What is an audiogram?

An audiogram is indeed a graphical representation of an individual's hearing abilities. It typically depicts the softest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies, measured in Hertz (Hz), and it indicates their hearing thresholds, which are plotted on a chart. This visual representation allows audiologists and hearing professionals to assess the degree and type of hearing loss a patient might have. By using symbols or lines to denote thresholds at different frequencies, an audiogram helps in understanding how hearing loss affects hearing across the range of sounds important for communication.

Understanding the audiogram is crucial for determining appropriate interventions, such as fitting hearing aids, planning rehabilitation strategies, or recommending further evaluation if necessary. This makes it an essential tool in audiology, as it directly informs the effective management of a person's hearing health.