kuulmiskõver

Kuulmiskõver is an Estonian term used in audiology to refer to a graphical representation of an individual’s hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. It is derived from the words kuul (to hear) and kõver (curve) and is often used interchangeably with the concept of an audiogram in clinical settings.

The kuulmiskõver is typically constructed from pure-tone audiometry data. Small tones at various frequencies, usually from about 250 Hz to 8000 Hz, are presented to the patient, and the softest level at which the tones are heard is recorded in decibels hearing level (dB HL). The resulting data points are plotted to form a curve that summarizes the patient’s auditory thresholds across the tested frequency range. In addition to pure-tone data, a separate curve may be used to summarize speech reception or speech discrimination thresholds in some assessments.

Clinical use and interpretation focus on the shape and level of the curve. The overall height of the curve reflects the degree of hearing loss, while the slope and peaks can indicate the type of loss (for example, flat, rising, or sloping patterns) and potential site of lesion (conductive vs. sensorineural). The kuulmiskõver aids in decisions regarding hearing aid fitting, rehabilitation, and monitoring of changes in hearing, such as ototoxicity or noise-induced damage.

In practice, kuulmiskõver is closely related to the standard audiogram, and terminology may vary by region. It is one of several tools used to document and interpret auditory function. See also audiogram, audiometry, and psychoacoustics.