aided audiogram
A graph of a patient's hearing thresholds measured while wearing hearing aids, used to assess the benefit provided by amplification across frequencies.
Full Definition
An aided audiogram records the softest sounds detectable by a patient when using their hearing aids, plotted on a standard audiogram form alongside unaided thresholds for direct comparison. It provides a visual representation of the functional gain delivered by the device across the tested frequency range. Aided audiograms are often compared against speech recognition targets such as the audibility index or NAL-prescribed targets. Editors should not confuse the aided audiogram with real ear measurement (REM), which directly measures the sound pressure level in the ear canal; the aided audiogram is a behavioural measure subject to patient response variability. The term should always be lowercase and is distinct from 'aided thresholds,' which refers to individual data points rather than the full graph.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish 'aided audiogram' (the full graph) from 'aided thresholds' (individual data points). Note that soundfield-measured aided audiograms are susceptible to standing waves and should be interpreted cautiously at individual frequencies.
In Context
- "The aided audiogram demonstrated thresholds within the speech banana at 500–4000 Hz, confirming adequate amplification." — Paediatric hearing aid verification report
- "Comparison of the aided and unaided audiograms revealed a functional gain of approximately 25 dB at 2000 Hz." — Hearing aid outcome documentation