Important Facts To Know About Audiometers

By Lana Bray


Audiometers refers to structures that are employed to test out the amount of hearing loss. These are primarily used in professional facilities, including ear, nose and throat offices and audiology places. Usually they feature embedded hardware that is attached to headphones and a test button that is controlled through a computer.

The machines are also used with bone vibrators as a way to check conductive hearing devices. There are both hardware and software meters that can be used and come in different models. Meters typically connect to basic computers and are operated through them. There are even versions for use at home. Still, the accuracy of these home-kit results is less on point because there is no set standard for calibration.

Clinical models tend to provide the best, most efficient of results than other versions. They can also be more expensive. This is why these models are mostly only used in professional facilities, such as hospitals, audiology offices, research facilities and other places where there is much emphasis placed on having the most accurate and precise of results.

Devices used regularly must be calibrated on a consistent basis. This is necessary to guarantee that the level on a display is the same as the stimulus test subjects are exposed to. Furthermore, proper calibration is crucial to obtaining consistent measurements that are accurate no matter where a test is done. Reliable measurements are needed to help characterize and measure the loss of an individual. Audiometric Calibration System or ACS, and Ear Simulator System or ESS, are two devices commonly used for calibration purposes.

Audiometry is taken from Latin words meaning to measure and to hear. It is typically defined as the measurement of ability to hear. The field is focused on checking hearing at different levels and also tracking ability to distinguish between various pitches, intensities and sounds. These machines may also be employed to measure acoustic reflex and otoacoustic emissions. Results gathered from these tests are used by physicians in order to diagnose ear issues, hearing loss and other such problems.

A lot of retailers sell these items. Prices for the products will differ. Complex models that provide results with high accuracy are often more expensive and used in professional environments. There are inexpensive models that can be purchased for use at home.

Numerous things can cause hearing loss. It may be total or partial inability to hear. The problem relates to decreased sensitivity to sounds usually heard. Often the loss amount is identified by tracking the volume increase necessary in order for sound to be detected.

Audiometers is the term used to describe machines that are mostly used in audiometry. The units, which are available in different models, are employed for measuring hearing loss. The more complicated versions are typically more expensive but provide results that are highly accurate. For this reason, they are usually found in professional settings. At-home versions are less accurate but inexpensive and available through many retailers. Either way, regular calibration is a major factor when it comes to properly operating the units and getting results that are of the highest accuracy possible.




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