Hearing plays a very vital role in how we connect with the world around us. From hearing the voices of your dear ones to enjoying your favorite music, sound enhances your lives in countless ways. But what happens if those sounds you hear become distorted? There comes the effectiveness of opting for an audiometry test. It is a primary diagnosis tool that audiologists use to assess the hearing ability of an individual
However, getting the test done is only a part of discovering the underlying condition. The main part lies in interpreting the test. Now you must be wondering how audiometry tests are interpreted. Read this blog to learn in detail.
What is an Audiometry Test?
Audiometry is a painless and non-invasive test that measures an individual’s ability to hear different sounds, pitches, and frequencies. This test usually includes pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and times tympanometry or acoustic reflex tests to get a more precise picture.
Audiometry test is typically conducted in a soundproof room using headphones and an audiometer device. The person who undergoes this test listens to tones at different pitches and frequencies. With the help of the responses received, a graph called an audiogram is created.
Reading the Audiogram: A Visual of an Individual’s Hearing
An audiogram is the visual output of the audiometry test. This audiogram is essential for interpreting the results. Here is an interpretation of an audiogram.
- Horizontal axis (x-axis): Frequency (pitch), typically from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. Lower frequencies (deep sounds) are on the left, and higher frequencies (like birds chirping) are on the right
- Vertical axis (y-axis): Intensity (volume) in decibels. The higher up the dot, the better a person’s hearing at that frequency. A reading at 0 dB means you can hear that frequency at normal volume
Symbols on the chart:
- O (usually red): Right ear air conduction
- X (usually blue): Left ear air conduction
- Brackets [ ] may be used to represent bone conduction results.
What Do the Numbers Mean in an Audiometry Test?
Normal hearing should stay in the range of 0 to 25 dB across all frequencies. Audiologists interpret hearing levels as the following:
- Normal hearing: 0–25 dB
- Mild hearing loss: 26–40 dB
- Moderate hearing loss: 41–55 dB
- Moderately severe hearing loss: 56–70 dB
- Severe hearing loss: 71–90 dB
- Profound hearing loss: 91+ dB
If your audiogram shows a consistent dip to 50 dB at most frequencies, you might be diagnosed with moderate hearing loss.
Different Types of Hearing Loss
Interpretation of audiometry is not only associated with volume and pitch, it also identifies the origin of hearing loss. Here are the common types of hearing loss:
Conductive Hearing Loss
In this hearing loss, sound is not efficiently conducted through the outer or middle ear. Audiograms show a gap between air conduction and bone conduction thresholds.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Here, air and bone conduction thresholds are equally affected.
Mixed Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing issues.
Understanding the type of hearing loss is essential for proceeding with the right treatment such as hearing aids, medical therapy, or even surgery.
The Role of Speech Testing in Audiometry
Speech testing is one essential element of conducting audiometry on a person. Speech audiometry helps in understanding how well the person undergoing this test can understand words. This test assesses speech recognition thresholds and the ability for speech discrimination.
Why is it So Important to Interpret Audiometry Tests?
Audiometry interpretation is not only about plotting dots on a chart, it is about understanding how hearing loss can affect a person’s everyday life. This interpretation helps audiologists offer personalized treatment on the basis of their unique requirements, improving their overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Audiometry is a test that audiologists use to learn if a person has hearing loss and offer an appropriate solution accordingly. If you are experiencing hearing issues and looking to visit the Best Audiometry Test Centre in Kolkata, you do not have to look further than Happy Ears. We are a reputed and reliable hearing clinic offering thorough diagnosis for hearing issues and providing appropriate solutions. Connect with us today for fixing an appointment.
