The Color Speech Range Audiogram
By Hampton, Dennis; Hearing Review,Publication Date: September 2009
Article describes the use of the color speech range audiogram to inform patients of the nature and degree of their hearing loss. The color speech range audiogram is based on the puretone audiogram, with hearing thresholds plotted on a graph, according to frequency on the x axis and intensity shown on the y axis. Color is then added to the audiogram to further explain the nature of the patient’s hearing loss. Hearing thresholds in the green area of the audiogram suggest little or no hearing difficulties, while thresholds marked in yellow indicate occasional hearing difficulties, and someone with hearing thresholds in the red area will have hearing difficulties in most settings. Following field testing of several versions of the tool, the color speech range audiogram has reportedly been used with favorable results in a number of clinical settings throughout the United States. In something of an unforeseen consequence, when puretone thresholds are displayed in the yellow or red area, it seems to make it more difficult for the patient to deny hearing loss since the color seems to “prove” it.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2009-09_02.asp
