Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The Important Facts Of 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.

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.

Calibration is the most important thing related to these devices. Many models and makes are available, even versions for use at home. The highest level of accuracy is expected from those used at professional facilities. Still, the right calibration can guarantee accurate and consistent results from nearly any meter. There are many who suffer with loss, which might be total, partial, permanent or temporary.




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