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What is a Normal Hearing Test?

A normal hearing test is a hearing test showing no sign of hearing loss or trouble understanding speech at an average volume level.

  1. Features

    • The first portion of a hearing test measures your ability to hear tone sounds at various frequencies. The test is designed to find the softest level at which you can hear each frequency. If your tone hearing is normal, a second test confirms that you can understand words at an average speaking level.

    Significance

    • A hearing test checks your ability to hear throughout the frequency range of human speech. It’s possible to have normal hearing but difficulty hearing speech clearly. A speech understanding test is done using one syllable words presented in each ear. You will be asked to repeat each word as you hear it. A normal hearing person should have speech recognition scores above 94%. Low speech recognition scores are a sign of central processing disorders. A MRI may be necessary to rule out the presence of a brain tumor.

    Identification

    • The results of your hearing test are charted on an audiogram. An audiogram is a chart with frequencies across the top and volume levels--in decibels--along the left side. If you could hear all of the frequencies at 25 decibels or less, you have normal hearing.

    Expert Insight

    • Normal hearing ranges between -20 decibels and 25 decibels. If your ability to hear was once -10 decibels and it has dropped to 20 decibels, you will notice your hearing isn’t as good as it once was. However, you’re still considered within a normal range of hearing.

    Considerations

    • Even if you’re not noticing any trouble hearing, it’s good to have annual hearing tests. Just like annual physicals, hearing tests are important. Your hearing is a vital component of your health and overall quality of life.

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