The audiometer is used by audiology centers and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists for measuring hearing loss. It is usually one of the methods performed as part of an audiometry test. Both hardware and software-based audiometers are now available from various providers.
The hardware-based version is a simple piece of equipment that generates a pure tone at varying intensities that can be controlled. The subject hears the tones in one ear at a time through headphones. Every time a tone is heard, the subject pushes a feedback button.
These machines can be standalone or connected to a computer that offers a full suite with easy control. There are many types and categorizations, including the basic division of all audiometers into air or bone conduction systems. They can be handhelds or portable devices, or a stationary full-fledged machine with all kinds of features.
The software-based device generates the same tone that is heard and responded to subjects in pretty much the same way. The only difference is that the tones in this case are prerecorded sounds stored in the computer. The audio output from the computer's sound card is sent to the headphones.
The hardware audiometers that are used by hospitals, audiology centers and researchers are expensive, but incredibly accurate and reliable. It's important to make sure these machines are calibrated regularly so that the tone heard by the subject matches the level displayed on the machine. Calibration requirements also ensure standardized testing and results regardless of where the machine is being used.
Audiometry software is much more affordable by comparison, and can be used by anyone even at home. Calibration is not so easy for the software, which means there will be some accuracy loss. It's still quite useful for regular self-testing, and will let the subject know if any further checkups and medical treatment are needed.
Regardless of whether it is software or hardware, the aim here is to determine at what point the subject fails to hear the tone. Physicians use this device as a useful aid for diagnosing hearing problems and treating them. The suggested course of action may vary, but usually includes a thorough cleaning of the ears to remove obstructions, followed by ear drops and maybe even a hearing aid and/or surgery if the problem is more serious.
Audiometers may also be used for industrial audiometric testing. The procedure followed is essentially the same as described above. The difference is in the fact that the subject or patient doesn't come to the clinic. Instead, a full-fledged mobile audiometry testing lab and technician are brought to the industrial facility to test the hearing levels of noise-exposed workers.
The tests performed on industrial workers are not just for evaluating their personal hearing loss. The results allow the company to identify trends and add more noise-muffling technology if a lot of workers are showing signs of weakened hearing ability. It may also be required under group health plans. Either way, an audiometer used in an industrial environment must be calibrated to a high degree of precision, which means it must be accurate to within a few fractions of a decibel.
The hardware-based version is a simple piece of equipment that generates a pure tone at varying intensities that can be controlled. The subject hears the tones in one ear at a time through headphones. Every time a tone is heard, the subject pushes a feedback button.
These machines can be standalone or connected to a computer that offers a full suite with easy control. There are many types and categorizations, including the basic division of all audiometers into air or bone conduction systems. They can be handhelds or portable devices, or a stationary full-fledged machine with all kinds of features.
The software-based device generates the same tone that is heard and responded to subjects in pretty much the same way. The only difference is that the tones in this case are prerecorded sounds stored in the computer. The audio output from the computer's sound card is sent to the headphones.
The hardware audiometers that are used by hospitals, audiology centers and researchers are expensive, but incredibly accurate and reliable. It's important to make sure these machines are calibrated regularly so that the tone heard by the subject matches the level displayed on the machine. Calibration requirements also ensure standardized testing and results regardless of where the machine is being used.
Audiometry software is much more affordable by comparison, and can be used by anyone even at home. Calibration is not so easy for the software, which means there will be some accuracy loss. It's still quite useful for regular self-testing, and will let the subject know if any further checkups and medical treatment are needed.
Regardless of whether it is software or hardware, the aim here is to determine at what point the subject fails to hear the tone. Physicians use this device as a useful aid for diagnosing hearing problems and treating them. The suggested course of action may vary, but usually includes a thorough cleaning of the ears to remove obstructions, followed by ear drops and maybe even a hearing aid and/or surgery if the problem is more serious.
Audiometers may also be used for industrial audiometric testing. The procedure followed is essentially the same as described above. The difference is in the fact that the subject or patient doesn't come to the clinic. Instead, a full-fledged mobile audiometry testing lab and technician are brought to the industrial facility to test the hearing levels of noise-exposed workers.
The tests performed on industrial workers are not just for evaluating their personal hearing loss. The results allow the company to identify trends and add more noise-muffling technology if a lot of workers are showing signs of weakened hearing ability. It may also be required under group health plans. Either way, an audiometer used in an industrial environment must be calibrated to a high degree of precision, which means it must be accurate to within a few fractions of a decibel.
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