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TOOL · HEARING TEST RESULTS DECODER

Hearing Test Results Decoder

Use whichever information is available on your hearing test. All three paths lead to the same kind of explanation. Adding more detail improves confidence and helps separate overall audibility, access to speech details, word recognition, and audiogram shape.

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

Choose the path that matches the information in front of you. You can switch paths without losing what you entered.

Fastest

PTA or hearing-loss degree

Use this for a fast overall estimate when your report lists PTA or only a hearing-loss degree.

Middle ground

Quick audiogram estimate

Use the first and last clearly plotted points on the graph for a broad estimate of shape and speech-detail access.

Recommended with report

I can enter a full audiogram

Best when the report is open. Enter the thresholds you can find, plus WRS and hearing-loss type if listed.

Same destination, different confidence: PTA gives a broad summary; graph endpoints add a rough shape estimate; a fuller audiogram adds frequency detail and optional word recognition.

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-range average (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) as a broader estimate of overall speech audibility. High-frequency thresholds and WRS add separate information about speech details and word recognition.

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

Read the graph like a picture: enter the dB HL value for the first clearly plotted point on the low-pitch side and the last clearly plotted point on the high-pitch side. 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.

Suggested Next Steps

Prepare for Your Appointment

Get personalized questions and conversation guides for your visit with an audiologist.

Use Hearing Coach →

Explore Hearing Devices

Compare OTC devices, prescription hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive technology.

Explore Devices →

Urgent Symptoms?

Sudden hearing loss in 72 hours, severe dizziness, or ear pain requires prompt medical evaluation.

Emergency Guide →

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Medical Disclaimer: This resource is developed by UCSF Audiology for educational and informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical medical advice, formal diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist (ENT physician), or primary care doctor regarding hearing health decisions. If you experience sudden hearing loss (within 24–72 hours), severe acute vertigo, or ear trauma, seek immediate medical evaluation at an emergency department or urgent care clinic.