audiogrammiin

An audiogram is a graph that shows the results of a hearing test. It displays the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies, which represent different pitches. The vertical axis of the audiogram represents loudness in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating softer sounds. The horizontal axis represents frequency in Hertz (Hz), with lower numbers representing lower pitches (like a bass drum) and higher numbers representing higher pitches (like a whistle).

During an audiogram test, a person listens to pure tones at various frequencies and loudness levels through headphones. They indicate when they can hear a sound, and the audiologist records the softest level at which they can hear each frequency. This information is plotted on the audiogram. Typically, the results for the right ear are marked with red circles and the left ear with blue crosses. A key is usually provided on the audiogram itself to explain these symbols.

The audiogram helps to identify the type and degree of hearing loss. Different patterns on the graph can suggest whether the hearing loss is conductive (involving the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (involving the inner ear or auditory nerve), or mixed. The degree of hearing loss is categorized based on how soft the sounds need to be for the person to hear them. This information is crucial for diagnosing hearing problems and determining appropriate treatment or management strategies, such as hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.