After a hearing test, you will be shown a chart called an audiogram. At first glance it can look like a puzzle of lines, numbers and symbols, but it is actually a clear and useful picture of how you hear.
Understanding the basics of your audiogram helps you take an active role in decisions about your hearing. This guide explains what the axes mean, how to read the symbols, and what your results are telling you.
The two axes explained
An audiogram is a graph with two key dimensions. Reading it becomes much simpler once you know what each axis represents.
The horizontal axis shows frequency, or pitch, measured in hertz (Hz), running from low pitches on the left to high pitches on the right. The vertical axis shows loudness, measured in decibels (dB), with quiet sounds at the top and louder sounds toward the bottom.
Frequencies and decibels
Each point on the chart represents the softest sound you could hear at a particular pitch. Low frequencies relate to deep sounds, while high frequencies relate to sounds like birdsong and the consonants that give speech its clarity.
The further down the chart your results sit, the louder a sound needs to be before you can hear it, which indicates a greater degree of hearing loss at that pitch.
What the symbols mean
Audiograms use different symbols to record results for each ear, allowing the audiologist to compare them side by side.
- An "O" or circle usually marks the right ear
- An "X" usually marks the left ear
- Results are often colour-coded, with red for the right ear and blue for the left
- Other symbols may show how sound travels through the bones of the skull
Degrees of hearing loss
Your results are often grouped into broad categories that describe how much hearing loss is present, ranging from normal hearing through mild, moderate, severe and profound. The pattern across frequencies also matters, as many people hear low pitches well but struggle with high ones.
This shape helps explain real-world experiences, such as being able to hear that someone is speaking but not catching every word.
Making sense of it together
While it helps to understand the basics, your audiogram is best interpreted alongside your everyday experiences and an audiologist's expertise. The chart is a tool to guide decisions, not a verdict.
If you would like your results explained clearly or want a hearing assessment, the team at Taevas Aura in Dubai is happy to help, with appointments available in clinic, at home or via teleconsultation.
Key takeaways
- An audiogram plots pitch (frequency) against loudness (decibels).
- Points lower on the chart mean sounds must be louder for you to hear them.
- Symbols and colours separate results for the right and left ears.
- Many people hear low pitches well but lose high-frequency clarity first.
- Your audiogram is best understood with an audiologist's guidance.
This article is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. For concerns about your hearing, ear, nose, throat, balance or sleep health, please book an assessment with a qualified specialist.