Understanding Your Hearing Test Results

Hearing tests are an essential tool used by audiologists to evaluate the health of your ears and determine the extent of any hearing loss you may be experiencing. Once your test is complete, understanding the results can help you make informed decisions about your hearing health. An audiologist will walk you through the basics of your hearing test results and what they mean for you.

The Basics of a Hearing Test

During your hearing test, an audiologist will conduct a series of assessments to measure how well you hear various sounds. These tests typically include:

• Pure-tone audiometry: This test measures your ability to hear sounds at different pitches and volumes. You’ll wear headphones and indicate when you hear a tone, allowing the audiologist to map out your hearing sensitivity.
• Speech Audiometry: This test evaluates how well you can hear and understand speech. An audiologist will ask you to repeat words or sentences at different volumes to assess your speech recognition ability.
• Tympanometry: This test checks the condition of your middle ear and eardrum by varying air pressure in your ear canal. It helps detect issues like fluid behind the eardrum or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be categorized into three main types, based on which part of the auditory system is affected:

• Conductive hearing loss: This occurs when sound waves are not properly conducted through the outer or middle ear. Common causes include earwax blockage, fluid in the middle ear or damage to the eardrum. Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and may be treatable through removal of the blockage.
• Sensorineural hearing loss: This type of hearing loss is due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve and is typically permanent. It can result from aging, exposure to loud noises or certain medical conditions. Hearing aids are the most common and effective treatment for sensorineural hearing loss.
• Mixed hearing loss: This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, affecting both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.

What Your Results Mean

Your audiologist will explain the specifics of your hearing test results, but here are a few general outcomes you might encounter:

• Normal hearing: If your hearing thresholds fall between zero and 26 decibels (dBs) across all frequencies, your hearing is considered normal.
• Mild-to-moderate hearing loss: Thresholds between 26 and 55dBs indicate mild-to-moderate hearing loss, where you may struggle to hear soft or distant sounds.
• Severe-to-profound hearing loss: Thresholds above 70dBs suggest severe-to-profound hearing loss, where even loud sounds may be difficult to hear without assistance.

Treatment and Management

If your audiologist determines that you have hearing loss, they will discuss potential treatment options. The most common recommendation is hearing aids, which can significantly improve your ability to hear and communicate. Hearing aids come in various styles and technologies, tailored to fit your specific hearing needs.

Understanding your hearing test results is the first step toward addressing any hearing challenges you may face. By working closely with your audiologist and exploring the appropriate treatment options, you can take control of your hearing health and improve your quality of life.