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.

Prior to the invention of the device, the most difficult challenge experienced by medical professionals was diagnosing each patient's level of hearing loss, especially if the person was death only in one ear. In numerous instances, audiologist had to rely on manual tests, including clapping their hands at different intensities to create various sound volumes. However, this type of diagnosing was very hit and miss, and subsequently often inaccurate.

Based on advancements in the world of medical technology, numerous machines exist today that are more efficient and complicated than manual testing. Audiometers themselves have also undergone major changes since the designing of the first model. Modern models can now transmit virtually all frequencies needed to accurately test a person's 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 device works by creating a wide selection of sounds that can be played at different frequencies. In addition, they can be transmitted at different volume levels and intensities. These sounds and the volumes at which they are played are reduced little by little until the patient being tested can no longer clearly hear the various sounds being transmitted.

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.

Because of the advancements in technology that are continually being made in the health care arena, the accuracy of the audiometer will probably be perfected even more in the future. Such devices are highly useful to both ear, nose, and throat specialists and audiologists. In addition, the accuracy they offer is advantageous to virtually all patients who are faced with any type of hearing loss.




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