AAO-HNSF Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel

Terminology and Concepts

Minimum Audibility Curve – The human ear is more sensitive to certain frequencies than to others. Our auditory systems are most sensitive to the mid frequencies. Consequently, it requires less physical energy to make a 2000 Hz audible (reach the threshold of audibility) than for a 250 Hz or a 6000 Hz tone.

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

40

The Audiogram- What is it?

The Audiogram: A graph on which we record thresholds measured for pure tones of selected frequencies. –Symbols used to record on an audiogram are generally standard so anyone seeing an audiogram from any other clinic should be able to interpret it.

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

41

The Audiogram • A normal diagnostic audiogram includes frequencies from 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz • Audiometer output normally ranges from 0 to 120 dB. • Output levels differ by frequency • Frequency is represented on the horizontal axis and intensity is represented on the vertical

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

42