Understanding audiometry results

Overview

Audiometry is a hearing test that measures how well you can hear sounds. It helps find out if you have hearing loss and how severe it is. The results are shown on a graph called an audiogram, which plots the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches (frequencies).

Audiometry is a very common hearing test. It is often performed on children as part of routine hearing checks and on adults who notice changes in their hearing.

Anyone can have an audiometry test. It is often done for people with hearing concerns, those exposed to loud noise, older adults, and children to check for hearing problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
• Asking others to repeat themselves often
• Turning up the volume on TV or radio higher than others prefer
• Feeling like others are mumbling or not speaking clearly
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

Symptoms in children

• Not responding when called
• Delayed speech or unclear speech
• Not being startled by loud noises
• Poor academic performance or trouble paying attention in class

Symptoms in older adults

• Gradual increase in hearing difficulty over time
• Withdrawing from social situations because it’s hard to follow conversations
• Feeling that others are speaking too softly

Causes

Main causes

• Audiometry does not diagnose the cause of hearing loss, but the test results can help identify the type of hearing loss.
• Sensorineural hearing loss is often caused by damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve, from aging, noise exposure, illness, or certain medications.
• Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, such as earwax buildup, fluid from infections, or a hole in the eardrum.

Risk factors

• Getting older (presbycusis)
• Regular exposure to loud noises (work, concerts, power tools)
• Family history of hearing loss
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or ear infections

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden hearing loss in one ear (even if it happens over a few days)
• Hearing loss with severe dizziness or ringing that came on suddenly
• Hearing loss after a head injury or exposure to a very loud noise

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have trouble hearing conversations and it affects your daily life
• Family or friends notice you are not hearing well
• You have ringing in your ears that bothers you
• You are over 50 and haven’t had a hearing check in a few years

Diagnosis

Audiometry is usually performed by an audiologist (hearing specialist) or a trained hearing technician. You will wear headphones and listen to different tones and words. You signal when you hear a sound. The results are plotted on an audiogram.

Tests that may be done

• Pure-tone audiometry: you hear beeps at different pitches and volumes.
• Speech audiometry: you repeat words played at different volumes.
• Tympanometry: measures how your eardrum moves (to check for middle ear problems).

What to expect at your appointment

You will sit in a soundproof booth or quiet room. The test is not painful. You may be asked to press a button or raise your hand when you hear a sound. For speech tests, you repeat words. The results are available right away and explained to you.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. Your audiometry results help guide the best approach. Many types of hearing loss can be improved with hearing aids, assistive devices, or medical treatments.

Self-care at home

• Avoid loud noises and use ear protection (earplugs or earmuffs) when needed.
• Remove earwax safely – don’t use cotton swabs. Ask your pharmacist or GP for ear drops.
• Keep your ears dry if you are prone to infections.

Medical treatments

If the hearing loss is due to earwax, your GP or nurse can remove it. If it is due to infection, treatments like antibiotics or ear drops may be prescribed (always follow your doctor’s advice). For sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids can help. Some people may benefit from cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing aids – these are only considered after specialist assessment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery might be an option for certain types of conductive hearing loss, such as repairing a hole in the eardrum or removing diseased bone in the middle ear. Discuss with an ear specialist.

Living with this condition

If you have hearing loss, you can still live a full life. Use hearing aids if prescribed, and explore assistive devices like amplified phones or TV listeners. Let family and friends know how they can help, like facing you when they speak.

Lifestyle tips

• Tell people you have hearing loss – it helps them communicate better.
• Sit with your back to the window so you can see faces clearly.
• Use captioning on TV or at the movies.
• Join a support group or online community for people with hearing loss.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active supports overall health, including ear health. Managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure may help protect your hearing.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, or depression. It’s important to talk to your doctor or a counsellor if you feel this way. You are not alone, and help is available.

Prevention

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by protecting your ears from loud noises, keeping your ears dry and clean, and treating ear infections promptly.

Screening programmes

Newborn hearing screening is routine in many countries. Adults may consider periodic hearing checks, especially if they work in noisy environments or are over 60.

Complications

If left untreated

• Worsening of hearing loss over time
• Difficulty in communication, leading to social withdrawal
• Increased risk of falls (hearing helps with balance)
• Cognitive decline or dementia risk – some studies suggest untreated hearing loss is linked to faster cognitive decline

Long-term outlook

Most hearing loss can be improved or managed. With the right support and treatment, many people with hearing loss continue to lead active, connected lives. Early diagnosis and management give the best chance of maintaining a good quality of life.

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