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General Information To Know On Audiometers

By Essie Osborn


There are special devices used to check the level of hearing loss a person has. These are known as audiometers and are often used at audiology facilities, as well as throat, nose and ear offices. Typically these include embedded hardware that has been attached to headphones. There is also a test button that can be used on most standard computers.

The units are sometimes used along with bone vibrators. This is often done to evaluate conductive hearing units. There are software and hardware meters made available, each that come in a range of models. The meters are designed to directly connect with computers and can be operated from a home to test hearing. However, the accuracy of results is not expected to be as high with at-home models because there is no standard set for calibration.

Generally speaking, the clinical devices are known to produce the most accurate of results. These are also more expensive than most traditional software kinds. Often they are employed in professional places, such as research facilities, hospitals, audiology centers and other places in which accuracy and precision of results is the ultimate priority.

These devices are employed to test the hearing ability of an individual. Therefore, they should be calibrated on a frequent basis to guarantee that the level that is featured on the display matches the stimulus given to the test subject. Proper calibration is important to producing measurements that are consistent and accurate, regardless of where a test is administered. Furthermore, having measurements that are reliable is crucial when it comes to characterizing the loss. Calibration is usually done through use of an Ear Simulator Systems or ESS, or an Audiometric Calibration System or ACS.

Audiometry, a term derived from the Latin language, is used to refer to the practice of measuring hearing ability. This field is mostly involved with checking the ability of a person to hear at certain levels. Still, there is some science involved that includes tracking one's ability to distinguish between different pitches, sounds and intensities. The machines are known to measure Otoacoustic emissions, as well as acoustic reflex. Test results can be used in diagnosis.

A lot of retailers have these meters available for sale at different costs. Those that are more complex tend to offer the best results and are usually more expensive. These are what is used in most professional environments. Still, there are at-home versions available.

Hearing loss may be caused by numerous things. Loss may be considered partial or total, and permanent or temporary. Usually the amount of hearing loss is best determined by assessing the increase in volume that is needed for the subject to detect the sound. This is an issue of decreased sensitivity to sounds normally heard.

When it comes to these devices, the most important thing is calibration. There are numerous makes and models of this meter that can be used, even those designed specifically for use at home. The highest accuracy is expected from units used in professional settings. However, proper calibration can ensure consistent and accurate results from nearly any device. There are many people who suffer with hearing loss, which can be temporary or permanent, and total or partial.




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