What does the Y-axis of an audiogram measure?

The Y-axis of an audiogram measures sound intensity in decibels (dB), which quantifies the loudness of sounds that the patient can hear. Decibels represent the level of hearing loss or sensitivity to sound, helping to determine the range of sounds a person can detect.

The measurement of sound frequency, indicated on the X-axis of an audiogram, is in Hertz (Hz), which denotes the pitch of the sounds being tested. As such, the correct interpretation of the Y-axis directly correlates with understanding how loud sounds need to be for a patient to hear them within the frequency spectrum, making it an integral part of audiometric evaluation and hearing aid fitting.