Interpreting Audiogram Results: A Practical Patient Guide

An audiogram plots the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches and forms the core of many auditory assessments. Reading an audiogram helps patients understand patterns of hearing loss, how it may affect speech and daily life, and which follow-up tests or support—such as amplification or balance evaluation—might be appropriate.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What is an audiogram and how does it relate to audiology?

An audiogram is the graphical output of a hearing assessment performed by an audiologist or hearing care professional. Results are plotted with frequency (pitch) on the horizontal axis and hearing level (decibels) on the vertical axis. Clinicians interpret left and right ear responses separately; patterns can suggest conductive issues (outer/middle ear) or sensorineural changes (inner ear and cochlea). Understanding these basics helps patients follow diagnostic conversations and consider appropriate next steps in earhealth and accessibility for communication.

How are auditory thresholds shown on the chart?

Auditory thresholds are the softest levels at which tones are heard at each frequency during screening or diagnostic testing. Each plotted point shows a threshold; connecting them forms the audiogram curve. Flat or sloping curves can indicate the configuration of hearing loss, which affects how well you hear low versus high-frequency sounds—important for recognizing voices or environmental cues. Symbols and notations on the chart note which ear was tested and whether bone conduction was used to isolate cochlea function from outer or middle-ear issues.

What can an audiogram say about tinnitus and cochlea function?

An audiogram does not measure tinnitus directly, but it can reveal cochlear changes commonly associated with tinnitus, such as high-frequency hearing loss. Combined with patient history, the audiogram helps clinicians decide whether further diagnostics—like otoacoustic emissions or imaging—are needed to evaluate cochlea health. For people reporting tinnitus, the audiogram supports differential diagnosis and may guide counseling, sound-based strategies, or monitoring rather than making definitive claims about cause or cure.

How do screening and diagnostic tests differ in practice?

Screening is a quick pass/fail check to identify potential hearing concerns, typically used in primary care, schools, or community programs. Diagnostic testing is more comprehensive and performed in a clinical setting when screening indicates a problem or when symptoms like balance changes occur. Diagnostic batteries can include speech audiometry, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and balance-related assessments to better isolate the site and degree of difference and to inform management options.

How does an audiogram connect to speech, amplification, and balance?

Audiogram results help predict communication challenges by showing which frequencies are affected; high-frequency loss often makes consonants and clarity harder to hear, while low-frequency loss affects fullness of sound. Clinicians combine audiogram data with speech tests to evaluate real-world impact and to select appropriate amplification solutions if needed. Balance symptoms may prompt vestibular testing because the inner ear contributes to both hearing and equilibrium; abnormal patterns on an audiogram can support referral for balance diagnostics.

What accessibility options and follow-up care should patients consider?

After interpreting audiogram findings, discuss practical adjustments and supports: communication strategies, captioning, assistive listening devices, or hearing aids if amplification is advised. Regular monitoring of earhealth, protection from loud noise, and follow-up audiology appointments help track changes. Accessibility considerations—such as improving acoustics in living or workspaces and using visual alerts—can reduce communication barriers. If tests show middle-ear issues or sudden changes, referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be recommended.

In sum, an audiogram is a focused diagnostic tool that, when combined with clinical history and other tests, helps clarify the nature of hearing differences. Understanding the chart’s thresholds, shapes, and notations empowers patients to ask targeted questions about speech impacts, cochlear function, tinnitus, balance concerns, and potential interventions such as amplification or accommodations. Work closely with qualified providers to interpret results within the broader context of earhealth and daily accessibility needs.