When you complete a hearing test at Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic in Wenatchee, WA, you’ll receive a detailed report summarizing your auditory health. Interpreting this information is key to making informed decisions about your hearing care. However, the technical language can be challenging to understand. This guide aims to clarify the common terms found in your hearing test results, helping you gain a better understanding of your hearing condition and the steps you should take next.
Why It’s Important to Understand Your Hearing Test Results
Your hearing test results provide a comprehensive snapshot of your auditory system’s performance. At our Wenatchee clinic, we believe that understanding these results empowers you to take control of your hearing health. Whether you’re selecting the right hearing aids, deciding on further testing, or taking steps to protect your hearing, clear interpretation of your results is essential.
Essential Terms in Your Hearing Test Report
Here are some common terms you might find in your hearing test report, along with explanations to help you understand what they mean:
1. Audiogram
An audiogram is a visual chart representing your hearing test results. It displays the quietest sounds you can hear at various frequencies, measured in decibels (dB). The horizontal axis shows frequencies (pitches), while the vertical axis indicates the sound intensity.
Interpreting the Audiogram:
- Normal Hearing: If your hearing thresholds are between -10 dB and 25 dB across all frequencies, your hearing is within the normal range.
- Mild Hearing Loss: Thresholds between 26 dB and 40 dB suggest mild hearing loss.
- Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss: Thresholds from 41 dB to 70 dB indicate moderate hearing loss, while 71 dB to 90 dB suggests severe hearing loss.
- Profound Hearing Loss: Thresholds over 91 dB signify profound hearing loss.
Understanding your audiogram can help you and your Wenatchee audiologist choose the most suitable hearing aids for your specific needs.
2. Frequency
Frequency measures the pitch of a sound, expressed in Hertz (Hz). In hearing tests, frequencies typically range from 250 Hz (low pitch) to 8000 Hz (high pitch).
Key Frequency Ranges:
- 250 Hz to 500 Hz: Low-pitched sounds, such as a deep voice or distant thunder.
- 1000 Hz to 2000 Hz: Mid-range frequencies, crucial for understanding speech.
- 4000 Hz to 8000 Hz: High-pitched sounds, like birdsong or the ring of a telephone.
Hearing aids available at our Wenatchee clinic can be customized to amplify the frequencies where you need the most support.
3. Decibels (dB)
Decibels measure the loudness or intensity of a sound. Your hearing test results in Wenatchee will show the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies.
Understanding Decibel Levels:
- 0 dB: The faintest sound detectable by the human ear.
- 30 dB: Comparable to a whisper.
- 60 dB: The volume of normal conversation.
- 90 dB and above: Loud sounds, such as traffic noise or a lawnmower, which can be harmful with prolonged exposure.
Your test results will indicate the minimum decibel level at which you can hear each frequency, providing insight into the degree of hearing loss you may have.
4. Conductive vs. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is categorized into two primary types: conductive and sensorineural.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Occurs when sound cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear. It is often treatable with medical intervention.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This type is usually permanent and often managed with hearing aids.
Identifying the type of hearing loss you have is crucial for determining the most effective treatment options available in Wenatchee.
5. Speech Discrimination Score
Also known as the Word Recognition Score (WRS), this percentage-based score indicates how well you understand speech at a comfortable volume level.
Speech Discrimination Score:
- 90%-100%: Excellent speech recognition.
- 75%-89%: Good speech understanding.
- 50%-74%: Fair speech understanding.
- Below 50%: Poor speech understanding.
This score helps audiologists in Wenatchee determine how well you can recognize speech in various environments, which is vital for selecting and fine-tuning your hearing aids.
6. Tympanometry
Tympanometry assesses the function of your middle ear by measuring eardrum movement in response to changes in air pressure. It helps identify issues like middle ear fluid, ear infections, or eustachian tube dysfunction.
Tympanometry Results:
- Type A: Indicates normal middle ear function.
- Type B: Suggests fluid in the middle ear or a perforated eardrum.
- Type C: Points to eustachian tube dysfunction.
This test is often included in a full hearing evaluation at our Wenatchee clinic to provide a comprehensive understanding of your hearing health.
What to Do After Your Hearing Test in Wenatchee, WA
Once you have a clear understanding of your hearing test results, the next step is to discuss treatment options with your Wenatchee audiologist. This may involve selecting hearing aids that match your specific hearing profile or scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor your hearing over time.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aids in Wenatchee
Based on your audiogram and other test results, your audiologist will recommend hearing aids tailored to your needs. Whether you need devices that enhance high-frequency sounds or improve speech clarity in noisy environments, our Wenatchee clinic offers a range of advanced hearing aids to suit every lifestyle.
Regular Check-Ups and Hearing Monitoring
Hearing loss can change over time, so it’s important to schedule regular check-ups. The audiologists at Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic in Wenatchee will track your hearing health and adjust your hearing aids as necessary to ensure they continue to meet your needs.
Conclusion
Deciphering the terms used in your hearing test results is the first step toward effective hearing care. By understanding these key concepts, you’ll be better equipped to manage your hearing health. If you’re in Wenatchee, WA, and have questions about your hearing test results or hearing aids, the team at Horan & Fevold Hearing Clinic is here to support you in every step of your hearing journey.
Familiarizing yourself with these terms allows you to make informed decisions about your hearing health, helping you maintain a high quality of life in Wenatchee.
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.