An Audiometer Offers Many Advantages

By Myrtle Cash


Individuals suffering from hearing loss are often evaluated by audiologists and ENT specialists through the use of an audiometer. At first glance, such devices appear almost identical to volt meters, which are sound systems that function in a similar way as the device mentioned above. An audiometer, however, is designed in a particular way so that it can assist health care practitioners to evaluate the hearing of both youngsters and adults.

Prior to the invention of this device, the biggest challenge faced by medical professionals was how to measure each person's hearing loss, especially if the loss of hearing was only experienced in one ear. In such cases, audiologists had no choice but to rely on primitive tests, such as hand clapping at different intensities to manufacture various sound volumes and subsequently test the individual's hearing. This diagnostic method, however, was often inaccurate.

Because of advancements in medical technology, numerous machines are now available that provide a more complicated and efficient way to evaluate patients with different types of hearing problems. After the advent of the first model, audiometers have undergone many changes as well. The machine can now produce virtually all frequency levels needed to accurately test each person's level of hearing.

The device is also capable of producing a written document referred to as an audiogram. The latter is printed on graph paper. It can be sent to a specialist or physician for evaluation following the test. After this, the person can be measured for a hearing aid, or additional tests can be scheduled, depending on the information outlined in the audiogram.

The device works by creating a wide selection of sounds that can be played at different frequencies. In addition, they can be transmitted at different volume levels and intensities. These sounds and the volumes at which they are played are reduced little by little until the patient being tested can no longer clearly hear the various sounds being transmitted.

Even though conducting such tests without headphones is possible, the majority of medical practitioners prefer headphones for testing of this type. This is because headphones improve the accuracy of the test. The person being evaluated is typically instructed to respond to every sound that can be heard clearly and told to communicate with the testing administrator when the different sounds are no longer audible.

An audiometer is usually designed as a stand-alone device. However, digital models can be used, which must be operated in conjunction with particular computer software programs. They cannot be used independently as can the aforementioned models. Patients of speech therapists are often evaluated through the use of such equipment as well.

Many individuals anticipate that the accuracy of audiometer machines will be perfected as time goes on, due to advancements in the arena of medical technology. Such devices are highly useful for both ear, nose and throat specialists and ear doctors. Essentially any person faced with hearing loss or similar problems will find that the benefits associated with such devices are very helpful.




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