what is an audiogram

An audiogram is a graph that shows the softest sounds a person can hear at different pitches or frequencies. It is a visual representation of an individuals hearing abilities across a range of frequencies. The Y-axis of the graph represents intensity measured in decibels (dB), and the X-axis represents frequency measured in hertz. The audiogram shows the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. The closer the marks are to the top of the graph, the softer the sounds that person can hear. The pitches shown on the audiogram are those most important for hearing and understanding conversation. Each sound we hear when someone speaks has a different pitch and loudness. The audiogram is produced using a piece of test equipment called an audiometer, which allows different frequencies to be presented to the subject, usually over calibrated headphones, at any specified level. The levels are, however, not absolute, but weighted with frequency relative to a standard graph known as the minimum audibility curve, which is intended to represent a normal hearing. The audiologist marks what you hear in your right ear with a red O, and what you hear in your left ear gets a blue X. The audiogram shows the pattern of your hearing loss and how severe it is, called the degree of hearing loss. The audiogram is an indispensable tool to help with hearing loss, and it is used to diagnose age-related hearing loss, monitor changes in hearing over time, and recommend appropriate interventions such as hearing aids or cochlear implants.