The usual primary purpose of these tests is to determine the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. This measure involves the peripheral and central auditory system. Hearing sensitivity is plotted on an audiogram, which is a graph displaying intensity as a function of frequency. The audiogram is a chart of hearing sensitivity with frequency charted on the abscissa and intensity on the ordinate. Frequency Frequency is cycles per unit of time.
Pitch is the perceptual correlate of frequency.
Frequency is measured in Hz, which are cycles per second. Some children can detect even higher frequencies. This test assesses sensitivity when the signal is transmitted through the outer, middle, and inner ear and then through the brain to the cortex. Testing may be performed using headphones, insert earphones, or sound fields. Headphones are placed over the outer ear.