What aspect of hearing loss is assessed by the air conduction audiogram?

The air conduction audiogram is primarily used to assess the severity or degree of hearing loss. This testing method evaluates how well sounds travel through the air, helping to determine the faintest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies. The results are plotted on the audiogram, which indicates the threshold of hearing for various pitches.

By examining these thresholds, audiologists can classify the degree of hearing loss as normal, mild, moderate, severe, or profound. This information is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. Understanding the severity of hearing loss allows professionals to recommend appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids or other assistive devices, to improve communication abilities.

Other aspects of hearing loss, such as type, onset, and impact, are assessed through different means or tests. For example, the type of hearing loss—whether it is conductive, sensorineural, or mixed—requires additional tests such as bone conduction audiometry. Onset pertains to when the hearing loss began, which can be established through patient history, while impact evaluates how the hearing loss affects communication and quality of life, often considered during a comprehensive audiological assessment but not specifically measured by the air conduction audiogram itself.