An Audiometer Is A Helpful Device

By Myrtle Cash


Audiologists and ENT specialists find the use of an audiometer highly beneficial for measuring a person's level of hearing loss. Many people notice that the device looks like a volt meter, the latter of which is a machine that includes a sound system that works in a similar way. An audiometer, however, is specially designed to help health care practitioners diagnose hearing problems in children and adults.

Prior to the invention of the device, the most difficult challenge experienced by medical professionals was diagnosing each patient's level of hearing loss, especially if the person was death only in one ear. In numerous instances, audiologist had to rely on manual tests, including clapping their hands at different intensities to create various sound volumes. However, this type of diagnosing was very hit and miss, and subsequently often inaccurate.

Based on advancements in the world of medical technology, numerous machines exist today that are more efficient and complicated than manual testing. Audiometers themselves have also undergone major changes since the designing of the first model. Modern models can now transmit virtually all frequencies needed to accurately test a person's hearing.

The machine is also capable of producing a tangible document called an audiogram, which prints on graph paper. The latter can be sent to a doctor or specialist for evaluation. In this way, the patient can be fitted for a hearing aid, or sent for further testing, depending on the information found in the audiogram report.

The machine essentially works by transmitting a broad range of sounds that can be played at a variety of frequencies. They can also be played at different intensities and volume levels. These sounds and the frequencies at which they are played are lowered a little bit at a time until the person undergoing the test can no longer differentiates the sounds.

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 generally designed as an individual device. However, digital equipment of this type is also available in today's modern world, but it is important to understand that digital devices cannot be used independently. Rather, they are dependent upon particular types of computer software. Speech therapists often use such equipment to evaluate patients.

Due to the the technological advancements continuously being made in the world of health care, it is very likely that the accuracy of the audiometer will improve as time goes on. They are highly useful devices for both audiologists and ear, nose, and throat specialists. Additionally, the accuracy with which they are associated is beneficial to essentially all individuals who are faced with any level of hearing loss.




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