Category: Prevention

How to Read an Audiogram: An Audiologist’s Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Dr. SM Tarique Najeeb

Written by- Dr. S.M. Tarique Najeeb

An audiogram is a graph that shows how well you hear different sounds. During a hearing test, you wear headphones and listen to beeps of different pitches and volumes, raising your hand when you hear them. The test measures sounds from 0 to 120 decibels and frequencies from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz, which cover most everyday sounds.

Hearing loss affects over 466 million people worldwide, and audiograms help detect it early. Sounds you can’t hear at normal levels indicate the type and severity of hearing loss, helping doctors decide the right care or hearing aids for you.

Audiogram Insights: Know Your Hearing

An audiogram is essentially a graph showing a series of O’s (for right ear) and X’s (for left ear). The graph consists of values for different frequencies on the X-axis and volumes on the Y-axis. As you move from left to right on the chart, the frequencies increase from low-pitched to high pitched, while running from top to bottom, the volume of the sound amplifies. The position of O’s and X’s indicate the softest sounds heard by varying the frequencies. This is known as one’s hearing threshold. 

Hearing Loss Levels: Complete Guide

Hearing Loss LevelHearing Threshold (Decibels)What You Can HearWhat’s Difficult to HearTreatment Needed
Normal Hearing-10 to 15 dBAll everyday sounds clearlyNoneNo treatment needed
Slight Hearing Loss20 to 25 dBMost soundsVery soft sounds, whispersMay not need hearing aids
Mild Hearing Loss26 to 40 dBLouder conversationsSoft speech, distant soundsHearing aids recommended
Moderate Hearing Loss40 to 55 dBLoud speech onlyNormal conversations, TV at normal volumeHearing aids necessary
Moderately-Severe Hearing Loss56 to 70 dBVery loud soundsMost speech without amplificationHearing aids required
Severe Hearing Loss71 to 90 dBOnly very loud soundsAlmost all speech and environmental soundsPowerful hearing aids needed
Profound Hearing LossAbove 90 dBAlmost nothingCannot hear speech or most soundsPowerful hearing aids or cochlear implants

How to Read an Audiogram

On an audiogram, you’ll see O’s and X’s. These symbols show how well a person hears different sounds. If the symbol is lower on the chart, it means the person needs louder sounds to hear that frequency—they have more hearing loss at that pitch.

Hearing loss is usually grouped into mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Most people with hearing loss have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, like birds chirping, women’s voices, or some consonants like F, K, TH, and S. Vowel sounds (A, E, I, O, U) are lower-pitched and easier to hear. People with hearing loss may miss certain consonants, which makes it hard to understand words like cat, show, or throw.

Here are some key measurements from an audiogram:

  • Speech Reception Threshold (SRT): The softest level at which someone can hear and understand speech 50% of the time.
  • Speech Discrimination: How many single-syllable words a person can correctly repeat at a louder volume (usually 30 dB above SRT).
  • Word Recognition Score: The percentage of words a person can recognize at their hearing level.
  • Acoustic Reflex: Checks how the ear muscles react to very loud sounds.
  • Tympanometry: Measures how the eardrum moves with air pressure.
    • Type A: Normal eardrum movement
    • Type B: Limited movement, possible damage
    • Type C: Negative pressure in the ear

These tests help doctors understand which sounds a person can hear and which they have trouble with, so they can decide the best treatment or hearing aids.

Hearing Loss Levels: Mild, Moderate, and Severe Explained

Patients are often curious about the ‘percentage’ of their hearing loss. However, there is no specific formula that can convert the logarithmic dB values to a meaningful hearing loss percentage. Normal hearing range is defined as hearing threshold of -10 to 15 decibels at all frequencies. Given below are the definitions pertaining to various degrees of hearing loss experienced by patients:

  1. Slight Hearing Loss: Hearing threshold in the range of 20 to 25 dB.
  2. Mild Hearing Loss: Hearing threshold in the range of 26 to 40 dB.
  3. Moderate Hearing Loss: Hearing threshold in the range of 40-55 dB.
  4. Moderately-severe Hearing Loss: Hearing threshold in the range of 56-70 dB.
  5. Severe Hearing Loss: Hearing threshold in the range of 71-90 dB.
  6. Profound Hearing Loss: Hearing threshold above 90 dB.

