What Is an Audiogram?
The results of your hearing test are shown on a graph called an audiogram. This graph shows which types of sounds you can and cannot hear. The results are shown for each ear to help determine the softest sound you can hear at each specific frequency. The hearing loss may range from none to profound. Hearing aids are prescribed based on the results of your audiogram. A sample audiogram is provided below.
How to read an audiogram
This sample audiogram can help you understand what your own audiogram shows about your hearing loss. On the sample:
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Frequency (tone or pitch) is shown from left to right. As pictured above, a barking dog has a lower frequency than a vacuum cleaner.
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Volume is shown from top to bottom. A chirping bird (top of the graph) is much softer than a lawn mower (near the bottom).
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Conversation sounds are shown inside the dotted line. Most vowel sounds are of lower frequency and louder volume than most consonants.
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Amount of hearing loss is shown in the labels on the right of the graph. Someone with mild hearing loss may only have trouble hearing birds or understanding conversation. A person with profound hearing loss may not even hear a bus go by.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Melinda Murray Ratini DO
Online Medical Reviewer:
Shaziya Allarakha MD
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2025
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