How can an audiogram help identify the cause of hearing loss?

An audiogram helps identify the cause of hearing loss by distinguishing between conductive and sensorineural impairments through the comparison of air-conduction and bone-conduction thresholds.12

• Conductive Hearing Loss: This occurs when conditions in the outer or middle ear prevent sound from reaching the cochlea. On an audiogram, this is identified by a significant "air-bone gap," where air-conduction thresholds are poor while bone-conduction thresholds remain relatively normal. This gap indicates a mechanical transmission problem that may be treatable via surgery.12
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This involves damage to the cochlea or neural pathways. In these cases, both air-conduction and bone-conduction thresholds are affected, resulting in an air-bone gap that is close to zero. Because this type of loss is usually permanent, surgery is rarely effective, though hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended.12

By plotting these thresholds across various frequencies, the audiogram provides the otologist or audiologist with essential data to determine the nature and location of the auditory defect.2