understanding audiograms!
In an audiogram, the frequency or pitch of a sound is measured in hertz, and the intensity of sound is measured in decibels. intensity is on the y-axis of the graph while the frequency is on the x-axis of the graph. the range of frequencies tested are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1000HZ, 3000Hz, 4000Hz, and 8000Hz. the graph above shows the different levels of intensity and severity of hearing loss in decibels and Hertz.
There are many test that audiologist can preform to detect a hearing loss. which tests they use mostly depends on the persons age as well as other factors. Some of these test include...
- pure-tone testing
- speech testing
- tests of the middle ear
- otoacoustic emissions
Thresholds- these are test done by audiologist. the test is preformed with headphones called air conduction thresholds where sound has to travel through the air of the ear canal to be heard.
Another test that can be done using a bone conductor. This transmits vibrations through the skull to the cochlea. This allows the doctor to test a persons hearing of the inner ear directly. the right ear hearing is represented by a red circle, and the left ear hearing is represented by a blue X. and the bone conductor is represented by a triangle (red for the right ear, and blue for the left ear.)
- pure-tone testing
- speech testing
- tests of the middle ear
- otoacoustic emissions
Thresholds- these are test done by audiologist. the test is preformed with headphones called air conduction thresholds where sound has to travel through the air of the ear canal to be heard.
Another test that can be done using a bone conductor. This transmits vibrations through the skull to the cochlea. This allows the doctor to test a persons hearing of the inner ear directly. the right ear hearing is represented by a red circle, and the left ear hearing is represented by a blue X. and the bone conductor is represented by a triangle (red for the right ear, and blue for the left ear.)
The types of hearing loss!
Conductive hearing loss- This is a decrease in hearing caused by a problem in the middle and outer ear where there is a blockage in the passageway. This blockage can either be fluid, ear wax or something else. this can be fixed with medical or surgical intervention.
Sensorineural hearing loss- this is a decrease in hearing caused by a problem in the inner ear. this is caused by either age, infection, noise, or trauma. this can not be fixed.
Mixed hearing loss- this is a mix of Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss has both air and bone conduction thresholds.