Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions)

Unit 1: Unit 1.3 to 1.4 Hearing & VaccinationMI 1.3-1.4Biotechnology Research and Experiments

Interpret An Audiogram

Use hearing or immune-response evidence to interpret an audiogram.

Builds on (2 levels back)inferred · high confidence

Transmission basics: Outbreak work depends on agent, host, route, time, and place.
Case definition: Students need a rule for who counts as a case before counting cases.

Prerequisites are inferred: pending teacher review.

Re-learn the skill with worked practice and clear examples.

Classify hearing by comparing each threshold to the dB HL category bands. Use the audiogram table and the band table together.

Step 1: Pick the frequency

Find the threshold for the frequency asked about in the audiogram table.

Step 2: Match the band

Look up that dB HL value in the category band table to name the hearing level.

Practice

Use the audiogram and the category bands. How is this right ear's hearing classified at 2000 Hz?

Reviewed

Frequency (Hz)	Right-ear threshold (dB HL)
250	15
500	20
1000	30
2000	45
4000	60
8000	65

A.Moderate loss
B.Normal
C.Mild loss
D.Moderately severe loss

Show the worked solution ▾

Answer: A. Moderate loss

Step 1: Read the threshold: In the audiogram table, 2000 Hz has a threshold of 45 dB HL.
Step 2: Match the band: 45 dB HL falls in the 41-55 band, which is 'Moderate loss.'

Why it's right: At 2000 Hz the threshold is 45 dB HL, and 45 falls in the 41-55 band, which is moderate loss.

Why the others miss:

B: Normal is 25 dB HL or lower; 45 dB HL is well above that.
C: Mild loss is 26-40 dB HL; 45 is above that band.
D: Moderately severe is 56-70 dB HL; 45 is below that band.

Aligned to BRE: classify hearing from dB HL bands · reading level ~grade 9

Where you'd see this

A clinic flags a patient as 'moderate loss at 2 kHz' so the right hearing aid setting can be chosen.

Careers that use this

Hearing Instrument Specialist: Classifies loss at each pitch to program a hearing aid.

Video library

Watch: Interpret An Audiogram

Understanding Audiometry and Audiograms

Zero To Finals · ~9 min

Guided notes

Fill these in as you work through the lesson.

Big idea: An audiogram lists the quietest sound (in dB HL) a person can hear at each pitch; lower numbers mean better hearing, and the bands tell you how to classify the loss.

Key terms: write the meaning

Threshold (quietest sound heard, in dB HL):
dB HL (decibels of hearing level):
Frequency (pitch of the sound, in Hz):
Sloping loss (worse hearing at higher pitches):

The rule

A threshold of 25 dB HL or lower is hearing; as the dB HL number gets higher, hearing gets .

Check yourself

What threshold (dB HL) is at 2000 Hz on the table?
Which category band does 45 dB HL fall into?
Do the thresholds stay flat or climb as frequency rises?

Work one example

Read the threshold at 4000 Hz from the audiogram, find its category band, and say whether the overall shape is flat or sloping.