, can help you determine what type of hearing loss and degree of hearing loss you are experiencing.

Jan 28, 2025 · An audiogram is the visual result of an audiometry hearing test administered by an audiologist or other health professional. This test measures potential hearing loss.

Hearing is NOT measured in percentages. Instead, it is measured in an arbitrary unit of loudness called the DECIBEL. The decibel (dB, or dB HL) is a logrithmic scale. Physically, every 6 dB increase represents a doubling of sound pressure level. Perceptually, every 10 dB increase sounds twice as loud.

Jun 4, 2021 · Hearing loss is categorized according to five different degrees, depending on the volume of sounds you can hear. These degrees include: Slight – cannot hear sounds below 15 to 20 dB. Mild – cannot hear sounds below 26 to 40 dB. Moderate – cannot hear sounds below 40 to 69 dB. Severe – cannot hear sounds below 70 to 94 dB.

Jul 1, 2024 · When you have a moderate hearing loss, the quietest sounds you can hear with your better ear are between 41 and 60 dB. Higher volume levels are required for radio and televisions. When you have a severe hearing loss, the quietest sounds you can hear with your better ear are between 61 and 80 dB.

The charts below depict examples of audiograms for different hearing loss levels. The red circles represent the right ear’s hearing and the blue X marks represent the left ear’s hearing.

It shows how well you hear sounds in terms of frequency (high-pitched sounds versus low-pitched sounds) and intensity, or loudness. The audiogram shows results for each ear and tells the audiologist the softest sound you can hear at each specific frequency. Frequency or pitch is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Aug 26, 2024 · In hearing tests, the most common frequency range evaluated is between 250 Hz and 8,000 Hz, which covers the range of human speech. Testing at different frequencies helps determine how well you can hear various pitches, which is crucial for understanding how hearing loss may impact communication.