What do the symbols mean on an audiogram?

Each symbol on the chart represents your threshold for a given frequency. In the example above, the individual’s threshold for 2000 Hz was 50 dB in each ear. Once all of the thresholds are measured and plotted on the graph, they are connected to form easy-to-read lines for the left and right ears.

What does PTA mean on a hearing test?

A convenient summary of the audiogram for each ear is the pure-tone average (PTA) of thresholds measured at specific frequencies. Thresholds are measured on a decibel (dB) hearing loss (HL) scale referenced to audiometric”zero” (the average hearing level at each frequency for normal young adults).

What type of tympanogram is considered normal?

Tympanogram tracings are classified as type A (normal), type B (flat, clearly abnormal), and type C (indicating a significantly negative pressure in the middle ear, possibly indicative of pathology).

What is a significant air bone gap?

The difference between the results of air conduction and bone conduction tests is known as the air-bone gap. An air-bone gap may mean a problem in the outer or middle ear. If there is no gap between air and bone conduction this may indicate a problem in the inner ear (cochlea).

How do I read an audiogram number?

The audiogram is a fairly simple graph:

  1. The Y-axis (vertical) measures the intensity, or loudness, of the sound. It’s measured in decibels (Db) and range from -10 to 110 on the audiogram.
  2. The X-axis (horizontal) measures the frequency, or the pitch of the sound. The numbers run from 125 to 8,000 and measure hertz (Hz).

What is average hearing level in dB?

Normal hearing range is from 0 dBHL (Decibel Hearing Level), which is the audiometric zero, to 20 dBHL. Any threshold, at any frequency, that is over 20 dBHL is identified as hearing loss. Though a ‘normal’ audible range for loudness is 0 – 180dB, anything over 85dB is considered damaging for our hearing.

What is the difference between dB HL and dB SPL?

dB SPL vs. dB HL Loudness of sound is typically measured in sound pressure level (dB SPL). The output of hearing aids and assistive listening devices is displayed in dB SPL; however, auditory thresholds (on an audiogram) are measured in hearing level (dB HL).

What is an abnormal tympanogram?

Abnormal tympanometry test results may suggest: fluid in the middle ear. perforation of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) scarring of the eardrum, which usually results from frequent ear infections. middle ear pressure beyond the normal range.