Audiologists test for hearing loss using different frequencies, pitches, and sounds to measure a person’s hearing. Keep reading to learn more about how degrees of hearing loss are calculated.

Assessing Hearing Loss

If you are questioning your hearing, the best step to take is to have your hearing tested by an audiologist. A typical hearing test will check a person’s ability to hear the loudness and pitch of sounds. An audiologist will chart the results of your hearing on a graph (audiogram), so the severity of hearing loss and possible causes can be determined.

There are various types of hearing tests, but the most common include:

• Pure Tone Audiometry Test: This test measures the quietest sound you can hear at different pitches, or frequencies. You wear headphones during this test, so each ear can be tested separately. A sound is played through the headphones, and you raise your hand or press a button when you hear the sound.
• Speech Discrimination Test: This test measures your ability to understand speech in quiet environments, or speech said at different volumes. Speech discrimination tests evaluate your speech reception threshold (SRT), which is the lowest volume at which you can hear speech.
• Speech in Noise Test: A speech in noise test is exactly what it sounds like–it measures how well someone can understand speech while background noise is present. This test is important because there are always competing noises in everyday life, and being able to listen to those that are important, as well as blocking out those that aren’t, is imperative to good hearing.

There are a number of factors that determine which type of hearing test you complete. You may even complete more than one. Your audiologist will talk with you about your specific hearing concerns, take into account your age, and consider any results from previous tests you’ve taken.

Frequencies & Decibels Tested

In a standard hearing test, or pure tone audiometry test, the frequencies tested typically range from 250 Hertz (Hz) to 8000 Hz. This is the range that is tested because it covers the frequencies most important for understanding speech, which is necessary for communication. However, the human ear can detect frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

While frequency is measured in Hertz, the intensity or loudness of sound is measured in dB HL. Decibels, dB, describe loudness and HL refers to hearing loss, therefore dB HL describes your hearing loss in decibels.

Knowing both the frequency range and decibel range someone can and cannot hear gives a complete picture of their hearing loss, and helps audiologists develop a plan to improve it. It also helps establish where on the hearing loss spectrum someone’s hearing falls. This spectrum includes a range of hearing abilities that include moderate, mild, severe, and profound hearing loss.

Levels that Suggest Hearing Loss

When your hearing test or tests are complete, your audiologist will be able to establish where on the hearing loss spectrum your hearing resides. In addition to the mild, moderate, severe, and profound categories of hearing loss measured in decibels, there are also frequency levels that indicate hearing loss. These include low frequency hearing loss, mid-range hearing loss, and high-frequency hearing loss (most common).

The degrees of hearing loss, indicated by dB HL, specify each level of hearing loss:

• Mild hearing loss: This is characterized by having hearing loss up to 40 dB. Difficulty hearing some words when background noise is present is usually an indication of this type of hearing loss.
• Moderate hearing loss: People with this degree of hearing loss cannot hear sounds lower than 40-69 dB. Having trouble hearing conversation on the phone, or in person, may suggest this type of hearing loss.
• Severe hearing loss: This type of hearing loss means that people cannot hear sound lower than 70-94 dB. If someone cannot hear speech without the use of amplification, like a hearing aid, then this category of hearing loss is present.
• Profound hearing loss: Understanding speech or hearing sound without the use of a hearing aid is almost impossible with this type of hearing loss. People with this type of hearing loss cannot hear sound lower than 95 dB.

To better understand the spectrum of hearing loss, here are decibel levels for some common sounds:

• Breathing: 10dB
• Normal conversation: 40-60 dB
• Lawnmower: 90 dB
• Rock concert: 120 dB
• Gunshot: 140 dB

As mentioned, a range of 250 Hz to 8000 Hz is measured because it includes the frequencies for average speech communication. The range of frequencies can indicate which type of hearing loss you have. A high-pitched frequency hearing loss could mean you have trouble hearing children’s voices or bird’s singing.

Scheduling a Hearing Test

If you think you may have hearing loss, or if you haven’t had your hearing tested in awhile, scheduling a hearing test is a great idea. An experienced audiologist, like those at Hearing Solution Centers, will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. If your tests indicate that you do have some hearing loss, a plan can be put into place to correct the hearing loss.

Do you or someone you know need a hearing test? Reach out to Hearing Solution Centers today to schedule an appointment!