When you undergo a hearing test at Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic in Moses Lake, WA, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the results. Understanding these results is crucial for making informed decisions about your hearing health. However, the terminology used can sometimes be confusing. This article aims to demystify common terms you’ll encounter on your hearing test report, helping you better understand your hearing condition and the next steps.
Why Understanding Your Hearing Test Results Matters
Your hearing test results are more than just numbers on a page—they offer a comprehensive picture of your auditory health. At our Moses Lake clinic, we want you to feel empowered to make decisions about your hearing aids and overall care. Knowing how to interpret these results can guide you in choosing the right hearing aids, pursuing further evaluations, or taking preventative measures to protect your hearing.
Key Terms in Your Hearing Test Results
Here are some of the most common terms you’ll encounter in your hearing test results and what they mean:
1. Audiogram
An audiogram is a visual representation of your hearing test results. It shows the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies, measured in decibels (dB). Frequencies are plotted on the horizontal axis, ranging from low to high pitches, while the vertical axis represents the intensity of sound.
Understanding the Audiogram:
- Normal Hearing: If your hearing thresholds fall between -10 dB and 25 dB across all frequencies, your hearing is considered normal.
- Mild Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 26 dB and 40 dB suggest mild hearing loss.
- Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 41 dB and 70 dB indicate moderate hearing loss, while 71 dB to 90 dB suggests severe hearing loss.
- Profound Hearing Loss: Any threshold over 91 dB signifies profound hearing loss.
Knowing where your results fall on the audiogram can help determine the type of hearing aids that will best suit your needs in Moses Lake.
2. Frequency
Frequency refers to the pitch of a sound, measured in Hertz (Hz). In hearing tests, you’ll typically encounter frequencies ranging from 250 Hz (low pitch) to 8000 Hz (high pitch).
Key Frequencies:
- 250 Hz to 500 Hz: Low-pitched sounds, such as deep voices or the rumble of a car.
- 1000 Hz to 2000 Hz: Mid-range frequencies, crucial for understanding speech.
- 4000 Hz to 8000 Hz: High-pitched sounds, like birds chirping or the beeping of a microwave.
Different types of hearing aids available in Moses Lake can be optimized to enhance frequencies where you have the most difficulty hearing.
3. Decibels (dB)
Decibels measure the intensity or loudness of a sound. During a hearing test, you’ll encounter various decibel levels to determine the softest sound you can hear.
Understanding Decibel Levels:
- 0 dB: The faintest sound, typically just at the threshold of hearing.
- 30 dB: Equivalent to a whisper.
- 60 dB: Normal conversation level.
- 90 dB and above: Loud sounds, such as a lawnmower or traffic, which can cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure.
Your hearing test results in Moses Lake will indicate the lowest decibel level at which you can hear different frequencies, helping to identify the degree of hearing loss.
4. Conductive vs. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is generally classified into two categories: conductive and sensorineural.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: This type occurs when sound is not efficiently conducted through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. It can often be corrected with medical treatment or surgery.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. It is usually permanent and often requires hearing aids for management.
Understanding the type of hearing loss you have is essential for choosing the right hearing aids and treatment plan in Moses Lake, WA.
5. Speech Discrimination Score
Your Speech Discrimination Score (SDS), also known as Word Recognition Score (WRS), measures how well you can understand speech. It’s usually expressed as a percentage, representing how many words you correctly repeated out of a list presented at a comfortable volume level.
Interpreting SDS:
- 90%-100%: Excellent speech understanding.
- 75%-89%: Good speech understanding.
- 50%-74%: Fair speech understanding.
- Below 50%: Poor speech understanding.
This score helps audiologists in Moses Lake determine how well you can recognize speech in different environments, which is crucial for fine-tuning your hearing aids.
6. Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a test that evaluates the function of your middle ear by measuring how your eardrum responds to changes in air pressure. It helps diagnose conditions like fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, or eustachian tube dysfunction.
Tympanometry Results:
- Type A: Normal middle ear function.
- Type B: Indicates fluid in the middle ear or a perforated eardrum.
- Type C: Suggests eustachian tube dysfunction.
Tympanometry is often part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation at our Moses Lake clinic, providing additional insights into your hearing health.
Next Steps After Your Hearing Test in Moses Lake, WA
Interpreting your hearing test results is just the first step in managing your hearing health. Based on your results, the audiologists at Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic in Moses Lake will discuss treatment options, including the selection of the most appropriate hearing aids for your specific needs.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aids in Moses Lake
Your audiogram, speech discrimination scores, and other test results will guide the recommendation for hearing aids that match your hearing profile. Whether you need a device that enhances high frequencies or one that improves speech recognition in noisy environments, we offer a range of advanced hearing aids in Moses Lake, WA.
Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up
Hearing loss can progress over time, so it’s important to have regular follow-up appointments. The audiologists at our Moses Lake clinic will monitor your hearing and adjust your hearing aids as needed to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Understanding the terminology used in your hearing test results empowers you to take control of your hearing health. Whether you’re considering hearing aids or simply want to keep track of your hearing abilities, knowing how to interpret these results is key. If you’re in Moses Lake, WA, and have questions about your hearing test results or hearing aids, the team at Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic is here to help you navigate your hearing journey with confidence.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to protect and improve your hearing, ensuring a better quality of life in Moses Lake.
Schedule Your Hearing Evaluation Today
Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic offers extensive hearing tests for Wenatchee and Moses Lake residents, and expert guidance on hearing loss management. Our audiologists are committed to providing personalized care and support on your hearing health journey.
If you have any concerns about your hearing, Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic is here for you. Schedule your initial hearing test, or consult with a hearing aid specialist today.