Understanding Your Audiogram

At Tailored Hearing, we believe understanding your hearing test results is key to making informed decisions about your hearing health. One of the most important tools we use is an audiogram—a visual chart that shows how well you hear different sounds.

What Is an Audiogram?

An audiogram is a graph that shows the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies (pitch) and intensities (volume). It provides valuable insight into how your ears are hearing and helps determine the type and degree of hearing loss—if any.

Frequency (Pitch)

  • Measured in Hertz (Hz)

  • Think of frequency like the piano: low notes (bass sounds) are on the left, and high notes (whistles, birds chirping) are on the right

  • Common frequencies tested: 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz

Intensity (Loudness)

  • Measured in decibels (dB)

  • The top of the chart shows very soft sounds (0 dB), while the bottom shows very loud ones (up to 120 dB)

  • Each mark on your audiogram shows the quietest level at which you could hear a sound at a certain pitch

Right Ear vs. Left Ear

  • Right ear results: marked with O or a triangle (using headphones)

  • Left ear results: marked with X or a square

  • These marks show how well each ear hears through air conduction (sound traveling through the ear canal)

Bone Conduction & Sound Field Testing

  • Sometimes we test your hearing using small vibrating devices placed behind your ear—this is bone conduction

    • Right ear: marked with < or [

    • Left ear: marked with > or ]

  • “S” means testing was done in a sound field using speakers, often when both ears are tested together or when headphones aren’t used

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Based on your results, hearing can be classified into different levels:

  • Normal: 0 to 15 dB

  • Mild: 26–40 dB

  • Moderate: 41–55 dB

  • Moderately Severe: 56–70 dB

  • Severe: 71–90 dB

  • Profound: 91+ dB

Your audiogram will show at what levels you begin to miss sounds at certain frequencies.

What About Speech Testing?

We also test how well you understand spoken words in a quiet setting. You’ll hear words through headphones and repeat them. Your score shows the percentage of words you correctly recognized—this helps us understand how clearly you hear speech, not just sounds.

Have Questions About Hearing Aids?

If you’re reviewing your audiogram and wondering if hearing aids might help, you’re not alone. Many people have questions—and we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through your results and explain whether hearing aids or other options might be right for you.

Ready to Learn More?

At Tailored Hearing, we don’t just hand you a chart—we help you understand what it means for your daily life. Our personalized care ensures that every patient receives the right support, devices, and education for better hearing.

Contact us today to schedule your hearing test and get a personalized explanation of your results.

¹ Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine. Understanding Your Audiogram