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How to Read Your Audiogram: A Patient's Guide

  • Writer: Hearing Solutions
    Hearing Solutions
  • Mar 23
  • 4 min read

Updated: Mar 29

How to Read Your Audiogram: A Patient's Guide
How to Read Your Audiogram: A Patient's Guide

Learning how to read your audiogram empowers you to understand your hearing loss and make informed decisions about treatment. An audiogram is the graph created during your hearing test that maps your hearing ability across different frequencies. This patient-friendly guide teaches you to read it like a professional. Read more: RIC Hearing Aid Price in Islamabad – Latest Cost Guide for 2

Last Updated: March 2026

What Is an Audiogram?

An audiogram is a graph with:

  • X-axis (horizontal): Frequency (pitch) from low (250 Hz) to high (8000 Hz) — left to right.

  • Y-axis (vertical): Loudness (intensity) from soft (0 dB) at top to loud (120 dB) at bottom.

  • Plotted points: Each point shows the softest sound you can hear at that frequency.

Audiogram Symbols

Symbol

What It Means

O (red)

Right ear, air conduction

X (blue)

Left ear, air conduction

< or [

Right ear, bone conduction

> or ]

Left ear, bone conduction

How to Read Your Audiogram: Step by Step

  1. Find the frequencies: Low pitches (bass) on the left, high pitches (treble) on the right.

  2. Find the loudness: Softer sounds at the top, louder at the bottom.

  3. Check your thresholds: Each plotted point is the softest sound you could hear at that frequency.

  4. Points at 0-25 dB: Normal hearing at that frequency.

  5. Points below 25 dB: Hearing loss at that frequency — the lower the point, the greater the loss.

  6. Compare left and right: O (right) and X (left) — see if both ears are similar or different.

Common Audiogram Patterns

Pattern

What It Looks Like

Common Cause

Flat loss

Even loss across all frequencies

Genetic, some medications

Sloping (high-frequency)

Normal low, poor high frequencies

Aging, noise exposure — most common

Rising (low-frequency)

Poor low, normal high frequencies

Meniere's disease

Cookie-bite

Loss worst in middle frequencies

Genetic hearing loss

Notch at 4000 Hz

Dip at 4kHz, recovery at 8kHz

Classic noise-induced damage

Understanding Your Hearing Loss Degree

Threshold (dB)

Degree

What It Means

0-25

Normal

No hearing aid needed

26-40

Mild

Difficulty with soft speech

41-55

Moderate

Difficulty with normal conversation

56-70

Moderately Severe

Difficulty with loud speech

71-90

Severe

Only hear very loud sounds

90+

Profound

Cannot hear without amplification

Air-Bone Gap: Key Diagnostic Clue

If your bone conduction (< >) thresholds are better than air conduction (O X), there is an air-bone gap indicating conductive hearing loss (outer/middle ear problem). If both are the same, the loss is sensorineural (inner ear).

Understanding Hearing Health in Pakistan

Hearing health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of overall wellbeing in Pakistan. According to WHO estimates, over 7% of Pakistan's population experiences some form of hearing loss, yet many go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness and access to professional audiology services. Professional Hearing Solutions is committed to changing this by providing world-class hearing healthcare in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Why Professional Hearing Care Matters

  • Accurate diagnosis: Self-diagnosis and over-the-counter devices cannot replace a professional hearing assessment. Only a qualified audiologist can determine the type and degree of hearing loss and recommend the right solution.

  • Customized solutions: Every ear is different. Professional hearing aid fitting ensures the device is programmed specifically for your hearing loss pattern, lifestyle, and comfort preferences.

  • Ongoing support: Hearing needs change over time. Regular follow-ups with your audiologist ensure your hearing aids continue to perform optimally as your hearing evolves.

  • Quality assurance: Authorized dealers like Professional Hearing Solutions provide genuine products with manufacturer warranty, protecting your investment.

Hearing Aid Options at Professional Hearing Solutions

Category

Models Available

Price Range

Best For

Budget

Signia Prompt

From Rs.90,000/unit

Mild hearing loss, first-time users

Mid-Range

Signia Intuis 3, Motion 13

Rs.185,000-375,000/unit

Moderate loss, daily use

Premium

Signia Pure 312, Silk X

Rs.265,000-875,000/unit

Active lifestyle, discreet

Rechargeable

Signia Orion, Pure C&G

Rs.250,000-1,695,000/pair

No battery hassle

Note: Prices may vary slightly due to market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and inflation. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for the latest confirmed pricing.

Take the First Step

Whether you suspect hearing loss for yourself or a family member, the first step is always a professional hearing test. At Professional Hearing Solutions, our audiologists provide comprehensive hearing assessments followed by personalized recommendations. With a 4.9-star Google rating and over 400 verified patient reviews, we are trusted by families across Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Call 0332-5014111 to book your hearing assessment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I get a copy of my audiogram?

Yes. At Professional Hearing Solutions, you receive your audiogram results with full explanation during your appointment.

Q2: How often should I get an audiogram?

Every 2-3 years for adults over 50. Annually if you wear hearing aids, work in noise, or have progressive hearing loss.

Q3: What does a 'normal' audiogram look like?

All points at 0-25 dB across all frequencies. If all your points are in the top quarter of the graph, your hearing is normal.

Q4: Where can I get an audiogram in Islamabad?

Visit Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111.

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Explore Our Services

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


Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi


Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111

Conclusion

Your audiogram is a roadmap to your hearing health. Understanding it helps you make informed decisions about treatment. At Professional Hearing Solutions, our audiologists explain every detail of your audiogram and what it means for your hearing care.

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