On an audiogram, what does the Y-axis represent?

The Y-axis on an audiogram is used to represent intensity, which is typically measured in decibels (dB). Intensity refers to the loudness of sounds and indicates how soft or loud a particular sound is perceived by the listener. The audiogram plots the hearing sensitivity of an individual across various frequencies, allowing practitioners to understand the degree of hearing loss at different levels of sound intensity.

In understanding the layout of an audiogram, the X-axis represents frequency (measured in Hertz), showcasing how hearing ability varies with different pitches of sounds. Therefore, while frequency indicates the pitch of sounds, it is the Y-axis that specifically signifies the intensity of these sounds, showing the softest sounds a person can hear at each frequency level. This relationship is crucial for audiologists and hearing aid specialists to assess and tailor hearing interventions to individual needs.