Test Chart - Audiogram

Patient's thresholds are recorded on an Audiogram, which is a graph with two axes. The horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents intensity. Patients' thresholds are plotted using special symbols. For example, if a patient hears 1,000 Hz at 10dB, 50% of the time, via air conduction in the right ear, a red circle will be placed at the intersection point of 1,000 Hz and 10dB. The air conduction symbol for the left ear is a blue "X". Although a complete Audiogram includes both air and bone conduction, hearing sensitivity is classified on the basis of air conduction thresholds. Straight lines connect the air conduction symbols for the right ear and for the left ear. It is important to note that the relationship between patients' air and bone conduction assists the Audiologist in differentially diagnosing the type of hearing loss.

It is possible for patients diagnosed with a Sensorineural Hearing Loss to enhance their listening quality with the assistance of Hearing Aids and/or Assistive Listening Devices. However, patients with a Conductive or Mixed hearing loss must be referred for Medical Management to rule out a medically treatable condition. If a physician feels Medical Management is not appropriate, a hearing aid may be an option.