Before coming to any conclusion, it is important to visit a local audiologist like SoundX for a thorough hearing examination

About Online Hearing Tests

The internet is replete with free online hearing tests which promise to provide a thorough examination of one’s hearing abilities. However, they can only help you gauge slightly into your hearing health, and are not a substitute of professional hearing tests run by audiologists or hearing care specialists. In order to get your condition diagnosed and treated properly, you need to see a professional who would not only run detailed hearing tests, but also perform a physical assessment of the ear canal. In some cases, hearing loss is reversible, and can be cured easily, like in the case of excessive build-up of earwax. The earwax might be the only reason for the inaccurate results you might obtain from an online hearing evaluation. Therefore, before coming to any conclusion, it is important that you visit a local audiologist and request for a thorough hearing examination. 

Bottom Line: Audiogram Insights

An audiogram is a very useful tool to check how well you hear. It’s a graph that shows the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches.

  • If the O’s and X’s are near the top of the chart, your hearing is likely fine.
  • If the symbols are lower, it could mean hearing loss.

Audiograms help your doctor understand the type and level of hearing loss. This way, they can suggest the right treatment, like a hearing aid. Many experts recommend custom hearing aids after looking at your audiogram so it fits your needs perfectly. The type of hearing aid may also depend on your lifestyle—whether you stay mostly indoors or spend time in noisy places.

Hearing loss can make everyday life harder, but a hearing aid can help make sounds louder and clearer. Remember, hearing aids cannot completely fix hearing loss, but they can help you hear better every day. With patience and regular use, your hearing can improve, making life easier and more enjoyable.

The type of hearing aid may also depend on your lifestyle—whether you stay mostly indoors or use travel-ready hearing aids in noisy places

FAQ

1. What is an audiogram?
An audiogram is a graph that shows how well you hear different sounds at different pitches and volumes.

2. What do the O’s and X’s on an audiogram mean?
O’s are for the right ear and X’s are for the left ear. Their position shows the softest sounds you can hear.

3. What do the top and bottom positions on an audiogram mean?
Symbols at the top mean your hearing is normal. Symbols lower down mean you need louder sounds to hear, which shows hearing loss.

4. What are the types of hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be slight, mild, moderate, moderately-severe, severe, or profound, depending on how soft a sound you can hear.

5. Can audiograms tell how bad my hearing loss is?
Yes! They show which sounds you can and cannot hear, helping doctors decide the right treatment.

6. What tests are part of an audiogram?
Some tests include Speech Reception Threshold, Speech Discrimination, Word Recognition, Acoustic Reflex, and Tympanometry.

7. Can online hearing tests replace a real audiogram?
No. Online tests can only give an idea of your hearing. A professional audiologist is needed for a proper test and treatment.

8. Can hearing aids fix hearing loss completely?
No. Hearing aids make sounds louder and clearer but cannot fully restore hearing. They help you hear better every day

Dr S.M. Tarique Audiologist says:

Don’t fall for the myths! Stay tuned to learn everything about ear care and protect your hearing health.

Visit Profile- Dr. S.M. Tarique Najeeb

All Hearing Aid Tests You Must Know Before Choosing One

Posted on by Dr. SM Tarique Najeeb

Written by- Dr. S.M. Tarique Najeeb

There are 7 main types of hearing tests that audiologists use, depending on your age and symptoms. These tests help them figure out exactly how well your ears are working and what kind of help you might need. Knowing about these tests beforehand makes the process easier and less scary. By understanding what to expect, you can confidently book your hearing check and take the first step toward better hearing.

Over 1.5 billion people worldwide experience some form of hearing loss, with 430 million of them requiring rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss, World Health Organization. By 2050, it’s projected that over 700 million people will have disabling hearing loss from the World Health Organization. Early detection through hearing tests can help prevent further issues and improve quality of life.

7 Types of Hearing Tests You Need to Know

1) Audiometry:

This test checks how well you hear different sounds, from very low to very high pitches. You wear headphones, and every time you hear a beep, you raise your hand or press a button. The results are shown on a graph called an audiogram, which helps the audiologist see what sounds you can and cannot hear.

2) Speech Testing:

This test checks how well you understand words and speech at different volumes. Sometimes it’s done in a quiet room, and sometimes in a noisy one to mimic real life. The results help the audiologist decide if you need a hearing aid or another device.

