General Information To Know On Audiometers

By Essie Osborn


Special devices are used in the modern day in order to check hearings loss. These units are called audiometers and they are often seen at audiology offices and the facilities of ear, nose and throat doctors. They feature embedded hardware that connects to headphones, as well as a test button that is used for control purposes and can be operated through most computers.

The devices may be used in conjunction with bone vibrators. This is typically the case when it comes to evaluating conductive hearing units. There are both hardware and software meters that can be used, each kind comes in many different models. Meters can connect directly with computers and be operated in a home setting for testing purposes. Still, accuracy of such results is not expected to be as good with at-home versions because of the lack of calibration.

With the clinical computer-based devices that are used, results are usually more accurate. In fact, these are often what is employed at professional places, including hospitals, research facilities and audiology centers, places where accuracy of results and precision is important. These tend to be more costly than the usual software models.

These devices are employed to test the hearing ability of an individual. Therefore, they should be calibrated on a frequent basis to guarantee that the level that is featured on the display matches the stimulus given to the test subject. Proper calibration is important to producing measurements that are consistent and accurate, regardless of where a test is administered. Furthermore, having measurements that are reliable is crucial when it comes to characterizing the loss. Calibration is usually done through use of an Ear Simulator Systems or ESS, or an Audiometric Calibration System or ACS.

Derived from Latin, audiometry is a term defined as measuring ability of a person to hear. This field is mostly centered on evaluating the ability to hear at different levels. Nonetheless, the science behind it also involves tracking ability to distinguish between varying pitches, intensities and sounds. These machines are also capable of measuring acoustic reflex and Otoacoustic emissions. The results from tests can be helpful during the diagnostic period.

A lot of retailers have these meters available for sale at different costs. Those that are more complex tend to offer the best results and are usually more expensive. These are what is used in most professional environments. Still, there are at-home versions available.

Hearing loss may be caused by numerous things. Loss may be considered partial or total, and permanent or temporary. Usually the amount of hearing loss is best determined by assessing the increase in volume that is needed for the subject to detect the sound. This is an issue of decreased sensitivity to sounds normally heard.

Calibration is integral when it comes to properly using these machines. There are many makes and models available, including at-home kinds. The most accurate results are expected from the versions used in professional settings. Nonetheless, proper calibration can ensure consistency and accuracy from most meters. There are a lot of people suffering with some degree or type of hearing loss.




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