Hearing Test Results Explained: What Do the Numbers Mean?
A hearing test result is a graph that is related to sudden loudness or soft sounds as they are perceived at different frequencies measured in decibels (dB) and hertz (Hz). Lower dB values indicate better hearing whereas higher values hint towards hearing loss. Understanding its values will further help the audiologist determine the type and severity of hearing loss and its treatment options.
If you’ve just taken a hearing test, received a flashy chart filled with numbers and symbols, and wondered if you’ve joined an elite club of utter confusion, you are not alone. Audiograms can seem confusing to the first-time beholder, but once the meaning of the numbers is understood, they will provide essential insights into your hearing health.
This guide will clarify hearing test results in the simplest of terms for you to feel confident reviewing your audiogram as well as what to do next.
Table of Contents
What Is a Hearing Test?
A hearing test (audiological evaluation) measures how well you hear different sounds, pitches, and speech levels. In the U.S., these tests are typically performed by a licensed audiologist using standardized equipment to ensure accuracy.
The results help identify:
- Whether hearing loss is present
- The severity of hearing loss
- The type of hearing loss
- Potential treatment options
What Is an Audiogram?
An audiogram is a visual graph that displays your hearing test results. It shows:
- Pitch (frequency) on the horizontal axis
- Volume (intensity) on the vertical axis
An audiogram is a visual graph that displays your hearing test results. It shows:
Understanding Hertz (Hz): Pitch Explained
Hertz (Hz) measures sound frequency, or pitch.
Low frequencies (250–500 Hz)
- Thunder
- Vowel sounds
- Deep voices
Mid frequencies (1,000–2,000 Hz):
- Most speech sounds
- Conversations
High frequencies (3,000–8,000 Hz):
- Birds chirping
- Children’s voices
- “S,” “F,” and “TH” sounds
High-frequency hearing loss is one of the most common types, especially with aging and noise exposure.
Understanding Decibels (dB): Loudness Explained
Lower numbers = better hearing
Higher numbers = more hearing loss
Examples:
- 0–20 dB: Whisper
- 40 dB: Quiet office
- 60 dB: Normal conversation
- 90+ dB: Lawnmower or heavy traffic
Normal Hearing Range on a Hearing Test
In the U.S., normal hearing is defined as:
0 to 25 dB across all frequencies
If sounds need to be louder than 25 dB for you to hear them, hearing loss may be present.
Types of Hearing Loss Shown on Test Results
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Most common type
- Caused by inner ear or nerve damage
- Often permanent
- Common with aging and noise exposure
Conductive Hearing Loss
- Involves the outer or middle ear
- Often treatable or reversible
- Caused by earwax, fluid, or infection
Mixed Hearing Loss
- Combination of sensorineural and conductive loss
What Do the X and O Symbols Mean?
On an audiogram:
- O (red) = Right ear air conduction
- X (blue) = Left ear air conduction
Other symbols may represent bone conduction or masked testing.
Bone Conduction vs Air Conduction Results
- Air conduction tests sound through headphones
- Bone conduction bypasses the outer and middle ear
If bone conduction results are better than air conduction, it suggests conductive hearing loss.
Speech Recognition Scores Explained
Speech testing measures how well you understand words at comfortable volume levels.
Results are shown as percentages:
- 90–100%: Excellent
- 75–89%: Good
- 60–74%: Fair
- Below 60%: Poor
Low scores may explain why speech sounds unclear even when it’s loud enough.
Common Hearing Test Abbreviations
- dB HL – Decibels Hearing Level
- Hz – Hertz
- SRT – Speech Reception Threshold
- WRS – Word Recognition Score
- AC – Air Conduction
- BC – Bone Conduction
When Hearing Test Numbers Indicate a Problem
You should consider follow-up care if:
- You struggle to hear speech in noise
- You ask people to repeat themselves often
- TV volume is consistently high
- Speech sounds muffled or unclear
Even mild hearing loss can impact communication, work performance, and cognitive health.
What Happens After You Get Your Results?
Based on your hearing test numbers, an audiologist may recommend:
- Hearing aids
- Medical treatment
- Earwax removal
- Assistive listening devices
- Annual hearing monitoring
Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Conclusion
The ability to interpret hearing test results allows the patient to feel an empowerment with respect to the hearing health they ought to cherish. Those numbers on the audiogram are not data but rather levels which describe to the patient how they hear the world and which ones lead to the best treatment options.
Once again, some form of early intervention would act positively towards improving communication, quality of life, and long-term brain health-in cases when even the mildest of losses are declared.
FAQs
They show the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches, measured in decibels and hertz.
Anything above 25 dB may indicate hearing loss, depending on frequency and speech understanding.
Yes, if the cause is temporary (earwax, infection). Permanent loss usually cannot be reversed but can be treated.
Hearing aids don’t change test results but significantly improve real-world hearing ability.