3) Tympanometry:

This test looks at how your eardrum moves. It can find fluid, wax buildup, or damage in your middle ear. A small probe goes into your ear, and different sounds and pressures are tested. The results are shown on a graph called a tympanogram.

4) Acoustic Reflex Measures and Static Acoustic Measures:

This test checks how well the muscles in your ear work, especially in children under 5. Loud sounds are played, and the audiologist sees if your ear responds. If the ear needs louder sounds to react, it may show hearing damage.

5) Electrocochleography (ECOG):

ECOG measures how your inner ear (cochlea) reacts to sound. Earphones play sounds, and electrodes on your forehead pick up responses. This test can detect certain conditions like Meniere’s disease.

6) Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR):

This test checks how fast sounds travel from your ear to your brain. It’s often done on babies or young kids. Earphones and small electrodes are placed near the ears and forehead. Sometimes kids need to sleep or get light sedation.

7) Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs):

OAEs check if your inner ear hair cells are working. A small probe in your ear measures tiny sounds your ear makes when it hears noise. If your ear doesn’t make these sounds, it could mean hearing loss.

Hearing Loss Tests Compared: Find the Right One Fast

Test NameWhat It ChecksHow It WorksBest ForWhat It Detects
AudiometryHow well you hear different sound pitches (low to high)Wear headphones and raise hand or press button when you hear beepsAll agesHearing loss at different frequencies; results shown on audiogram
Speech TestingHow well you understand words and speech at different volumesListen to words in quiet and noisy environmentsPeople with communication difficultiesSpeech comprehension issues; helps decide if hearing aid is needed
TympanometryHow your eardrum movesSmall probe in ear tests eardrum with sounds and pressure changesMiddle ear problemsFluid, earwax buildup, or eardrum damage; results shown on tympanogram
Acoustic Reflex & Static Acoustic MeasuresHow well ear muscles work when exposed to loud soundsLoud sounds played to check if ear muscles respond properlyChildren under 5 years oldHearing damage if ear needs louder sounds to react
Electrocochleography (ECOG)How inner ear (cochlea) reacts to soundEarphones play sounds while electrodes on forehead measure responsesInner ear disordersConditions like Meniere’s disease
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)How fast sounds travel from ear to brainEarphones and electrodes placed near ears and forehead; may require sleep or light sedationBabies and young childrenBrain’s response to sound; nerve pathway issues
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)If inner ear hair cells are working properlySmall probe in ear measures tiny sounds your ear makes when hearing noiseNewborn screening and early detectionInner ear damage; no sound emission means possible hearing loss

Final Notes:

Hearing tests are safe and usually need no special preparation. Most people take two or more tests to get an accurate result. After the tests, your audiologist will suggest the best treatment, like therapy, a hearing aid, or sometimes surgery.

If you want a clear and comfortable hearing test experience, visit SoundX. Their experts use modern tools to check your hearing and help you find the right hearing aid for your needs. With SoundX, hearing better becomes simple, easy, and worry-free!

FAQ

1. What is an audiometry test?
 Audiometry checks how well you hear different sounds, from low to high. You wear headphones and raise your hand or press a button when you hear beeps.

2. What does a speech test do?
 A speech test shows how well you understand words in quiet or noisy places. It helps find speech comprehension problems and if you might need a hearing aid.

3. What is tympanometry for?
 Tympanometry checks how your eardrum moves. A small probe in your ear tests for fluid, wax buildup, or eardrum problems.

4. What are acoustic reflex tests?
 These tests see if your ear muscles respond correctly to loud sounds. They are usually done for young children under 5.

5. What is Electrocochleography (ECOG)?
 ECOG checks how your inner ear (cochlea) reacts to sound. Electrodes on your head measure responses to sounds in your ears.

6. What does an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test show?
 ABR shows how fast sound travels from your ear to your brain. It’s mostly for babies and young kids, and sometimes they may need to sleep during the test.

7. What are Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)?
 OAEs test if your inner ear hair cells are working properly. A small probe in the ear measures tiny sounds your ear makes when hearing noise.

8. Do I need to prepare for a hearing test?
 No special preparation is needed. Most people do two or more tests to get accurate results. Your audiologist will then suggest the best treatment.

Dr S.M. Tarique Audiologist says:

Your hearing can reveal what’s happening inside your body. Your ears hear more than sound; they reflect your body’s overall health.

Visit Profile- Dr. S.M. Tarique Najeeb