Audiogramm

Audiogramm is the graphical record of an individual's hearing thresholds across a range of frequencies obtained with pure-tone audiometry. In clinical practice, the term is standard in German-speaking countries and corresponds to the English term "audiogram." The x-axis represents frequency in hertz (Hz), typically from about 250 Hz to 8000 Hz for routine testing; the y-axis shows hearing threshold in decibels hearing level (dB HL), with lower values indicating better hearing. Normal hearing is commonly defined as approximately -10 to 25 dB HL across tested frequencies, though exact cutoffs may vary by guideline.

Most audiograms plot both air-conduction thresholds (via headphones or insert earphones) and bone-conduction thresholds (via a bone vibrator), using different symbols. The comparison of air and bone thresholds helps identify the type of hearing loss: a normal bone threshold with reduced air threshold suggests conductive loss, whereas elevated thresholds in both measures indicate sensorineural loss, and larger air-bone gaps point to mixed loss. Some charts also include a speech-audiogram or speech-reception threshold estimates.

Audiograms are used to diagnose hearing loss, determine its degree and configuration, guide treatment decisions such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, and monitor changes due to aging, noise exposure, or ototoxic medications. Results are influenced by testing conditions and patient response, and should be interpreted by qualified clinicians within the broader clinical context.