How to Read Audiometry Results: Interpret Pure Tone Test

Have you recently undergone a pure tone audiometry test and received your results? Understanding what these results mean can be crucial in managing your hearing health.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to interpret pure tone audiometry test results, helping you make sense of the numbers and graphs to better understand your hearing ability.

What is Pure Tone Audiometry?

Pure tone audiometry is a common test used to assess an individual's hearing ability. During the test, you will be asked to wear headphones and listen to tones at various frequencies and volumes.

Your audiologist will then record your responses to determine the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. The results of this test are presented in an audiogram, which is a graph that displays your hearing thresholds.

Interpreting Pure Tone Audiometry Test Results

Now that you have completed your pure tone audiometry test, it's time to interpret the results.

  • Frequency: The horizontal axis of the audiogram represents different frequencies, measured in Hertz (Hz). The low frequencies are on the left side, while the high frequencies are on the right side.
  • Intensity: The vertical axis of the audiogram represents intensity, measured in decibels (dB). The top of the graph represents loud sounds, while the bottom represents soft sounds.
  • Hearing Thresholds: The points on the audiogram indicate the softest sounds you can hear at each frequency tested. The audiologist will mark these thresholds using symbols such as X for the right ear and O for the left ear.

By looking at these key components of the audiogram, you can gain valuable insights into your hearing ability and identify any areas of concern.

What to Look for in Audiometry Results

When reviewing your audiometry results, there are a few important factors to consider:

  • Normal Hearing: If your thresholds fall within the normal range (0-25 dB), it indicates that your hearing ability is good across all frequencies tested.
  • Mild Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 26-40 dB suggest mild hearing loss, which may affect your ability to hear softer sounds.
  • Moderate Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 41-55 dB indicate moderate hearing loss, which can impact your ability to hear normal conversations.
  • Severe Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 56-70 dB suggest severe hearing loss, which may require the use of hearing aids to improve your hearing.
  • Profound Hearing Loss: Thresholds above 70 dB indicate profound hearing loss, where hearing aids or other interventions may be necessary to communicate effectively.

Understanding where your thresholds fall on the audiogram can help you and your healthcare provider determine the best course of action to address any hearing issues.

Audiometry Test Hearing Loss Diagnosis

In addition to assessing the degree of hearing loss, audiometry results can also help diagnose the type of hearing loss you may be experiencing.

  • Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss can often be treated with medical or surgical interventions.
  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent and may require hearing aids or other assistive devices.
  • Mixed Hearing Loss: Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, affecting both the outer/middle ear and inner ear. Treatment for mixed hearing loss may involve a combination of medical interventions and hearing aids.

By analyzing your audiometry results, your healthcare provider can determine the type of hearing loss you have and recommend appropriate treatment options to improve your hearing.


Pure Tone Audiometry Score Interpretation

The pure tone audiometry score is a summary of your hearing thresholds across different frequencies. By analyzing this score, your healthcare provider can assess the overall health of your hearing and make recommendations for further evaluation or treatment.

The audiogram may also include other important information, such as speech discrimination scores, which measure your ability to understand speech in noisy environments. These scores can provide additional insights into your hearing ability beyond pure tone thresholds.


Conclusion

Interpreting pure tone audiometry test results can provide valuable information about your hearing ability and help guide treatment decisions.

By understanding the key components of the audiogram and what to look for in the results, you can take control of your hearing health and work towards improving your quality of life.

If you have any questions or concerns about your audiometry results, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support. Remember, early detection and intervention are key in managing hearing loss effectively.