The Important Facts About Audiometers

By Dianne Crane


Machines that are used to evaluate hearing loss are known as audiometers. These devices are considered standard in most audiology offices or ENT facilities. Usually the include some embedded hardware unit that connects to a pair of headphones and a test button that is controlled via a computer.

The systems may also be used with bone vibrators as a way to test conductive hearing devices. There are both software and hardware audiometers available, both come in many configurations. The meters that connect through standard PCs can be run by anyone at their home to test hearing although the accuracy of the device is not high because of a lack of standard for calibration.

Clinical PC-based meters are usually more efficient and accurate with their results. They do tend to be more expensive than most software models. Typically these are used in audiology centers, research facilities and hospitals, where accuracy is a high priority.

An audiometer used to test the hearing of a person should be calibrated regularly to guarantee that the level show on display is equal to the stimulus to which the subject is exposed. Having the correct calibration ensures consistent measurements, regardless of where the measurements were recorded. Furthermore, having reliable and accurate measurements are an important part of characterizing and quantifying any hearing loss. Calibration for these units is mostly done using an Ear Simulator System, or Audiometric Calibration System.

Audiometry, the term taken from Latin words meaning to hear and to measure, is the science of measuring the hearing ability. Mostly the field focuses on measuring ability to hear at certain levels, but this science also tracks the ability one has to decipher between various sound intensities, identify pitch, or distinguish speech from background noise. Otoacoustic emissions and acoustic reflex are also measurable through these devices. The measuring units can help doctors diagnose diseases of the ear in addition to hearing loss.

Meters are available through many retailers. Prices will differ, mostly based on the version. Models that are more complex and known to provide high accuracy are usually expensive and only used at professional offices. There are also at-home models that are easy to use.

Hearing loss may be brought on by a host of factors. It is considered the total or partial inability for one to hear. The loss is marked by a lowered sensitivity to sound that is usually heard. The severity of the issue is categorized by the volume increase necessary for one to detect sound.

Audiometers are units that are used in the field of audiometry. The devices are available in a variety of models and employed to detect hearing loss. Complex models tend to be more accurate and are often used at health care offices in order to ensure sound results. Some models are for use at home. However, these do not usually offer the same quality of accuracy. Calibration is important to the test results. Hearing loss may be the result of several factors and total or partial, and permanent or temporary.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment