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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 devices may be used in conjunction with bone vibrators. This is typically the case when it comes to evaluating conductive hearing units. There are both hardware and software meters that can be used, each kind comes in many different models. Meters can connect directly with computers and be operated in a home setting for testing purposes. Still, accuracy of such results is not expected to be as good with at-home versions because of the lack of calibration.

In general, clinical devices are produce efficient results that are more accurate. These units are also more costly than traditional software versions. Many times these are used in professional settings, such as audiology centers, research facilities, hospitals and other spaces where precision and accuracy are a major 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.

Audiometry, a term derived from the Latin language, is used to refer to the practice of measuring hearing ability. This field is mostly involved with checking the ability of a person to hear at certain levels. Still, there is some science involved that includes tracking one's ability to distinguish between different pitches, sounds and intensities. The machines are known to measure Otoacoustic emissions, as well as acoustic reflex. Test results can be used in diagnosis.

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.

There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss. This loss might be deemed permanent or temporary, and total or partial. Either way, the issue is related to a decrease in sensitivity to sounds that are usually heard. The degree of loss is usually determined by analyzing the increase in volume required before sound is detected.

Calibration is integral when it comes to properly using these machines. There are many makes and models available, including at-home kinds. The most accurate results are expected from the versions used in professional settings. Nonetheless, proper calibration can ensure consistency and accuracy from most meters. There are a lot of people suffering with some degree or type of hearing loss.




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