Hearing Test Results Explained: Understanding Your Audiogram

Learn how to read and understand your hearing test results, including what an audiogram shows and what different levels of hearing loss mean.

After a hearing test, you'll receive your results in the form of an audiogram. Understanding what the audiogram shows can help you make informed decisions about your hearing health.

What is an audiogram?

An audiogram is a graph that shows the quietest sounds you can hear at different frequencies (pitches). The horizontal axis shows frequency in Hertz (Hz), typically ranging from 250 Hz (low pitch) to 8000 Hz (high pitch). The vertical axis shows intensity in decibels (dB), with quieter sounds at the top and louder sounds at the bottom.

How to read your audiogram

Your results are plotted as symbols on the graph — typically:

O (red) — right ear results
X (blue) — left ear results

The lower the symbols are on the graph, the louder sounds need to be for you to hear them — indicating a greater degree of hearing loss at that frequency.

Degrees of hearing loss

Hearing loss is classified according to the quietest sound you can hear, measured in decibels:

Normal hearing: 0–20 dB
Mild hearing loss: 21–40 dB — difficulty hearing soft speech and conversations in background noise
Moderate hearing loss: 41–70 dB — difficulty hearing normal conversational speech
Severe hearing loss: 71–95 dB — difficulty hearing loud speech; hearing aids are usually essential
Profound hearing loss: 96+ dB — unable to hear most sounds without amplification; cochlear implants may be considered

Types of hearing loss

Your audiogram, combined with other test results, helps identify the type of hearing loss:

Sensorineural — caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve (the most common type, often age-related)
Conductive — caused by problems in the outer or middle ear (e.g., wax, fluid, or eardrum issues)
Mixed — a combination of both sensorineural and conductive elements

Your audiologist will explain your specific results and what they mean for your hearing. Don't hesitate to ask questions — understanding your audiogram empowers you to make the best decisions about your hearing care.

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Frequently asked questions

What does mild hearing loss mean?

Mild hearing loss means you have difficulty hearing soft sounds and may struggle with quiet conversations or speech in background noise. Sounds need to be at least 21–40 dB for you to hear them.

Do I need hearing aids for mild hearing loss?

Not necessarily, but hearing aids can significantly improve your quality of life even with mild hearing loss. Your audiologist will discuss whether hearing aids are appropriate based on your specific results and daily needs.

Why is one ear worse than the other?

It's common for hearing loss to be different in each ear. This can be due to asymmetric noise exposure, natural variation, or specific medical conditions. If the difference is significant, your audiologist may recommend further investigation.