What is an early sign of hearing loss that may appear on an audiogram?

A high-frequency notch on an audiogram is indeed often recognized as an early sign of hearing loss, particularly in cases of noise-induced hearing loss or age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). This specific pattern indicates a greater hearing deficit in the higher frequencies compared to the lower frequencies. Typically, individuals with this type of notch may have difficulty hearing certain sounds, especially speech, in noisy environments or may struggle to understand high-frequency consonants such as "s" and "th."

Identifying a high-frequency notch is crucial for early intervention, as it can prompt further evaluation and potential protective strategies, such as hearing protection in noisy workplaces or through counseling about mitigating additional risk factors. This pattern can be an important indicator for audiologists and hearing conservation professionals to recognize and address hearing loss before it progresses further.