How to Read an Audiogram

Know the symbols on an audiogram. When your child's hearing levels are mapped on an audiogram, the right ear is typically represented with "O," while the left ear is marked with an "X." This is important to remember because your child's hearing loss can vary greatly, from ear to ear.

Understand the numbers across the top of an audiogram. The numbers that move across the top of the audiogram represent frequencies. They typically range from 250 to 8000 Hertz. Sounds at the lowest frequency, or pitch, are located at the far left side of the audiogram. Sounds at the highest frequency, are located at the far right of the audiogram.

Recognize the numbers that move down an audiogram. These numbers represent sound intensity or loudness. They typically range from 0 to 120 decibels. Sounds that are the softest are located near the top of the audiogram. Sounds that are the loudest are located near the bottom of the audiogram.

Familiarize yourself with the degrees of hearing loss. This correlates to how low your child's hearing loss is mapped on the audiogram. Hearing loss that is mapped between 0-25 dB is recognized as being within normal hearing limits. Hearing loss that is mapped between 25 dB and 40 dB is diagnosed as a mild hearing loss. Hearing loss that is mapped between 40 dB and 55 dB is diagnosed as a moderate hearing loss. Hearing loss that is mapped between 55 dB and 70 dB is diagnosed as a moderately severe loss. Hearing loss that is mapped between 70 dB and 90 dB is diagnosed as a severe hearing loss. Hearing loss that is mapped from 90 dB and greater is diagnosed as a profound hearing loss.