Important Facts To Know About Audiometers

By Lana Bray


Audiometers are structures used to test hearing loss. These are typically found at professional facilities, such as ear, nose and throat facilities, as well as audiology offices. Most include embedded hardware that connects to headphones and the test button operated through a computer.

These machines may be used along with bone vibrators in an effort to check on conductive hearing units. There are software and hardware meters available in an assortment of models. The meters usually connect to computers and are operated from there. There are also versions available for at-home use. However, the accuracy of results obtained from home models is lower because there is no calibration standard in place.

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.

Many retailers have these products available in stock. The cost of such machines will range. The complex versions offer high accuracy results and are often more costly than traditional models. This is why they are primarily for professional use. There are also inexpensive versions available for use in the home.

There are so many things that contribute to hearing loss. This may be total or partial. The main issue is lowered sensitivity to noise that is often heard. Typically loss amount is measured by the amount of increase necessary before sound can be heard.

Audiometers are devices employed in audiometry. These units, which are available in different models, measure the amount of hearing loss. Complex models tend to provide the highest accuracy with results and are typically used in professional environments. There are also at-home versions that are less expensive and available through many retailers. Calibration is essential when it comes to proper operation of these devices.




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