Explanation of Pure Tone (beeps) Hearing Test Results

Hearing sensitivity is presented on a graph called an audiogram.  This is a sample audiogram.  It is the graph that the audiologist will use to chart hearing thresholds.

Hearing thresholds are the points at which a person can hear the softest stimulus (the beep).  Across the top of the graph are the frequencies (pitches).  Down the side of the graph are the intensity levels (loudness).  A standard hearing test will entail responding in some way (by raising one’s hand, pushing a button, etc.) that indicates the person heard the beep.  The audiologist will then mark the graph -- using o for the right ear and x for the left ear -- at the softest point at which the person heard the beep.

This audiogram is an example of a person who has normal hearing.  The responses for all of the frequencies range between 0 - 20 dB.  This is the normal hearing range and indicates a person can hear all of the frequencies at soft intensity levels.
 
This audiogram has the sounds of the English language marked on it.  The sounds are placed at the frequency (pitch) and intensity (loudness) that they would be heard at a normal conversational level.  By adding the sounds of the English language to the audiogram it will provide a better understanding of the affect hearing loss has on the ability to understand what others are saying.

This audiogram is typical of a person with a mild hearing loss.  The responses fall between 20 --40 dB in loudness.  People with this type of hearing loss may not notice it in quiet situations, but in the presence of any background noise they will begin to have difficulty.  Most of the sounds this person is missing are high-frequency consonant sounds that tend to get "covered up" by the low-frequency background noise.  A hearing aid or other assistive device can help a person with this hearing loss.
 

This audiogram is typical of a person with a moderate hearing loss.  The responses to sound were between 40 -- 60 dB in loudness.  About half of speech sounds at normal conversational levels will be missed.  People with this degree of hearing loss will have difficulty hearing in most listening environments, although not all will be readily able to admit it.  They will be asking people to repeat many things and, if they are not accepting of their situations, they will complain that "nobody speaks clearly anymore." In addition, they will often be tired by day's end from having to exert so much energy listening.

Those who do accept they have a hearing loss in this range and who seek help with either a hearing aid or other assistive devices will do very well with them.  Just a little amplification will go a long way in improving the intelligibility of speech.  In addition, those who seek help will be able to remain more active in professional or extra curricular activities and will not be as fatigued at day's end.

This audiogram is typical of a person with a severe to profound hearing loss.  The person was not able to hear the beeps until they were made louder than 60 dB.  As you can see, someone with this degree of hearing loss does not hear any sounds at normal conversational levels.  This person will definitely be aware of having a hearing loss, as will all those who interact with this individual.
 
Without some type of amplification, this person will not be able to participate in normal conversation unless the people speaking raise their voices a large amount.  In addition, a person with this degree of hearing loss will not be able to hear many household sounds such as the phone ringing or the doorbell.  This person will be most helped by a hearing aid and, in addition, will probably need other devices to supplement the hearing aid.

How do I find a hearing professional in the area?

Most cities have a Speech and Hearing Center and many hospitals and insurance companies have physician and health care professional referral systems.  Look in your local phone book for a Referral Program or call your insurance company.  Make sure the office is close to home and the hours are convenient.  Click here for some national organizations that can help with referrals.


What are the options if I have hearing loss?

A properly fitting and appropriately adjusted hearing aid is the best method to compensate for hearing loss as a result of aging.

Use an amplification or alerting device when using the phone, noisy situations or distance from the sound is a problem.