If you’ve recently taken a hearing test, you may have received a chart called an audiogram. At first glance, it might look confusing—but it’s actually a powerful tool that helps you and your audiologist understand your hearing health.
In this blog, we’ll explain what an audiogram is, how to read it, and how it can guide you on your journey toward better hearing.
What Is an Audiogram and Why Is It Important?
An audiogram is a visual chart that shows the results of your hearing test. It helps identify:
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Which sounds you can hear clearly
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Which sounds you may be missing
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What kind and degree of hearing loss you have
Understanding your audiogram empowers you to make informed decisions about your hearing aids, lifestyle, and long-term hearing care.
How Is an Audiogram Measured?
During your hearing test, the audiologist plays sounds at different frequencies (pitches) and intensities (loudness levels) through headphones. The softest sounds you can hear 50% of the time are marked on the audiogram—this is called your hearing threshold.
Here’s how to read the chart:
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X-axis (horizontal) – Shows frequencies in Hertz (Hz), ranging from 125 Hz (low pitch, like thunder) to 8000 Hz (high pitch, like birds chirping).
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Y-axis (vertical) – Shows loudness in decibels (dB), from -10 dB (very soft) to 110 dB (very loud).
The marks on the chart show your hearing ability at each frequency.
How to Read Audiogram Results
Each ear is marked differently on the chart:
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O = Right ear
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X = Left ear
If bone conduction testing is done, you may also see:
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< = Right ear (bone conduction)
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> = Left ear (bone conduction)
The higher the marks on the chart (closer to the top), the better your hearing.
The lower the marks (further down), the greater the hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Levels Explained
| dB Range | Hearing Level |
|---|---|
| -10 to 25 dB | Normal hearing |
| 26 to 40 dB | Mild hearing loss |
| 41 to 55 dB | Moderate hearing loss |
| 56 to 70 dB | Moderately severe hearing loss |
| 71 to 90 dB | Severe hearing loss |
| 91+ dB | Profound hearing loss |
These ranges help determine whether you might benefit from hearing aids and what type would be most effective.
What Is a Word Recognition Score (WRS)?
Your Word Recognition Score measures how well you understand speech.
During this test, you’ll repeat a list of words played at a comfortable loudness level. The score (in percentage) shows how clearly you understand speech—an important factor when adjusting hearing aids.
What Is a Speech-in-Noise (SIN) Test?
Many people with hearing loss struggle most in noisy places. The Speech-in-Noise Test checks how well you can hear and understand speech when there’s background noise. This helps your audiologist recommend hearing aids that reduce noise and enhance speech clarity in real-world situations.
How Does an Audiogram Help with Hearing Aids?
Your audiogram is the foundation for customizing your hearing aid fitting.
For example, if your hearing is normal in low frequencies (250 Hz) but weak in higher ones (2000 Hz), your hearing aids will amplify only the high frequencies. This ensures clear, comfortable sound without making everything too loud.
At VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, our audiologists use these precise readings to program your hearing aids for maximum comfort and performance.
Can You Take a Hearing Test at Home?
Yes! While a full audiogram from an audiologist gives the most accurate results, you can take a free online hearing screening from home to get a quick idea of your hearing health.
However, for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan, we always recommend a professional hearing test at VR Speech and Hearing Clinic.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Hearing
Now that you understand what an audiogram is and how to read it, you’re one step closer to improving your hearing.
Whether you’re planning your first hearing test or need help interpreting your results, our experts at VR Speech and Hearing Clinic are here to guide you every step of the way.
đź“Ť Visit us at:
Pune | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Ahmednagar
đź“ž Call: 9112717179
đź‘‚ Your journey to clearer hearing starts here.