Our ability to hear connects us with the sounds that shape our daily experiences. If you’ve recently had a hearing test and received an audiogram, you’ll find yourself looking at a visual representation of your hearing health.
The Basics of an Audiogram
An audiogram is a graph that charts your hearing abilities. The horizontal axis represents different frequencies or pitches of sounds, and the vertical axis depicts the intensity or loudness of those sounds. The resulting plot on the graph reveals the softest sounds you can hear across various frequencies.
Understanding Frequency: The Pitch of Sounds
Frequencies are like the keys on a piano, each producing a different pitch. On the left side of the audiogram, you’ll find low frequencies (bass sounds like a drumbeat or thunder), and as you move to the right, you encounter higher frequencies (treble sounds like a bird chirping or a doorbell).
Deciphering Intensity: The Loudness of Sounds
The vertical axis measures intensity in decibels (dB), representing the loudness of sounds. The top of the graph represents louder sounds, while the bottom represents softer ones. The scale typically ranges from -10 dB, which is very soft, to 120 dB, which is extremely loud.
Normal Hearing
If your plot falls within the shaded area marked as “Normal Hearing,” congratulations! This means you can hear a wide range of sounds at different pitches and volumes. While you may have noticed some slight changes in your hearing, you have good hearing and you can enjoy the full range of everyday sounds.
High-Frequency Hearing Loss
If the plot slopes downward as you move from left to right, it indicates a high-frequency hearing loss. This means you may struggle to hear higher-pitched sounds, which can include consonants like “s,” “h,” or “f.” Conversations might be challenging, especially in noisy environments.
Low-Frequency Hearing Loss
Conversely, if the plot slopes upward, it indicates a low-frequency hearing loss. In this case, you may find it difficult to hear lower-pitched sounds, impacting your ability to hear vowels and certain deeper tones. This can affect your enjoyment of music and the richness of certain sounds.
Flat Hearing Loss
If the plot is relatively flat across all frequencies, it suggests a flat hearing loss. This means you may struggle to hear sounds at various pitches and volumes. Conversations, music, and environmental sounds might all be affected.
Profound Hearing Loss
If the plot extends below the “Profound Hearing Loss” line, it indicates significant difficulty hearing even very loud sounds. Communication may be extremely challenging, and you might rely heavily on visual cues and other assistive devices.
Making Sense of the Symbols
On the audiogram, you might also notice symbols like Xs and Os. These represent your left and right ears, respectively. The left side of the graph corresponds to your left ear, and the right side corresponds to your right ear.
Speech Banana: The Heart of Communication
Within the audiogram, you may see an area shaped like a banana called the “Speech Banana.” This region highlights the frequencies and intensities most crucial for understanding speech. If your hearing loss encroaches on the speech banana, it may affect your ability to hear and comprehend conversations.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you’ve received your audiogram and have questions or concerns, ask us more about your hearing loss and hearing needs. Our team is trained to interpret these graphs and can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique hearing profile.
The audiogram is more than just a visual representation; it’s a guide to understanding how hearing loss may impact your life. Recognizing the specific areas where your hearing faces challenges allows you to take proactive steps toward a harmonious future.
Exploring Hearing Solutions
Based on your audiogram, we can recommend appropriate solutions to address your hearing needs. This might include hearing aids tailored to your specific hearing profile or other assistive devices that enhance your ability to hear and engage with the world around you.
Visit Us For Your Next Hearing Test
Hearing health is a dynamic aspect of our overall well-being. Regular check-ups with your hearing health specialist ensure that your hearing needs are addressed. We can recommend hearing aids, make adjustments to your hearing devices, monitor changes in your hearing, and provide ongoing support.