Understanding Your Hearing Test: Frequencies, Decibels and More

Hearing tests are essential for determining whether you have hearing loss and to what degree. This evaluation can help audiologists prescribe the right treatment for your specific case, allowing you to return to your everyday life. However, hearing tests may be difficult to decipher, especially if it is your first time. Here is a guide to help you understand your hearing test to make a more informed decision.

What are the Components of an Audiogram?

An audiogram is a graph that reveals the softest sounds an individual can perceive at different frequencies or pitches. Admittedly, every person can hear sounds at different degrees, and an audiogram can accurately determine yours, including those you have challenges with. You should also note that this test is produced using an audiometer, which allows various sound waves to be given to you over calibrated headphones at certain levels. An audiogram features some components, including threshold, decibels, frequency and more.

Threshold

In every hearing test, your audiologist will plot your hearing threshold, the level at which your ears can’t detect sound. The standard is zero decibels for adults. On the other hand, threshold shifts refer to an increase in the hearing threshold of a specific sound frequency. When this happens, your hearing sensitivity decreases, making it challenging to detect soft sounds.

Decibels (dBs)

Individuals’ ears can pick up sounds with low or high-pressure waves, making a linear scale less reliable for measuring sound intensity. This is where decibels come in. This is a scale that alerts you of the loudness degree of a sound. It is worth noting that values increase by the powers of 10 on a scale. Therefore, if a sound is 100 decibels, it is louder than a 10-decibel sound. Also, a decibel can increase, which is the smallest sound change an ear can detect. That said, here are some everyday sounds and how loud they are:

• Whispering: 15dBs
• Normal conversations: 60dBs
• Lawnmower: 90dBs
• Audio headset player:105dBs
• Concerts: 120dBs, and so on

Frequency

Frequency is also known as a pitch measured in hertz (Hz). This measurement scale evaluates the intensity of certain tones a person can hear. That said, a healthy human ear can perceive sound frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kilohertz. However, it’s important to note that individuals can hear noises at different frequencies, influenced by health, age, profession and daily routines.

How to Read Your Audiogram

Your audiogram can help you determine if you have high-frequency or low-frequency hearing loss. The frequency is usually placed on top of your test result, with higher frequencies on the right. You may have high-frequency hearing loss if the marks are on the right side of your audiogram. This means that you have challenges hearing high-pitched sounds. This principle also works with low-frequency hearing loss, where the marks will be placed on the top-left side of your audiogram.

Also, your hearing loss can be determined by decibels; the higher the number, the more severe your condition is. This means you can’t hear below the number of decibels on your test. Here is a representation of decibels:

• Normal hearing: zero to 25 decibels
• Mild hearing loss: 20-40 decibels
• Moderate hearing loss: 40-70 decibels
• Severe hearing loss: 70-90 decibels
• Profound hearing loss: Over 90 decibels

Your audio graph will have two axes: vertical and horizontal. The horizontal measures the sound frequency, while the vertical measures the sound intensity, so keep this in mind.

What You Should Expect at Your Hearing Test

Your hearing test should ideally take about thirty minutes, and it is a non-invasive and painless process. Your audiologist will ask you to wear calibrated earphones, allowing you to listen to short tones in different pitches and volumes in one ear at a time. You will also be asked to listen to speeches at different volumes, so keep this in mind. They will be played quietly, and your audiologist requires you to repeat every word you hear. You should also note that your hearing test will be done in a sound-proof room for the best results. After your hearing test, your audiologist will discuss the results with you, and providing a catered treatment plan for your needs.

Get Your Hearing Test Today!

You don’t have to wait until you are experiencing hearing loss before going for a hearing test. You can protect your hearing and live your best life when you hear sounds around you. If you want to learn more about hearing test contact EarTech Audiology. Call us today at (866) 464-1008.