When to Seek an Audiogram
You might consider an audiogram if you notice changes in your hearing. Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments like restaurants or crowded places, is a common indicator. You may find yourself frequently asking others to repeat what they said, or you might need to turn up the volume on your television, radio, or phone to levels uncomfortable for others. The presence of ringing or buzzing in your ears, known as tinnitus, can also signal a need for a hearing evaluation.
A family history of hearing loss, particularly if it developed at a younger age, may increase your own risk. Regular exposure to loud noises, whether through your occupation or hobbies, can gradually affect your hearing over time, making routine audiograms a proactive step. Any sudden changes in your ability to hear, such as a rapid decrease in clarity or loudness in one or both ears, warrant immediate professional attention. For some, routine check-ups are also recommended as part of general health monitoring, particularly for certain age groups or professions with noise exposure.
Where to Get an Audiogram
When you need an audiogram, several healthcare professionals and facilities can provide this service, each with a distinct role. Audiologists are the primary specialists for comprehensive hearing health. They hold a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, which involves extensive education and clinical training in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists conduct detailed diagnostic hearing evaluations and are found in private practices, hospital audiology departments, and university clinics.
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, are medical doctors who treat conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. An ENT may perform or order an audiogram as part of a broader medical examination, particularly if a medical condition is suspected as the cause of hearing loss. They can address underlying medical issues, including those requiring medication or surgery.
Some hearing aid dispensers or specialists may offer hearing screenings. However, their primary role is the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids, not comprehensive diagnostic testing. For an accurate diagnosis of hearing loss, a diagnostic audiogram performed by a qualified audiologist or an ENT is recommended. Your primary care physician (PCP) can also be a starting point; they might recommend an audiogram and provide a referral, which can be necessary for insurance purposes. Always check with your insurance provider regarding coverage and referral requirements.
What Happens During an Audiogram
The audiogram process typically begins with an initial consultation where the audiologist gathers your medical history and discusses your hearing concerns. Following this, you will be seated in a sound-proof booth and given headphones or insert earphones. During the pure tone audiometry portion, you will hear a series of beeps at different pitches (frequencies) and volumes (intensities). You are asked to indicate every time you hear a sound, no matter how faint, allowing the audiologist to determine your hearing thresholds for both air conduction (sound traveling through the ear canal) and bone conduction (sound traveling through the bones behind the ear).
Speech audiometry is another important component, assessing how well you hear and understand spoken words. This often includes a Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) test, where you repeat two-syllable words to find the quietest level at which you can correctly hear them, and a Word Recognition Score (WRS) test, measuring your ability to understand single-syllable words presented at a comfortable volume. Additionally, tests like tympanometry may be performed to evaluate middle ear function by measuring eardrum movement, and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) may be used to assess inner ear function. The entire process is non-invasive and comfortable.
After Your Audiogram
Once your audiogram is complete, the audiologist will review the results with you. They will explain your hearing thresholds, represented on an audiogram chart. This graph plots the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches, or frequencies, measured in Hertz (Hz), and different loudness levels, measured in decibels (dB). Your results will indicate the type, degree, and configuration of any hearing loss present.
Based on these findings, the audiologist will provide a diagnosis, such as normal hearing, or mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss, and whether it is conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. They will then discuss personalized recommendations, which might include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or strategies for improved communication. If the audiogram suggests an underlying medical issue, a referral to an ENT specialist for further evaluation and potential medical intervention will be recommended. Ongoing monitoring or follow-up appointments may also be advised to track your hearing health over time.