An audiogram is the chart that shows the results of your hearing test. It plots the softest sounds you can hear at each pitch, so you can see at a glance which sounds you hear well and which ones you miss.
This guide shows how to read an audiogram in four easy steps. If you would like to have your own hearing tested, our team offers a hearing test in Newmarket, led by Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology.
Clinically reviewed by Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology (CASLPO-regulated) · Newmarket Hearing ClinicRead an audiogram from left to right for pitch (low to high) and from top to bottom for volume (soft to loud). Each mark shows the softest sound you heard at that pitch. The closer your marks are to the top of the chart, the better you hear.
Audiogram vs Hearing Test: What Is the Difference?
The hearing test is what you do: you listen to tones through headphones and respond. The audiogram is the record of your results. People often use the two words together, as in “audiogram hearing test,” but one is the test and the other is the chart.
How to Read an Audiogram in 4 Easy Steps
Look across: pitch
The horizontal axis shows frequency in hertz (Hz), from low pitches on the left to high pitches on the right.
Look down: volume
The vertical axis shows loudness in decibels (dB HL). Soft sounds are at the top and loud sounds are at the bottom.
Find your symbols
Each ear has its own mark. By convention, the right ear is shown with a red circle (O) and the left ear with a blue X.
Check the degree
See where your marks fall to find your degree of hearing loss, using the ranges below.
Hearing Test Decibels: Degrees of Hearing Loss
Audiologists commonly describe hearing loss using these ranges. They can vary slightly between classification systems, and your audiologist will explain which applies to you.
| Hearing level (dB HL) | Degree | What you may notice |
|---|---|---|
| Up to about 25 | Typical hearing | Soft sounds are generally audible |
| About 26 to 40 | Mild | Difficulty with soft speech and in noise |
| About 41 to 55 | Moderate | Conversation is hard to follow without effort |
| About 56 to 70 | Moderately severe | Normal speech is difficult to understand |
| About 71 to 90 | Severe | Most speech cannot be heard without amplification |
| Above about 90 | Profound | Very little speech is heard, even with amplification |
What Does Your Audiogram Pattern Mean?
- Marks sloping down to the right: You hear low pitches better than high pitches, a common pattern in age-related hearing loss. High-pitched speech sounds such as “s” and “f” are harder to catch.
- Different marks for each ear: Your hearing may differ between ears, which is worth discussing with your audiologist.
- A gap between air and bone conduction results: This can point to a problem in the outer or middle ear rather than the inner ear, and is one reason an audiologist runs both tests.
An audiogram shows how softly you can hear sounds, but not how well you understand speech. That is why we also run speech testing, which is described in our guide to audiometry testing.
What Happens After You Read Your Audiogram?
Your audiologist will connect the chart to your real-life listening difficulties. If wax is affecting your results, we may suggest ear wax removal. If the results show hearing loss that affects daily life, hearing aids may help, and our guide on how to choose the right hearing aids shows how to take the next step. A comprehensive hearing assessment starts at $90, applied toward a hearing aid purchase within 60 days. See our pricing.
How to Read an Audiogram: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an audiogram?
An audiogram is a chart that shows the results of a hearing test. It plots the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches for each ear.
What do the X and O mean on an audiogram?
By convention, the O (usually red) shows the right ear and the X (usually blue) shows the left ear.
What is a normal audiogram?
Typical adult hearing is generally considered to be within about 25 dB HL across the tested pitches. Your audiologist will explain what your own results mean.
What does dB HL mean?
dB HL stands for decibels hearing level. It measures how loud a sound has to be before you can just hear it, compared with typical hearing.
Can I get a copy of my audiogram?
Yes. We review your audiogram with you and explain it in plain language during your appointment. Book a hearing test to get yours.
Want to see your own audiogram?
Book a hearing assessment with Fariba Denak, Doctor of Audiology, and we will walk you through your results. No pressure, no obligations.
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