By being aware of your hearing test results prior to buying a hearing aid, you will be able to select a hearing aid according to your capabilities rather than picking one on account of its low price or fashionable appearance with additional gadgets.
Your ability to hear sounds of various frequencies, the volume level of hearing, and clarity of speech is usually measured through a hearing test. The key chart that provides information about this is known as an audiogram. Pitch is represented by Hz along the line, while dB HL is used to represent hearing ability on the vertical axis. These pieces of information will assist you in communicating with the audiologist regarding the type of hearing aid, its power, its technology, and fitting.
What Is an Audiogram?
An audiogram refers to the graph that is employed to show the outcome of the pure tone hearing test. In this regard, the horizontal axis will show the frequency in hertz, while the vertical axis will show the hearing level in decibels. Usually, the outcomes of testing on both ears are shown separately in order to be able to identify any difference.
Though an audiogram may seem confusing at first glance, the main idea is quite simple. The further the frequencies move to the left, the more low-pitched they become, and vice versa. Therefore, the position of hearing thresholds will indicate what level of loudness is required for detection of the sounds.
How Do You Read the Frequency Axis?
The horizontal axis of your audiogram shows frequency in Hz. Common test frequencies include 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, although the exact frequencies tested can vary.
Lower frequencies are associated with deeper or lower-pitched sounds, while higher frequencies represent higher-pitched sounds. Speech contains a broad range of frequencies, so hearing loss at different parts of the audiogram can affect communication in different ways. For example, reduced sensitivity at higher frequencies can make some high-pitched speech sounds more difficult to hear clearly.
What Do the Decibel Numbers Mean?
The vertical axis shows hearing level in decibels, usually written as dB HL. Unlike an ordinary volume scale, the numbers on an audiogram represent the level of hearing sensitivity relative to a reference standard. A threshold that appears farther down the audiogram indicates that a louder sound was needed for the person to detect it.
This is an important point when looking at Hearing Test Results. A higher number on the hearing-loss scale does not mean that you have better hearing. In general, as the pure-tone average increases, hearing ability decreases. NIDCD notes that adult speech-frequency pure-tone averages of 25 dB HL or less are generally considered within the normal range, although interpretation depends on the complete assessment and individual circumstances.
What Do the Symbols on the Audiogram Mean?
Your audiogram may contain different symbols representing the results from each ear and different testing methods. Air-conduction testing typically uses earphones or inserts, while bone-conduction testing uses a vibrator placed against the skull to assess how sound reaches the inner ear.
The symbols can differ depending on the testing method and whether masking was used. Therefore, it is better not to interpret an unfamiliar symbol based on its appearance alone. The audiogram should include an explanation or legend for the symbols used.
Why Are Both Ears Tested Separately?
Your right and left ears can have different hearing thresholds. Looking at both sides of the audiogram helps show whether hearing loss is relatively similar between the ears or whether there is a noticeable difference.
This matters when buying hearing aids because the hearing-aid recommendation may need to account for each ear individually. A comprehensive audiologic assessment provides ear-specific information that can be used when considering amplification.
If one ear shows substantially poorer hearing than the other, ask the hearing professional to explain what that difference means for your hearing-aid options rather than assuming that the same settings will work equally well for both ears.
What Is Pure-Tone Average?
You may see a measurement called PTA, or pure-tone average, on your report. It summarizes hearing thresholds at selected frequencies. One traditional speech-frequency calculation uses 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, although other formulas may include additional frequencies such as 3000 or 4000 Hz.
The PTA can provide a useful summary, but it should not be treated as the complete picture of your hearing. Two people with similar averages can have different audiogram shapes and different real-world communication difficulties. Looking at the individual frequencies and speech-testing results provides additional information.
What Does Speech Testing Tell You?
A hearing test may include speech audiometry in addition to pure-tone testing. Speech recognition threshold, or SRT, measures the lowest hearing level at which a person can recognize speech material at a defined criterion. Word recognition testing measures how accurately words are understood and is expressed as a percentage.
These results can be especially relevant when discussing hearing aids because detecting a sound and understanding what someone says are not exactly the same thing. If your report includes a word recognition score, ask the audiologist to explain what it means in relation to your overall hearing and communication needs.
What Does the Shape of the Audiogram Tell You?
The overall pattern of your thresholds can be just as important as individual numbers. Some people have relatively similar hearing sensitivity across frequencies, while others have greater difficulty with high-frequency or low-frequency sounds.
A downward pattern toward the higher frequencies, for example, can indicate that high-pitched sounds require greater amplification than lower-pitched sounds. A more unusual pattern may require a different interpretation. Your audiologist can explain how the shape of your particular audiogram relates to the sounds you find difficult to understand.
How Do Hearing Test Results Affect Hearing Aid Selection?
Your Hearing Test Results can influence several aspects of hearing aid selection, including the amount of amplification required, receiver or power requirements, style, and programming. A hearing professional uses the hearing assessment alongside your communication needs and other information to determine an appropriate amplification strategy.
This is why buying a hearing aid solely because it has advanced technology or a high number of features can be misleading. The device needs to provide appropriate amplification for your hearing profile while also fitting comfortably into your daily routine.
What Should You Ask Before Buying a Hearing Aid?
Before purchasing, ask the hearing professional to explain your audiogram in plain language. Ask which frequencies show the greatest hearing difficulty, whether the loss is similar in both ears, what your speech-testing results indicate, and what level of amplification is appropriate.
You can also ask why a particular hearing-aid style or receiver has been recommended. If you spend a lot of time in restaurants, meetings, outdoor environments, or group conversations, explain those situations because your lifestyle can influence the features and technology that are useful to you.
Can You Choose a Hearing Aid From the Audiogram Alone?
An audiogram is an important part of the decision, but it should not be the only factor. A comprehensive hearing assessment can include case history, otoscopy, pure-tone testing, speech testing, and other procedures when indicated. The purpose is not only to measure hearing sensitivity but also to understand how the hearing difficulty affects communication and daily life.
This means two people with similar-looking audiograms may still have different hearing-aid preferences or fitting requirements. Comfort, dexterity, lifestyle, smartphone use, listening environments, cosmetic preferences, and budget can all influence the final choice.
When Should You Get Your Hearing Test Explained Again?
If you do not understand your report, ask for an explanation before purchasing. You should be able to identify which ear has greater hearing difficulty, understand the general pattern of your hearing loss, and know why a particular hearing-aid recommendation has been made.
If your hearing changes suddenly rather than gradually, that is different from routine hearing-aid purchasing and requires prompt medical evaluation. NIDCD notes that sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be assessed quickly with pure-tone audiometry.
Final Thoughts
Reading your Hearing Test Results can make the hearing-aid buying process much clearer. Start with the audiogram, understand the frequency and decibel axes, compare the results for both ears, review your speech-testing information, and ask how the findings affect the recommended hearing-aid style and amplification. The goal is not to become an audiologist but to understand enough of your report to make an informed purchase. Buy Hearing Aid can help you explore hearing-aid options while keeping your hearing profile, lifestyle, technology requirements, and long-term support needs in mind.
