Hearing Test Results Decoder | UCSF EARS
TOOL · HEARING TEST RESULTS DECODER

Hearing Test Results Decoder

This tool is a plain-language “translator” for common adult hearing test results. Choose how much detail you have. Each path feeds one shared explanation: speech volume, speech clarity, audiogram shape, confidence level, and next steps.

2–8 minutes Educational summary (not diagnosis)
What this tool can do Explain patterns, day-to-day impact (“I hear but don’t understand”), and realistic next steps. You can leave blanks—this is not a test.
Hearing emergency? Sudden hearing change (hours to 3 days), new severe vertigo, new neurologic symptoms, or major injury should be evaluated urgently. Go to Emergency guidance.

Start with what you have

Three levels of detail. One shared explanation, so the tool does not act like three tiny calculators arguing in a trench coat.

Fastest

I have a “hearing number” (PTA)

Good if your report lists PTA for each ear, or someone told you “mild / moderate / severe.”

Middle ground

Quick graph estimate

Use the far-left and far-right marks on the graph. Best when you want a fast shape-and-clarity estimate.

Most detailed

I can enter a full audiogram

Best if you have the paper/report open. You can leave blanks (the tool will still help).

Tip: On many reports, PTA is printed near the bottom. For speech clarity, look for WRS or “Word Recognition.”

Your entries stay on this page while you switch paths.

Which ear(s) would you like to enter?
Where do I find PTA?
Left ear PTA

If you don’t see a single PTA number, you can still use Quick estimate or Full audiogram.

Or choose what you were told
Right ear PTA

If you have separate PTAs for left and right, use them here.

Or choose what you were told

PTA is often an average of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Some reports print it as “PTA” near the bottom for each ear. The full audiogram path below uses a 4-frequency speech average (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) to better reflect speech clarity risk.

Use the quick graph estimate instead
Which ear(s) would you like to enter?

Read the line like a picture: enter the dB HL value for the far-left mark (lower pitches) and the far-right mark (higher pitches). On an audiogram, lower on the page means a larger dB number.

Left ear Quick estimate

This estimates broad shape and high-frequency clarity risk. It cannot detect a notch or cookie-bite pattern.

Right ear Quick estimate

Approximate is fine. The full audiogram path is still the best option when you have the report open.

Enter full audiogram
Which ear(s) are on your audiogram?

Enter what you can. If you’re unsure about a value, leave it blank.

Left ear Audiogram

May be labeled “Word Recognition,” “Speech Discrimination,” or “WRS.”

Type of hearing loss (if you were told)
Right ear Audiogram

If multiple WRS scores exist, use the one your audiologist emphasized.

Type of hearing loss (if you were told)
How recent is this change?

If you select “new or much worse,” the results will include a safety note and emergency routing.

Use quick graph estimate instead

Don’t have your report yet?

Use the Care Navigator to figure out who to see and how soon. When you request records, ask for: “audiogram thresholds + word recognition (WRS) for each ear.”

Your interpretation

Educational summary

Pick a starting option and enter what you know. Your personalized explanation will appear here—including what this may feel like day to day and the most reasonable next steps.

Next Steps

Your hearing “numbers” are only part of the picture. The next step is pairing patterns with real-life needs, communication goals, and the right type of care.

Care Navigator Smartphone Hearing Tools Technology Pathway