Audiogram
Definition
An audiogram is a graph showing hearing level as
a function of frequency, as measured by an audiometer.
The vertical lines on an audiogram represent pitch
or frequency. The most important pitches for speech
are 500–3000Hz. The horizontal lines represent loudness
or intensity. A reading of 0 dB on an audiogram
denotes the hearing threshold level regarded as the
normal audiometric standard at that frequency. Points
below zero on the scale denote louder threshold levels,
whereas those above, expressed in negative decibels
with respect to the zero level, are less intense levels
that, because of individual hearing differences, some
people may normally hear. The softest sound a person
is able to hear at each pitch is called the threshold and is
recorded on the audiogram. Thresholds of 0–25 dB are
considered normal (for adults).
Tags: adults, audiogram, audiometer, decibels, graph, horizontal lines, intensity, loudness, pitch, pitches, threshold level, threshold levels, thresholds, vertical lines, zero level