Hearing might be something that many people take for granted, but it possesses a certain irony in that it becomes more noticeable as it is lost. Due to industrial developments and advanced sound production technology, hearing loss is more of an issue nowadays than it may once have been. Audiometers are essential in measuring and preventing hearing damage.
Every day, people are routinely exposed to extremely loud sounds, whether as part of their employment or recreation. Examples are heavy industry and loud music in entertainment venues. This type of exposure can result in gradual hearing decay. Preventing this decay involves the measurement of a person's hearing, and audio measuring devices are used in this process of measurement.
Audiometers all work on the same principle. They produce a sound which is listened to by the person being tested. The volume and frequency of the test sound can be controlled, thereby providing a standard against which the person's hearing can be measured. The frequency or pitch is measured in Hertz (Hz) and the volume is measured in decibels (dB). Pitch describes how high or low a sound is. For example, a soprano singer achieves a high pitch, while a bass guitar plays at a low pitch. Volume measures the intensity of the sound.
The test's aim is to provide a numerical or mathematical diagnostic picture of the person's hearing situation. Usually, an audiometer will consist of earphones wired to a machine or a PC. As soon as the tester has determined the sensitivity of the person's hearing, a treatment plan or further course of action can be mapped out.
However, the audiometer needs to be set up so that it produces the exact sounds required by the test. This setting up or modification is known as calibration, much as a car's odometer is calibrated to reflect distance accurately. An audiometer needs to be re-calibrated regularly to remain reliable.
Several factors make regular calibration necessary. The operating temperature of the machine, its age, rough handling and how often it is used all play a part in causing it to lose accuracy. This is similar to a musical instrument going out of tune. It is advisable to have an audiometer re-calibrated once a year.
There are basically two kinds of audiometer: the hardware and the software type. The hardware type consists of a device wired to a pair of earphones. The software type, on the other hand, is based on a computer program. Both have the same function. The key difference between the two is that software-based audiometers never need re-calibration because they are digitally programmed. They can also achieve a deeper level of accuracy because they are computerized. However, they are more tricky to deploy because of idiosyncratic factors unique to each PC and user.
In contemporary times people are experiencing progressively louder sound environments. Audiometers play a key role in monitoring this situation. They are of invaluable assistance in regulating and preventing hearing damage and loss.
Every day, people are routinely exposed to extremely loud sounds, whether as part of their employment or recreation. Examples are heavy industry and loud music in entertainment venues. This type of exposure can result in gradual hearing decay. Preventing this decay involves the measurement of a person's hearing, and audio measuring devices are used in this process of measurement.
Audiometers all work on the same principle. They produce a sound which is listened to by the person being tested. The volume and frequency of the test sound can be controlled, thereby providing a standard against which the person's hearing can be measured. The frequency or pitch is measured in Hertz (Hz) and the volume is measured in decibels (dB). Pitch describes how high or low a sound is. For example, a soprano singer achieves a high pitch, while a bass guitar plays at a low pitch. Volume measures the intensity of the sound.
The test's aim is to provide a numerical or mathematical diagnostic picture of the person's hearing situation. Usually, an audiometer will consist of earphones wired to a machine or a PC. As soon as the tester has determined the sensitivity of the person's hearing, a treatment plan or further course of action can be mapped out.
However, the audiometer needs to be set up so that it produces the exact sounds required by the test. This setting up or modification is known as calibration, much as a car's odometer is calibrated to reflect distance accurately. An audiometer needs to be re-calibrated regularly to remain reliable.
Several factors make regular calibration necessary. The operating temperature of the machine, its age, rough handling and how often it is used all play a part in causing it to lose accuracy. This is similar to a musical instrument going out of tune. It is advisable to have an audiometer re-calibrated once a year.
There are basically two kinds of audiometer: the hardware and the software type. The hardware type consists of a device wired to a pair of earphones. The software type, on the other hand, is based on a computer program. Both have the same function. The key difference between the two is that software-based audiometers never need re-calibration because they are digitally programmed. They can also achieve a deeper level of accuracy because they are computerized. However, they are more tricky to deploy because of idiosyncratic factors unique to each PC and user.
In contemporary times people are experiencing progressively louder sound environments. Audiometers play a key role in monitoring this situation. They are of invaluable assistance in regulating and preventing hearing damage and loss.
No comments:
Post a Comment