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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.

The devices are primarily used for testing one's ability to hear. It is crucial that these be properly calibrated on a regular basis to ensure the level featured on the display fits with the stimulus that the test subject is exposed to. The right calibration is very important to getting correct measurements that are consistent, no matter where the test is given. Likewise, the results must be reliable because they are used to characterize the type and amount of loss. Calibration may be done with an Audiometric Calibration System, also called ACS, or ESS, an Ear Simulator System.

Derived from Latin, audiometry is a term defined as measuring ability of a person to hear. This field is mostly centered on evaluating the ability to hear at different levels. Nonetheless, the science behind it also involves tracking ability to distinguish between varying pitches, intensities and sounds. These machines are also capable of measuring acoustic reflex and Otoacoustic emissions. The results from tests can be helpful during the diagnostic period.

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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