An audiogram is a graph that shows the results of a hearing test. It maps the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies (pitches), giving your audiologist a complete picture of your hearing ability.
Understanding the axes
The horizontal axis (X-axis) shows frequency in Hertz (Hz) — from low-pitched sounds on the left (250 Hz) to high-pitched sounds on the right (8000 Hz). The vertical axis (Y-axis) shows intensity in decibels (dB HL) — with softer sounds at the top and louder sounds at the bottom.
What the symbols mean
An O (circle) represents the right ear, and an X represents the left ear. Each symbol is plotted at the softest level you could hear that frequency during testing.
Hearing threshold categories
- 0–25 dB: Normal hearing
- 26–40 dB: Mild hearing loss
- 41–55 dB: Moderate hearing loss
- 56–70 dB: Moderately severe hearing loss
- 71–90 dB: Severe hearing loss
- 91+ dB: Profound hearing loss
High-frequency vs low-frequency loss
Most age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) affects high frequencies first — meaning you may struggle to hear consonants like S, F, and TH clearly, even when you can hear someone speaking. This explains why people with hearing loss often say "I can hear you, I just can't understand you."
What to do with your results
Your audiologist will explain your audiogram in detail. The pattern and severity of your thresholds determines whether hearing aids are recommended, and if so, which type and level of technology is most appropriate for your lifestyle.