Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What best describes the audiogram?

1. A written record of hearing level measured at different frequencies

2. A visual representation of sound frequency at varied volumes

3. A test to measure balance in the inner ear

4. A device used for enhancing sound quality

The correct answer is: A written record of hearing level measured at different frequencies

The audiogram is primarily used to depict an individual's hearing ability across different frequencies. It represents the results of a hearing test, with the x-axis showing the frequency in hertz (Hz) and the y-axis indicating the hearing level in decibels (dB). Each point plotted on the audiogram corresponds to the softest sounds a person can hear at various pitches. This written record allows audiologists and other health professionals to assess the type and degree of hearing loss, making it a critical tool in audiology for diagnosis and treatment planning. The other options, while related to sound and hearing, do not accurately capture the definition of an audiogram. For instance, a visual representation of sound frequency is not distinctively defined as an audiogram, and testing for balance involves different assessments unrelated to frequency measurements. Similarly, a device used for enhancing sound quality does not pertain to the audiogram itself but rather refers to amplification tools like hearing aids. Thus, the focus on frequencies and the measurement of hearing levels is what categorically defines the audiogram.