If you have noticed a decline in your hearing compared to previous years, you might be experiencing hearing loss. To confirm or rule out hearing loss, a professional evaluation from a hearing care professional that measures the range and sensitivity of your hearing might be necessary. This test is known as Audiometry.
In this article, we will explain in detail what an audiometry test is and how to interpret its results, known as an audiogram. We will also explore other hearing tests, providing a comprehensive way to check your hearing.
To check your hearing, start by booking a visit with a GP (general practitioner) or a hearing care professional. These professionals can help you with any questions about hearing loss and guide you through the hearing evaluation process.
Remember, early detection of hearing loss is crucial to its treatment. With an accurate diagnosis, doctors can provide interventions to improve your hearing. Learning about hearing tests is an excellent first step towards better hearing and a better life.
Audiometry is the most common test for diagnosing hearing loss. It shows how well you can hear different sounds and is performed for each ear separately.
Audiometry is a simple and painless test. You will listen for sounds for a few minutes and share with the hearing care professional what sounds you can hear.
One benefit is you receive your test results at the end of your visit, meaning they are ready immediately after the end of your test session.
The green curve represents normal hearing as it contains below the 25 dB threshold. The red curve represents moderate-severe hearing loss with a focus on high frequencies.
The result of audiometry is called an audiogram. The audiogram is a two-axis chart that shows how well you can hear different sounds. On the horizontal line, you will find different pitches or frequencies of sounds, measured in units called Hertz (Hz). Lower pitches are on the left, and higher pitches are on the right.
On the vertical line, there are different volumes of sounds measured in units called decibels (dB). Softer sounds are at the top, and louder sounds are at the bottom. The further down the markings on the audiogram, the harder it is for the person to hear.
The audiogram can show if you have hearing loss and how severe it is. There are four levels of hearing loss:
For example, if the markings on your audiogram are primarily in the 25–40 dB range, you might have mild hearing loss. This range could mean you need help hearing soft sounds or understanding people when there's a lot of noise around. But if the markings are in the 81 dB or above range, you might have profound hearing loss. That means you might only be able to hear very loud sounds or no sounds at all.
An audiogram is not the only way to evaluate hearing. It only allows you to learn about the current condition of your hearing. To diagnose your hearing loss type or causes, you may benefit from one or more of the following:
Hearing care professionals will use these tests to determine how to help you. Usually, you will then receive a treatment proposal to solve the causes or choose a hearing aid, which can greatly improve your ability to hear sounds and aid communication.
If you have noticed that your hearing is declining, we recommend you visit a hearing care professional who will evaluate your hearing with one of the tests described above.
Remember, taking care of your hearing is as important as taking care of any other body part. If you are having trouble hearing, get help immediately. The sooner a hearing problem is found, the sooner something can be done to help you so you can live a full and happy life.
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