An audiogram is a graph that shows how well you hear different pitches, or frequencies, at different volumes. The horizontal axis represents pitch, from low sounds on the left to high sounds on the right, measured in hertz. The vertical axis represents loudness, measured in decibels, with quieter sounds at the top and louder sounds toward the bottom. Your results are plotted as symbols for each ear, usually a red circle for the right ear and a blue X for the left. The further down the symbols sit on the graph, the louder a sound must be before you can hear it, which means the greater your hearing loss at that pitch.

One of the most common questions is what the numbers actually mean. Normal hearing is generally considered to be thresholds of up to 25 decibels across most frequencies. Mild hearing loss falls between 26 and 40 decibels, moderate loss between 41 and 55, moderately severe between 56 and 70, severe between 71 and 90, and profound loss above 90 decibels. Someone with mild loss may struggle to follow quiet conversation or hear in background noise, while someone with severe loss may only hear loud speech or very little at all without help.

People often ask whether an audiogram shows the cause of hearing loss. It does not. The audiogram describes the pattern and degree of hearing loss, but identifying the cause usually requires examination, medical history, and sometimes further testing. Another frequent question is whether the shape of the graph matters. It does, because different patterns suggest different types of loss. A dip at high frequencies is common with age or noise exposure, while a flat line across frequencies can point to other causes.

Many ask whether hearing loss can be treated. The answer depends on the type and cause. Some losses, such as those from earwax or infection, can be reversed. Sensorineural loss, which involves the inner ear or hearing nerve, is usually permanent but can often be managed with hearing aids, assistive devices, or other support. People also wonder how often they should be tested. Adults with no concerns might be checked every few years, while those with known loss or noticeable changes should follow their clinician’s advice.

Finally, a common worry is whether an audiogram is uncomfortable or difficult. It is neither. The test is painless and typically takes under half an hour. You simply listen for tones and respond when you hear them. Understanding your audiogram helps you make informed decisions and track changes over time.

There is a fuller write-up at reading-my-audiogram.pages.dev.