What do the axes show?
The horizontal axis shows frequency, measured in hertz: lower pitches sit to the left and higher pitches to the right. The vertical axis shows hearing level in decibels. Marks farther down mean the test tone had to be louder before it was detected.
The ASHA explanation of hearing-loss configuration describes how the plotted shape can be flat, sloping or otherwise frequency-specific. That shape can matter as much as a single average.
How are the ears and test routes separated?
Audiograms use symbols for right and left ears and for unmasked or masked testing. They may also distinguish air-conduction from bone-conduction thresholds. Symbol conventions can vary, so use the legend printed on your result rather than memorising a colour alone.
Air and bone results help a clinician consider whether reduced hearing is related to the outer or middle ear, the inner ear or hearing nerve, or a combination. The graph is evidence for interpretation; it is not a self-contained diagnosis.
What else should be on the report?
Ask about:
- test reliability and whether responses were consistent;
- speech-detection and word-recognition results;
- whether one ear differs from the other;
- whether the pattern needs medical referral;
- what change would be clinically meaningful at a future test; and
- how the findings relate to the situations you find difficult.
The NIDCD sudden-deafness page explains that pure-tone audiometry is used promptly when sudden sensorineural loss is suspected. Timing and history therefore matter alongside the plotted thresholds.
What should you avoid concluding?
Do not assume a “mild” label means the impact is mild in every setting. Do not choose amplification solely from a screenshot of the graph, and do not dismiss a sudden or asymmetric result because an online table looks reassuring.
Ask for a copy of the audiogram, the legend and a plain-language summary. A useful explanation should connect the pattern to real listening situations and clearly state whether follow-up or referral is recommended.