How to read an audiometry test report
Oct 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
The hearing test report should be interpreted by examining the hearing thresholds of the left and right ears at different frequencies. Air conduction refers to the process by which sound travels through the air via the outer ear and middle ear to reach the inner ear. Bone conduction refers to the process by which sound is transmitted directly to the inner ear through vibrations of the skull bone. The hearing test report displays two audiometric curves: air conduction and bone conduction. These two curves are formed by connecting the hearing thresholds of each ear at various frequencies.
Under normal circumstances, an audiology test report should be interpreted by examining the hearing thresholds of the left and right ears at different frequencies. The specific analysis is as follows:
Air conduction refers to the process by which sound travels through the air via the outer ear and middle ear to reach the inner ear. Bone conduction refers to the process by which sound directly reaches the inner ear through vibrations of the skull bone. An audiology test report typically includes two hearing curves: one for air conduction and one for bone conduction. These two curves are formed by connecting the hearing thresholds of each ear at various frequencies. Normally, the threshold values on both curves should be less than 25 dB, and the two curves should largely overlap with no significant difference between them. If the hearing threshold exceeds 25 dB, it indicates some degree of hearing loss, which may involve either air conduction or bone conduction. If a clear gap exists between the air conduction and bone conduction thresholds, it may suggest the presence of mixed hearing loss.
If the hearing curve falls below normal levels, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
