Going for a hearing test is the best way to prevent hearing loss, but what exactly is involved with an audiogram and what do the results show?
Audiogram explanation
An audiogram is basically a visual representation of a person’s hearing loss test. During the test, the patient is given different sounds and tones at different pitches to listen to. The results are then plotted on a graph called an audiogram, so it is essentially a chart which maps hearing ability and allows an audiologist to identify any hearing loss and how severe it is.
It is recommended that those over the age of 50 have hearing tests every three years, but it’s important to get tested if you feel your hearing has declined. For anyone looking for a hearing test Bristol, you can speak to audiologists such as imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol.
What does the chart show?
The audiogram records the frequency of sounds in Hz played during the hearing test across the top, with the intensity of sounds recorded down the side in dB and symbols showing what the patient was able to hear and not able to hear. Softer sounds played are shown at the top of the graph, with louder ones at the bottom and pitch shown from low to high going left to right.
The audiologist uses it to identify the type of hearing loss – either sensorineural or conductive -and what sort of hearing device they recommend, bearing in mind how severe it is and how you live your life.
