Audiogram interpretation
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · Week 7 · Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions)
Today's goal: Read an audiogram to describe the type and severity of a patient's hearing loss using decibel and frequency language.
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
I labeled the axes: frequency in hertz across the top (low pitch on the left, high pitch on the right) and loudness in decibels down the side (soft at the top, loud at the bottom). I plotted Patient A's right-ear thresholds from the data table.
What the plot shows: Patient A hears low frequencies at about 30 dB but needs high frequencies (2000 to 4000 Hz) turned up to 60 to 65 dB before hearing them. That high-frequency region overlaps part of the speech banana, so this patient would miss soft consonant sounds like s, f, and th while still hearing vowels.
Classification: I classify this as a moderately severe hearing loss, because the worst thresholds, at 2000 to 4000 Hz, sit at 55 to 65 dB, and 56 to 70 dB is the moderately severe band.
| Frequency (Hz) | Right-ear threshold (dB HL) |
|---|---|
| 250 | 30 |
| 500 | 35 |
| 1000 | 45 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 4000 | 65 |
This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: Completes the audiogram reading task: a labeled audiogram with plotted thresholds, the speech banana marked, and a one-sentence severity classification with evidence.
- Name the variables and include units.
- Enter observations without changing the raw values.
- Check labels, calculations, and patterns before interpreting the data.
Keep the structure. Replace the question, facts, measurements, and evidence. Then recheck units, vocabulary, and whether the conclusion goes beyond the evidence.
Also due today: Submit your annotated audiogram and classification to Schoology.
Turn in: Annotated audiogram with classification
Go to Schoology to turn this in.
Submit one PDF. Put your first and last name in the document header. Name the file: FirstName LastName - Assignment Title - YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.
Open Schoology PDF upload helpIf you cannot get in, see Mr. Mendoza. Do not skip the work.
Claim ceiling: Today's evidence supports a classroom claim about audiogram interpretation. It cannot prove causation, diagnose a real patient, or justify action outside this room.
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
| Severity | dB HL range |
|---|---|
| Normal | under 25 |
| Mild | 26-40 |
| Moderate | 41-55 |
| Severe | 56-70 |
| Profound | over 70 |
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.
It builds this reusable test skill: Classifying hearing-loss severity from audiogram thresholds.
- Name the concept or data pattern being tested.
- Cross out choices that violate that rule or the evidence.
- Justify the best remaining choice before checking the answer.