Have you recently noticed changes to your hearing? If so, then it’s possible that you are experiencing a form of hearing loss. Many people assume that hearing loss only impacts those of a certain age and this is not the case.

The reality is that hearing loss can impact you at any age and your hearing can change for a variety of reasons. If you notice a change to your hearing, then you should speak to an audiologist. They will arrange a hearing test. This can provide information on the type and level of hearing loss that you are experiencing.

Typically, if you speak to an audiologist, they will use an audiogram. This tool is ideal for collating the results.

What Is an Audiogram?

An audiogram is a specific type of graph that is used for a hearing test. While the term specifically refers to the graph used to plot the results of a hearing test, an audiogram can also be used as a term to best describe the hearing test itself. As such, there is often a little confusion here.

An audiogram has a vertical chart for decibels. Loud sounds are positioned at the bottom while quieter sounds chart close to the top. The horizontal section of the chart plots the frequency of any sounds. High frequency sounds are on the right while low frequency sounds are on the left.

When the hearing test has been completed, there will be both blue crosses as well as red circles present on the chart. These different crosses and circles represent the results of your test. You may not be able to understand what these symbols reveal but your audiologist will tell you everything that you need to know. Blue crosses provide information on the left ear while the red circles show the information relating to the right.

The reason that they are separate is due to the fact that your ears will typically have different levels of hearing function. As such, it’s important to make sure that both are accurately tested and reported. The two different symbols mean that audiologists will easily be able to differentiate between the two.

How Does an Audiogram Work?

It’s important to understand how an audiogram works before you arrange an appointment with an audiologist. Before the test begins, your audiologist will ask you to provide as much information as possible about your level of hearing and any changes that you might have experienced. You should be sure to mention any changes to the function of your hearing at this point.

You will then be provided with hearing aids to wear during the hearing test. A variety of different sounds will be played over the course of the test. You will be asked to let the audiologist know when you can hear a sound that is played.

Usually, this is accomplished by pressing a button. This will provide all the information your audiologist needs about your level of hearing. It will also tell the professional key information about the type of hearing loss that you are experiencing as well.

What Is the Best Type of Hearing Test?

Arguably, as mentioned, audiograms are the best type of hearing test available and this is why they are typically chosen for checking signs of hearing loss. A key benefit of these hearing tests is that, as well as being accurate they are quick and noninvasive. The whole test can be completed in no more than twenty minutes and an audiologist can then immediately explain the results of the test.

How Accurate Is an Audiogram?

Audiograms are often considered the gold standard in terms of hearing tests and there’s a reason for this. According to research audiograms are more than 92% accurate. It also provides a 94% level of accuracy when it is used to assess changes in sensorineural hearing.

Since they do provide a high level of accuracy, they are typically used to check hearing function. Specifically, they are the favored option when checking whether an individual is experiencing hearing loss.

We hope this helps you understand everything that you need to know about an audiogram including the level of accuracy that it can provide. If you are interested in learning more about audiograms, please make sure that you contact Davis Audiology at (864) 810-6238. They can provide more information and potentially get you booked for your hearing test.