01
Pure-Tone Audiometry
Measures the softest tones a person can detect at different pitches. Results may be plotted on an audiogram.
APPROACH EDUCATION · FAMILY RESOURCES
Audiology & Hearing Tests
Hearing tests can come with unfamiliar words, charts, and symbols. We're here to make them easier to understand, one step at a time.
Explore the audiogram
Understanding a hearing test is a starting point.
Your child's audiologist can explain the full results, test reliability,
and how findings relate to everyday listening. A hearing test alone
does not describe all of a child's communication abilities.
START WITH THE BASICS
What do hearing tests tell us?
Different tests answer different questions. Here are some you may see in your child's audiology report.
02
Speech Audiometry
Looks at detection, recognition, or understanding of speech under specific test conditions. Results depend on the test used.
03
Tympanometry
Provides information about middle-ear function, including how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure.
04
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
Measure responses generated by the cochlea's outer hair cells. They are not a complete measure of hearing ability.
05
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
Records electrical responses along the auditory pathway after sound stimulation. It can help estimate hearing sensitivity and assess neural responses.
06
Behavioral Testing for Young Children
Methods such as Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) and Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) help audiologists assess hearing using developmentally appropriate responses.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING TOOL
Learn to read an audiogram
An audiogram shows hearing thresholds across frequencies. Explore the fictional example, then enter values from a hearing test to see possible listening considerations.
Example audiogram
Illustrative results only — not a real child's hearing test
O Right ear
X Left ear
Understanding the chart
Pitch / Frequency
Frequencies are measured in hertz (Hz). The horizontal axis moves from lower pitches on the left to higher pitches on the right.
Why this matters:
Speech contains different frequency components. An audiogram can help explain which sound levels were detected during testing, but does not measure everyday speech understanding.
EXPLORE YOUR CHILD'S HEARING TEST
Plot hearing thresholds
Enter air-conduction thresholds in dB HL for the right and left ears. Leave a field blank if it was not tested or you are unsure.
Enter results
| Frequency | Right (O) | Left (X) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Hz | ||
| 500 Hz | ||
| 1000 Hz | ||
| 2000 Hz | ||
| 4000 Hz | ||
| 8000 Hz |
This tool supports conventional air-conduction thresholds only. Do not enter aided thresholds, bone-conduction results, or no-response marks as ordinary measured thresholds.
Your plotted audiogram
O Right ear
X Left ear
Enter thresholds and select Plot my entries.
POSSIBLE LISTENING CONSIDERATIONS
What could these results mean in everyday life?
These are educational discussion points based on the frequencies and levels entered, not predictions about an individual child.
Questions to ask your audiologist or educational team
- Which speech frequencies and sound levels may be less accessible?
- How does my child understand speech in quiet compared with background noise?
- How might distance and group conversations affect access?
- What hearing technology, visual information, or communication supports may help?
- What additional testing or functional listening information would help explain school impact?
Important: This tool is educational and does not diagnose hearing loss, interpret the complete audiology report, predict speech understanding, determine educational eligibility, or recommend treatment. The plotted values and explanations are simplified. Review results with a licensed audiologist. Information entered here is processed locally by this section and is not submitted or saved by this tool.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT
What can families do next?
COMMON QUESTIONS
Audiology FAQs
What does dB HL mean?
Decibels hearing level (dB HL) is the scale used to report hearing thresholds on a clinical audiogram. It is not the same as the physical sound level of every everyday noise.
Why are there different symbols on an audiogram?
Symbols distinguish ears and testing conditions, including air conduction, bone conduction, and masked testing. Ask your audiologist to explain the exact symbols used in your child's report.
Can a child have listening difficulties even when hearing thresholds appear typical?
Yes. Hearing thresholds do not capture every aspect of speech understanding, attention, language, or listening in complex environments. Additional evaluation may be appropriate when concerns persist.
Does hearing technology guarantee speech understanding?
No. Hearing technology may improve access to sound, but outcomes vary. Appropriate fitting, monitoring, communication access, and individual needs all matter.