A General Review Of An Audiometer

By Tiffany Gill


If you have hearing loss problems, then an audiometer is the best device to evaluate to what extend your problem is. This device can also be used to test other problems specifically those that involve the Ear, nose or the throat. This device is calibrated in decibel units which are universally accepted. The calibration is however done in regular basis to ensure that the device gives a perfect reading when in use.

The audiometer resembles a pair of headphones. It is connected to a computer which controls its operation. A special button, which gives feedback signals as received from the patient, is also embedded in the device. During operation, the response of a patient to different frequencies is displayed in the computer which is subsequently used to plot an audiogram. The audiogram is keenly analyzed to determine the range which a patient can react to different sound frequencies.

An audiogram is basically a graph of the intensity of the sound in decibels against the reaction frequency in hertz. This graph is drawn with the aid of a computer. The graph will then be analyzed carefully by a medical specialist to determine at what range the patient is able to react to the sound frequencies. This will guide the specialist in administering treatment to the patient.

There are two types of audiometers found in the market. These are the hardware and the software types. The two types are closely related though they vary in cost and efficiency. The software type is not very sophisticated. It is the one found in several homes as it is easier to use. It only requires a computer program to display its results.

The hardware type is a bit complex. It requires an experienced person to use it. It comes with an embedded control unit and a feedback button as well. It requires a special type of a computer application to display its results. This device is relatively expensive. It is found in referral hospitals and research labs.

During hearing loss diagnosis, the audiometer presents a sound to a patient which is then subjected to different frequencies. The reaction of the patient to this sound will be displayed in the computer. The doctor will vary this sound continually until they are satisfied that a complete hearing loss analysis is conducted. They will then construct an audiogram based ion these readings. The graph will then be analyzed to determine the range of frequencies where the patient is reacting to the sound. A headphone is provided to the patient to shield them from external disturbances.

If the patient under test is an adult, then the hearing loss analysis is very easy. They will be instructed to press the feedback button whenever they hear the audio. For children, it is very different. Only their reaction in whatever manner is required. The kid can be instructed to press a toy whenever they hear the audio. The frequency is then noted down.

An audiometer can also be used to diagnosis hearing problems in animals. Veterinary doctors do train the animals to react to these sound frequencies through different ways. They can train the animals to eat, raise special sound or behave anomaly whenever they hear such audio.




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