hearing result meanings for patients

Overview

When you have a hearing test, the results show how well you can hear different sounds. This helps your doctor or audiologist (a hearing specialist) understand if you have hearing loss and how serious it is. The results are often shown on a graph called an audiogram, which plots the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches (frequencies).

Hearing loss is very common, especially as people get older. About 1 in 6 adults in the UK have some degree of hearing loss. It can happen at any age, but it becomes more common over 50.

Hearing loss can affect anyone. It is more common in older adults, but it can also affect younger people due to noise exposure, infections, or genetic conditions. Babies are often screened at birth.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
• Asking people to repeat themselves often
• Turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others prefer
• Feeling like people are mumbling
• Tinnitus – a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears

Symptoms in children

• Not reacting to loud sounds
• Delayed speech or language development
• Not following simple instructions
• Often saying 'what?'
• Turning up devices very high
• Poor school performance or seeming distracted

Symptoms in older adults

• Withdrawing from social situations because it's hard to hear
• Feeling tired or stressed after listening
• Missing parts of conversations
• Complaining that others don't speak clearly

Causes

Main causes

• Age-related changes (presbycusis) – gradual hearing loss as you get older
• Noise exposure – loud noises from work, concerts, or personal devices
• Ear infections or fluid buildup
• Earwax blockage
• Genetics – some types of hearing loss run in families
• Certain medicines that can damage hearing (ototoxic drugs)
• Injury to the ear or head

Risk factors

• Being over 50
• Frequent exposure to loud noise (e.g., construction, music, shooting)
• Family history of hearing loss
• Certain health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
• Smoking
• Taking medications that can affect hearing

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden hearing loss – see a doctor or go to an urgent care centre within 24 hours
• Hearing loss with severe pain, dizziness, or drainage

Book a routine appointment if:

• Gradual hearing loss that affects your daily life
• If you often have to ask people to repeat themselves
• If you experience ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• If you or your family notice a change in your hearing

Diagnosis

A hearing test is done by an audiologist or hearing specialist. The test is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes. You will listen to sounds through headphones and indicate when you hear them. The results are plotted on a graph called an audiogram.

Tests that may be done

• Pure-tone audiometry – you listen to beeps at different pitches and volumes.
• Speech audiometry – you repeat words or sentences at different volumes.
• Tympanometry – checks how your eardrum moves (for middle ear problems).
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) – used for newborn screening.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) – tests the hearing nerve pathways.

What to expect at your appointment

You will sit in a soundproof booth or quiet room. The audiologist will explain each part of the test. Results are usually ready immediately, and you'll discuss them afterwards. The graph shows your hearing level in decibels (dB) at different frequencies (pitches). Normal hearing is around 0-20 dB. Mild loss is 21-40 dB, moderate 41-70 dB, severe 71-95 dB, and profound is over 95 dB.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. Some types can be improved with medicine or surgery, while others are managed with hearing devices. Your audiologist will help you choose the best option for your needs.

Self-care at home

• Protect your ears from loud noise – wear earplugs or earmuffs at concerts, construction sites, etc.
• Keep your ears dry and clean, but don't stick anything inside them.
• Manage earwax – if you think wax is a problem, see a doctor or use over-the-counter wax softeners as directed.
• Reduce background noise when listening – face the speaker and ask them to slow down.

Medical treatments

For some types of hearing loss, doctors may prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection, or recommend removing earwax. For sudden hearing loss, steroids may be used. Hearing aids are the most common treatment for age-related or noise-induced hearing loss. They amplify sounds and can be adjusted to your hearing needs. For severe or profound loss, a cochlear implant (a small electronic device that sends signals to the hearing nerve) may be an option. A bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) can help with certain types of loss. Always discuss treatments with your hearing specialist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be an option for some causes of hearing loss, such as chronic ear infections, otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear), or to place a cochlear implant. Your specialist will explain if surgery could help your specific condition.

Living with this condition

Living with hearing loss can be challenging, but many people manage well with support and technology. You can learn to use hearing aids effectively, practice communication strategies, and make your home more hearing-friendly (e.g., visual alerts for doorbells or smoke alarms).

Lifestyle tips

• Tell friends and family about your hearing loss – they can help by facing you and speaking clearly.
• Use assistive listening devices like amplified phones, TV listeners, or smartphone apps.
• Sit in good lighting and reduce background noise during conversations.
• Consider lip-reading classes or sign language if your hearing loss is severe.
• Join a support group for people with hearing loss.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise may help protect your hearing by improving blood flow to the ears. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as these can worsen hearing loss. There is no specific diet to reverse hearing loss, but a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall ear health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, anxiety, or depression. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support. Talking to a counsellor or joining a hearing loss support group can help. Remember that hearing loss does not define you – with the right tools, you can stay connected and active.

Prevention

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by protecting your ears from loud noises, avoiding smoking, managing chronic health conditions, and having regular hearing checks.

Vaccines

Some vaccines can prevent infections that cause hearing loss, such as the meningitis vaccine and the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Ask your doctor or local health service about recommended vaccines.

Screening programmes

Newborn hearing screening is routine in many countries. Adults may have hearing checks as part of a general health exam, especially after age 50, or if they work in noisy environments.

Complications

If left untreated

• Social isolation and withdrawal from activities
• Communication difficulties with family and friends
• Increased risk of falls (because balance can be affected)
• Higher risk of dementia (studies show a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline)
• Depression and anxiety
• Problems at work or school

Long-term outlook

The outlook for hearing loss depends on the cause and severity. Many people with hearing loss live full, active lives with the help of hearing aids, assistive technology, and support from loved ones. While some types of hearing loss are permanent, treatment can significantly improve your quality of life. Acting early gives you the best chance to stay connected.

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