How Hearing is Measured

Measuring hearing is not as straightforward as determining a percentage of hearing loss.

When we are asked to explain the state of someone’s hearing, it is inaccurate to provide a simple answer.

Describing hearing simply as “good” or “poor” doesn’t capture the complexities of hearing loss. The volume or intensity of sounds tends to vary at different pitches, and your individual hearing profile – how well you can hear certain sounds – results in an entirely unique experience.

When we measure hearing loss, our goal is to map out the profile of your hearing. No matter the hearing challenges you face, this information will help us recommend options that have the best potential for your hearing.

At Audiology First, we go beyond describing hearing as good or poor. Using more measurements and information, we can customize any treatment and technology according to the ways that you experience hearing.

Challenges with measuring hearing

Hearing loss tends to vary at different pitches. For example, some people may have trouble with high pitches while others struggle to hear low frequencies. There are patterns depending on the type or causes of hearing loss, but these trends are far from uniform.

This means that people experience the effects of hearing loss in different ways. Certain situations or environments that are more difficult for you may not be as challenging for someone else with the same extent of hearing loss.

It is essential to understand the specific pitches that are impacted. There is a range of pitches that contribute to hearing sounds related to speech, so a hearing loss in this range can make it difficult to comprehend others. Even a mild loss in this range can have notable effects on understanding speech.

It is more accurate to quantify hearing loss in terms of a “degree of loss.” These degrees range from normal hearing to mild, moderate, severe or profound, and an individual’s degree of hearing loss will often vary across different pitches and types of sounds.

Better ways to measure hearing loss

Always start with a hearing test

A comprehensive hearing test is vital to both a diagnosis of your hearing loss and a treatment plan.

During your hearing test, your audiologist will discuss your medical history and lifestyle, which helps us understand how you hear sounds in different situations.

We will then conduct a range of non-invasive hearing tests. This can include a physical examination of your ears, a review of your neurological functioning and measurement of your ability to understand speech.

Hearing loss can be challenging to understand, but a hearing test is a primary tool used to obtain data and gain insight into how you experience sounds and what is happening in your ears and brain.

Visualize your hearing in an audiogram

Using the information from a hearing evaluation, your audiologist will summarize the results in the form of an audiogram.

An audiogram is a graph that shows the quietest sounds you are able to hear at different frequencies, and it indicates the degree of loss across different types of sounds. The nearer the marks on your audiogram are to the top of the graph, the softer the sounds are that you can hear at that frequency.

Everyone’s audiogram is unique, and your individual graph can help you to understand the impacts of your hearing loss on your daily life. It will show which pitches are more difficult to hear and how each ear performs.

Speech intelligibility index

The speech intelligibility index is a measure ranging from 0 and 1 that represents the amount of speech that is both audible and comprehensible in a variety of listening conditions.

It can be generated from the data depicted on your audiogram, and it is highly correlated with speech understanding. As the speech intelligibility index increases, speech understanding generally increases.

Individuals experiencing hearing loss will often find it difficult to understand speech – particularly in noisy settings.

The speech intelligibility index enables audiologists to quantify the impact of hearing loss on the audibility of speech in both quiet and noisy environments. Noise masking, filtering and reverberation conditions can be simulated to predict your speech intelligibility in difficult hearing environments based on the proportion of speech cues that are audible to you.

A speech intelligibility index of 0 would mean that none of the speech in a given setting is audible or comprehensible, and an index of 1 would mean all of the speech was available to the listener.

The speech intelligibility index is a useful tool to understand and describe how your hearing loss impacts the way you comprehend speech. It is relatively easy to interpret and can help explain to your family and friends why your hearing loss not only impacts how well you hear sounds but also how well you understand speech.

Go beyond measuring your hearing

At Audiology First, we go beyond measuring hearing. Our evaluations seek to understand the reasons for your hearing loss, and we will examine where within the ear system there might be a problem.

We will visualize your hearing in an audiogram and determine the speech intelligibility index. Most importantly, we will connect the type and degree of loss you experience with the hearing challenges you face in your daily life. And then use this information to recommend the best next steps in your hearing care.

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.