Hearing Test Results Explained: What Numbers Mean
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 28
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Your hearing test results are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Understanding these numbers helps you know exactly where your hearing stands and what solutions are available.
Learn more at Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Call 0332-5014111.
Reading an Audiogram
The horizontal axis shows frequency (pitch) — from low (250 Hz) to high (8000 Hz)
The vertical axis shows intensity (volume) — from soft (0 dB) at top to loud (120 dB) at bottom
Circles (O) represent the right ear results
Crosses (X) represent the left ear results
The lower the marks are on the chart, the greater the hearing loss
Normal hearing thresholds are between 0-25 dB at all frequencies
Degree of Hearing Loss
Threshold (dB) | Degree | Impact on Daily Life |
0-25 | Normal | No difficulty in any situation |
26-40 | Mild | Miss soft speech, whispers, distant speakers |
41-55 | Moderate | Struggle with normal conversation, especially in noise |
56-70 | Moderately Severe | Need loud speech, TV on high volume |
71-90 | Severe | Only hear shouting or very loud sounds |
91+ | Profound | Hear almost nothing without amplification |
Types of Hearing Loss from Test Results
Type | What Results Show | Common Causes |
Conductive | Air conduction poor, bone conduction normal | Wax, fluid, infection, eardrum perforation |
Sensorineural | Both air and bone conduction poor (equally) | Aging, noise damage, nerve damage |
Mixed | Both types present — air worse than bone | Combination of middle and inner ear problems |
Important Numbers on Your Report
PTA Average (Pure Tone Average) — average of thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz — determines your hearing loss degree
Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) — softest level at which you understand 50% of words
Speech Discrimination Score (SDS) — percentage of words you understand at comfortable volume (100% is perfect)
Air-Bone Gap — difference between air and bone conduction — indicates conductive component
Tympanometry results — Type A (normal), B (fluid/perforation), C (negative pressure)
Types of Hearing Tests Available
Professional Hearing Solutions offers a complete range of diagnostic hearing tests using calibrated audiological equipment. Each test provides specific information about your hearing health.
Test | What It Measures | Duration | Who Needs It |
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | 15-20 minutes | Everyone — baseline hearing assessment |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function and eardrum movement | 5 minutes | Suspected middle ear problems |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand spoken words | 10-15 minutes | Hearing aid candidates |
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Inner ear (cochlea) function | 5-10 minutes | Newborns and children |
ABR/BERA | Auditory nerve pathway function | 30-45 minutes | Infants, neurological cases |
What Happens During a Hearing Test
Case History: The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history of hearing loss.
Otoscopy: A visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for wax blockage, infection, or structural issues.
Pure Tone Testing: You sit in a sound-treated booth wearing headphones. Tones are played at different frequencies and volumes. You press a button when you hear each tone.
Speech Testing: Words are played through headphones at different volumes to measure your speech understanding ability.
Results Discussion: Your audiologist explains the audiogram results, identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, and discusses next steps including hearing aid options if needed.
Understanding Your Audiogram Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means | Treatment |
0-25 dB | Normal | No difficulty hearing | No treatment needed |
26-40 dB | Mild Loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech | Hearing aid may help |
41-55 dB | Moderate Loss | Difficulty hearing normal conversation | Hearing aid recommended |
56-70 dB | Moderate-Severe | Difficulty hearing loud speech | Hearing aid essential |
71-90 dB | Severe Loss | Only very loud sounds heard | Powerful hearing aid needed |
91+ dB | Profound Loss | Almost no hearing | Super power aid or cochlear implant |
Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Adults over 50: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common. Get tested every 3 years even without symptoms.
Noise-exposed workers: Factory workers, musicians, traffic police, and military personnel should test annually.
Children: Newborns should be screened at birth. Children should be tested before school enrollment and if speech development is delayed.
Anyone with symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up TV volume, or ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Current hearing aid users: Annual hearing tests ensure your hearing aid settings match your current hearing levels.
Book Your Hearing Test
Walk-in hearing tests are available at both Professional Hearing Solutions branches. For shorter wait times, book an appointment by calling 0332-5014111. Hearing test pricing is confirmed on consultation.
Types of Hearing Tests Available
Professional Hearing Solutions offers a complete range of diagnostic hearing tests using calibrated audiological equipment. Each test provides specific information about your hearing health.
Test | What It Measures | Duration | Who Needs It |
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | 15-20 minutes | Everyone — baseline hearing assessment |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function and eardrum movement | 5 minutes | Suspected middle ear problems |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand spoken words | 10-15 minutes | Hearing aid candidates |
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Inner ear (cochlea) function | 5-10 minutes | Newborns and children |
ABR/BERA | Auditory nerve pathway function | 30-45 minutes | Infants, neurological cases |
What Happens During a Hearing Test
Case History: The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history of hearing loss.
Otoscopy: A visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for wax blockage, infection, or structural issues.
Pure Tone Testing: You sit in a sound-treated booth wearing headphones. Tones are played at different frequencies and volumes. You press a button when you hear each tone.
Speech Testing: Words are played through headphones at different volumes to measure your speech understanding ability.
Results Discussion: Your audiologist explains the audiogram results, identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, and discusses next steps including hearing aid options if needed.
Understanding Your Audiogram Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means | Treatment |
0-25 dB | Normal | No difficulty hearing | No treatment needed |
26-40 dB | Mild Loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech | Hearing aid may help |
41-55 dB | Moderate Loss | Difficulty hearing normal conversation | Hearing aid recommended |
56-70 dB | Moderate-Severe | Difficulty hearing loud speech | Hearing aid essential |
71-90 dB | Severe Loss | Only very loud sounds heard | Powerful hearing aid needed |
91+ dB | Profound Loss | Almost no hearing | Super power aid or cochlear implant |
Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Adults over 50: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common. Get tested every 3 years even without symptoms.
Noise-exposed workers: Factory workers, musicians, traffic police, and military personnel should test annually.
Children: Newborns should be screened at birth. Children should be tested before school enrollment and if speech development is delayed.
Anyone with symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up TV volume, or ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Current hearing aid users: Annual hearing tests ensure your hearing aid settings match your current hearing levels.
Book Your Hearing Test
Walk-in hearing tests are available at both Professional Hearing Solutions branches. For shorter wait times, book an appointment by calling 0332-5014111. Hearing test pricing is confirmed on consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does 'mild hearing loss' mean practically?
You miss soft speech, whispers, and have difficulty in background noise. Many people with mild loss do not realize they have it.
Q2: Is my audiogram result permanent?
Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent. Conductive loss (wax, fluid) may improve with treatment. Retesting after treatment confirms improvement.
Q3: What speech discrimination score do I need for hearing aids?
A score above 50% usually means hearing aids will help significantly. Below 40% may indicate more advanced solutions are needed.
Q4: How do I compare results from different dates?
Bring all previous audiograms to Professional Hearing Solutions. We overlay results to show changes over time.
Q5: Where can I get my hearing test results explained?
Professional Hearing Solutions audiologists explain every result in detail. Call 0332-5014111 for a comprehensive hearing assessment.
Note: Prices may vary slightly due to market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and inflation. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for the latest confirmed pricing.
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Google Maps: View Islamabad Location on Map
Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
Google Maps: View Rawalpindi Location on Map
Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
Conclusion
Understanding your hearing test results empowers you to make informed decisions about your hearing care. Get tested and get clear explanations at Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111.
