What Is an Audiogram? Understanding Your Hearing Test Results
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
An audiogram is the most important diagnostic tool in audiology. It is a visual representation of your hearing ability, showing exactly which sounds you can and cannot hear. This guide explains what an audiogram is and why it matters for every Pakistani considering hearing aids. Read more: How to Read Your Audiogram: A Patient's Guide
Last Updated: March 2026
Professional hearing tests (PTA, tympanometry, speech audiometry) are available at Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad (Blue Area) and Rawalpindi (Saidpur Road), Pakistan. Walk-in testing welcome. Call 0332-5014111.
Professional audiogram testing at Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Read more: RIC Hearing Aid Price in Islamabad – Latest Cost Guide for 2
What Is an Audiogram?
An audiogram is a graph that maps your hearing thresholds — the softest sounds you can detect at different pitches (frequencies). It is created during a Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) test, where you listen to tones through headphones and indicate when you hear them.
Why Your Audiogram Matters
Hearing aid selection: Your audiogram determines which hearing aid model and power level you need.
Programming precision: Your hearing aid is programmed to amplify exactly the frequencies where you have loss — based on your audiogram.
Treatment tracking: Comparing audiograms over time shows whether your hearing is stable or changing.
Medical diagnosis: The audiogram pattern can indicate specific conditions (noise damage, Meniere's, otosclerosis).
Legal documentation: Audiograms serve as official medical records for disability claims, job medicals, and insurance.
The Audiogram Graph Explained
Axis | What It Shows | Range |
Horizontal (X-axis) | Frequency (pitch) — low to high | 250 Hz to 8000 Hz |
Vertical (Y-axis) | Intensity (loudness) — soft to loud | 0 dB (top) to 120 dB (bottom) |
Each point on the audiogram represents the softest sound you could hear at that frequency. Points near the top mean good hearing; points lower down indicate hearing loss.
Audiogram vs Hearing Test: Are They the Same?
A hearing test is the overall assessment process. The audiogram is the specific graph produced by Pure Tone Audiometry — one component of a comprehensive hearing test. A full assessment also includes tympanometry, speech audiometry, and otoscopy.
How Often Should You Get an Audiogram?
Situation | Recommended Frequency |
Adults over 50 | Every 2-3 years |
Hearing aid users | Annually |
Noise-exposed workers | Annually |
Children with hearing concerns | As recommended by audiologist |
After ear infection or illness | Once recovered |
After sudden hearing change | Immediately |
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: Is an audiogram painful?
No. It is completely painless. You simply listen to tones through headphones and respond when you hear them.
Q2: How long does an audiogram take?
Approximately 15-20 minutes for both ears.
Q3: Do I need an audiogram before buying hearing aids?
Absolutely yes. Buying hearing aids without an audiogram is like buying prescription glasses without an eye test. The result will not be correct.
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
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
Your audiogram is the foundation of your hearing healthcare. It guides every decision from diagnosis to hearing aid selection and programming. At Professional Hearing Solutions, every patient receives a thorough audiogram with expert interpretation.
