Say What?
How to Read an Audiogram
![How to Read an Audiogram](http://www.chicagonow.com/say-what/files/2020/08/t1Ud-TB6KXfFrtELA1szVTseS7v5LlDvfA.jpg)
The results of a hearing test are usually plotted on a graph, otherwise known as an audiogram. The size of these graphs can vary but there are two measurements to look for. First are the softest sounds heard, and second, the clarity of speech.
The horizontal part of the graph represents pitch or frequency. Consider it as the keyboard of a piano with bass sounds on the left and treble sounds on the right. Male voices tend to be low pitched while female voices and birds are higher in pitch.
Following the graph up and down or vertically, represents volume. Soft sounds are on the top of the graph and very loud sounds on the bottom. Volume is measured in decibels. 0 decibels is normal. 110 decibels is not.
The o’s and x’s represent right (o) and left (x) ears. You may also see carat () marks or brackets ([ ]). All of these marks signify the softest sounds heard. There should be a key to explain this. When any of these symbols fall below 15-20 decibels, there will be recommendations for follow up or treatment.
On the audiogram there are boxes with numbers and percentages. The percentage is a measurement of clarity. It is obtained by repeating back words presented at a comfortable level. A perfect score is 100%.
We are always surprised that when we discuss findings, most patients tell us that no one ever took the time to explain their results. If you have questions about your evaluation, reach out to an Audiologist. We’ll be happy to help.
Filed under:
Hearing Test
-
Advertisement:
-
Advertisement:
-
Welcome to ChicagoNow.
-
Meet The Blogger
Dr. Sheri Gostomelsky
Dr. Gostomelsky earned her Bachelors Degree in Speech and Audiology at the University of Illinois, in Champaign IL, her Masters Degree in Audiology at Illinois State University, and her Audiology Doctorate (AuD) from the Arizona School of Health Sciences.
Dr. Gostomelsky is licensed through the State of Illinois, and maintains membership in the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists and Illinois Academy of Audiology. She has over 40 years of experience treating patients.
Dr. Gostomelsky takes pride in helping her patients understand what it takes to be successful in both protecting and improving hearing, one patient at a time. -
Subscribe by Email
Completely spam free, opt out any time.
Latest on ChicagoNow
-
How to Read an Audiogram
from Say What? by Dr. Sheri Gostomelsky
posted today at 12:16 pm -
Anarchy clobbers Chicago. Had enough yet?
from The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor by Dennis Byrne
posted today at 11:23 am -
Dismayed Hindus urge Illinois brewery to rename ‘Trishul’ beer and apologize
from ChicagoNow Staff Blog by ChicagoNow Staff
posted today at 10:19 am -
A Motorcycle Rally: A Perfect Pandemic Petri Dish
from The Quark In The Road by Aquinas wired
posted today at 9:41 am -
What would Donald Trump look like on Mount Rushmore?
from I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes by Howard Moore
posted today at 9:20 am
Posts from related blogs
-
I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes
Most recent post: What would Donald Trump look like on Mount Rushmore?
-
Conversations From My Soapbox
Most recent post: The Weight Long Term Care Cannot Withstand
-
Health Care Mythologies
Most recent post: When Symbols Go Bad
More from Lifestyle: Wellness
Read these ChicagoNow blogs
-
Cubs Den
-
Pets in need of homes
Pets available for adoption in the Chicago area -
The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor
Chicago writer, editor and author blogs about today’s political and public policy issues.
Read these ChicagoNow Bloggers
-
Brittany Keeperman
from Motherhood in the Middle: -
Howard Moore
-
Very Terry
from Very Terry:
- About ChicagoNow
- •
- FAQs
- •
- Advertise
- •
- Recent posts RSS
- •
- Privacy policy (Updated)
- •
- Comment policy
- •
- Terms of service
- •
- Chicago Tribune Archives
- •
- Chicago Internet Marketing Services
- •
- Do not sell my personal info
©2020 CTMG – A Chicago Tribune website –
Crafted by the News Apps team