What does a rising audiogram indicate?

A rising audiogram indicates that a person has better hearing at high frequencies compared to low frequencies. In this type of audiogram, the threshold of hearing improves as the frequency increases, which suggests that the individual can hear higher-pitched sounds more clearly than lower-pitched sounds. This pattern is often seen in cases of certain types of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss, where low-frequency sounds may be more affected due to issues in the outer or middle ear, while high-frequency sounds are less impacted.

Understanding this concept is essential for hearing aid dispensers, as it helps in identifying the specific type of hearing loss a patient has, which can guide appropriate intervention strategies and the selection of hearing aid settings that will enhance the patient’s listening experience.