An audiogram is a graph that visually represents the results of a hearing test. It's a fundamental tool used by audiologists to assess an individual's hearing ability across a range of frequencies, which are measured in Hertz (Hz), and at different intensity levels, measured in decibels (dB). The horizontal axis of the audiogram typically shows the frequencies, starting from low pitches on the left and moving to high pitches on the right. The vertical axis represents the intensity or loudness of the sound, with softer sounds at the top and louder sounds at the bottom. The point where a symbol is placed on the audiogram indicates the softest sound a person can hear at a particular frequency.

The symbols on an audiogram are standardized. Typically, an "X" represents the right ear's hearing threshold, and an "O" represents the left ear's hearing threshold. Other symbols might be used for bone conduction testing or when masking is used to isolate the hearing of one ear. The presence of these symbols, plotted against the frequency and intensity axes, allows for a clear understanding of how well each ear hears at different pitches. The further down the graph a symbol falls, the louder the sound needs to be for that person to hear it, indicating a degree of hearing loss at that frequency.

Hearing loss is categorized into different degrees based on the average of the hearing thresholds across key speech frequencies, usually 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz. These degrees provide a general understanding of the impact of hearing loss on daily communication.

Normal hearing is generally considered to be between 0 and 25 dB. Individuals with normal hearing can hear most everyday sounds without difficulty.

Mild hearing loss ranges from 26 to 40 dB. People with mild hearing loss might miss soft sounds, struggle to hear in noisy environments, and may have difficulty understanding speech, especially at a distance or when the speaker is not facing them.

Moderate hearing loss falls between 41 and 55 dB. In this range, individuals will miss a significant amount of speech, even in quiet settings. They will likely have trouble following conversations and may benefit greatly from hearing aids.

Moderately severe hearing loss is between 56 and 70 dB. With this level of loss, speech is often perceived as very faint or inaudible. It becomes very challenging to understand speech without amplification.

Severe hearing loss is from 71 to 90 dB. Individuals with severe hearing loss can only hear very loud sounds. They will likely miss most speech sounds and will require powerful hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.

Profound hearing loss is anything above 90 dB. This is the most significant degree of hearing loss, where only the loudest sounds can be perceived. Individuals with profound hearing loss will likely rely heavily on visual cues, sign language, and specialized amplification.

Beyond the degree, the audiogram also reveals the configuration of the hearing loss, which describes the pattern of hearing across the frequencies. For example, a "flat" configuration means the hearing loss is similar across all frequencies, while a band director's notes "sloping" configuration indicates greater hearing loss at higher frequencies. Understanding both the degree and configuration of hearing loss is crucial for an audiologist to recommend the most appropriate management strategies, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other auditory rehabilitation services.