What does an audiogram represent?

An audiogram is fundamentally a graphical representation of an individual's hearing levels across different frequencies. It displays the results of hearing tests, illustrating how well a person hears sounds at various pitches, which are measured in hertz (Hz). The vertical axis of the audiogram indicates the intensity of sound measured in decibels (dB), while the horizontal axis represents the frequency or pitch of sounds.

By mapping an individual's hearing sensitivity across the frequency spectrum, audiologists can identify specific types of hearing loss, such as sensorineural or conductive hearing loss, and determine the degree of that loss. This graphical format allows for quick analysis and comparison of hearing capabilities, which is crucial for diagnosing auditory conditions and developing treatment plans.

In contrast, the other options either address different aspects of audiological assessment or provide a less comprehensive understanding of what an audiogram captures. For instance, a visual representation of sound intensity or a chart showing speech discrimination scores does not encompass the detailed frequency-specific information that an audiogram provides. Similarly, while a summary of audiometric evaluation findings may include information from an audiogram, it does not reflect the direct graphical data that illustrates a patient's hearing ability in relation to various frequencies.