An Audiometer Is A Helpful Device

By Myrtle Cash

Individuals suffering from hearing loss are often evaluated by audiologists and ENT specialists through the use of an audiometer. At first glance, such devices appear almost identical to volt meters, which are sound systems that function in a similar way as the device mentioned above. An audiometer, however, is designed in a particular way so that it can assist health care practitioners to evaluate the hearing of both youngsters and adults.

Until the device was invented, the most challenging problem with which health care professionals were faced was determining the level of each patient's hearing loss, particularly if the individual was deaf in one ear. In such cases, specialists had to rely on manual testing, such as clapping their hands together at various intensities to create different volumes of sound. However, this was a very hit and miss method of diagnosing.

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.

An audiogram is also something that the device is capable of producing. This is transmitted onto graph paper, which can then be sent to a specialist or doctor for evaluation. After the latter is accomplished, the person suffering from hearing loss can then be fitted for a hearing aid device or further tests can be ordered. The course of action taken will be determined by the facts found on 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.

Even though conducting such tests without headphones is possible, the majority of medical practitioners prefer headphones for testing of this type. This is because headphones improve the accuracy of the test. The person being evaluated is typically instructed to respond to every sound that can be heard clearly and told to communicate with the testing administrator when the different sounds are no longer audible.

An audiometer is usually designed as a stand-alone device. However, digital models can be used, which must be operated in conjunction with particular computer software programs. They cannot be used independently as can the aforementioned models. Patients of speech therapists are often evaluated through the use of such equipment as well.

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.

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