How is hearing loss measured?

Heather A. Smith

Au.D.

Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists

Hearing loss is typically measured using a test called an audiogram. During an audiogram, a person listens to sounds of varying frequencies and volumes through headphones or speakers. The person indicates when they can hear the sounds, and the results are plotted on a graph called an audiogram. The two main measurements used in audiograms are frequency, which is measured in Hertz (Hz) and represents the pitch of the sound, and intensity, which is measured in decibels (dB) and represents the loudness of the sound. The results of the audiogram help determine the extent and type of hearing loss a person has.