The Main Components Of 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.

The clinical devices are usually more on point and produce efficient results. They are also more costly than the traditional models. For this reason, they are general used in professional settings, such as hospitals, audiology centers, research facilities and other such businesses where precise and accurate results are a main priority.

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 derived from Latin words meaning to hear and to measure. This practice is often defined as measuring of hearing ability. The field is primarily concerned with checking hearing ability and different levels and checking the ability of one to distinguish between varying sounds, pitches and intensities. These devices are also used for otoacoustic emissions and acoustic reflex purposes. The results of tests are used by doctors to diagnose all types of ear problems.

Many different retailers sell these products. The prices for these will vary. Models that are more complex and offer highly accurate results are typically more costly and used in professional places. There are also less expensive, at-home models available.

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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