An Audiometer Is A Helpful Device

By Myrtle Cash


Audiologists and ENT specialists find the use of an audiometer highly beneficial for measuring a person's level of hearing loss. Many people notice that the device looks like a volt meter, the latter of which is a machine that includes a sound system that works in a similar way. An audiometer, however, is specially designed to help health care practitioners diagnose hearing problems in children and adults.

Prior to the invention of this device, the biggest challenge faced by medical professionals was how to measure each person's hearing loss, especially if the loss of hearing was only experienced in one ear. In such cases, audiologists had no choice but to rely on primitive tests, such as hand clapping at different intensities to manufacture various sound volumes and subsequently test the individual's hearing. This diagnostic method, however, was often inaccurate.

Because of advancements in medical technology, numerous machines are now available that provide a more complicated and efficient way to evaluate patients with different types of hearing problems. After the advent of the first model, audiometers have undergone many changes as well. The machine can now produce virtually all frequency levels needed to accurately test each person's level of hearing.

The device is also capable of producing a written document referred to as an audiogram. The latter is printed on graph paper. It can be sent to a specialist or physician for evaluation following the test. After this, the person can be measured for a hearing aid, or additional tests can be scheduled, depending on the information outlined in the audiogram.

The machine essentially works by transmitting a broad range of sounds that can be played at a variety of frequencies. They can also be played at different intensities and volume levels. These sounds and the frequencies at which they are played are lowered a little bit at a time until the person undergoing the test can no longer differentiates the sounds.

Although it is not impossible to conduct such tests without the use of headphones, most professionals in the field of health care prefer to use headphones whenever one's hearing is being tested. This is due to the fact that they improve the accuracy of the frequencies that the patient will be hearing throughout the test. The individual being evaluated will be directed to respond to each sound that he or she can clearly hear, and inform the testing administrator when the various sounds can no longer be heard.

And audiometer is typically designed as a stand alone unit. In today's modern world, digital equipment of this kind can also be found. However, it is essential to realize that digital devices are not made for independent use. Instead, they are dependent on specific computer software programs. Such equipment is often used by speech therapist to monitor the progress of patients.

Due to the the technological advancements continuously being made in the world of health care, it is very likely that the accuracy of the audiometer will improve as time goes on. They are highly useful devices for both audiologists and ear, nose, and throat specialists. Additionally, the accuracy with which they are associated is beneficial to essentially all individuals who are faced with any level of hearing loss.




About the Author:



No comments :

Post a Comment