What does an audiogram measure?

What does an audiogram measure?

• A. Visual acuity
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Hearing thresholds
• D. Color vision

Answer: (C)

An audiogram measures hearing thresholds—the faintest sounds a person can detect across a range of frequencies. It’s plotted as a graph with frequency (Hz) on the horizontal axis and hearing level (dB HL) on the vertical axis. For each ear, tones are presented and the quietest level at which the tone is heard about half the time is recorded, creating a profile of hearing sensitivity from low to high pitches. Normal hearing typically falls from about 0 to 20 dB HL across frequencies; higher thresholds indicate some degree of hearing loss. The pattern across frequencies helps identify not only that hearing loss exists, but its type (conductive vs. sensorineural) and which frequencies are affected, often by comparing air conduction to bone conduction results. This tool is essential in monitoring hearing health and fit for duty in environments with noise exposure. Visual acuity, blood pressure, and color vision are not measured by an audiogram.

An audiogram measures hearing thresholds—the faintest sounds a person can detect across a range of frequencies. It’s plotted as a graph with frequency (Hz) on the horizontal axis and hearing level (dB HL) on the vertical axis. For each ear, tones are presented and the quietest level at which the tone is heard about half the time is recorded, creating a profile of hearing sensitivity from low to high pitches. Normal hearing typically falls from about 0 to 20 dB HL across frequencies; higher thresholds indicate some degree of hearing loss. The pattern across frequencies helps identify not only that hearing loss exists, but its type (conductive vs. sensorineural) and which frequencies are affected, often by comparing air conduction to bone conduction results. This tool is essential in monitoring hearing health and fit for duty in environments with noise exposure. Visual acuity, blood pressure, and color vision are not measured by an audiogram.