Jun 30, 2013

An Audiometer Provides Many Benefits

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.

Because of advancements in medical technology, numerous machines are now available that provide a more complicated and efficient way to evaluate patients with different types of hearing problems. After the advent of the first model, audiometers have undergone many changes as well. The machine can now produce virtually all frequency levels needed to accurately test each person's level of hearing.

The machine is also capable of producing a tangible document called an audiogram, which prints on graph paper. The latter can be sent to a doctor or specialist for evaluation. In this way, the patient can be fitted for a hearing aid, or sent for further testing, depending on the information found in the audiogram report.

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 a headphone set is possible, the majority of audiologists prefer to use such a set when testing patients' hearing. This is because headphones allow the patient to hear the various frequencies more accurately as they are transmitted through various parts of the device. The patient is typically instructed to respond to each easily distinguishable sound and then communicate to the person giving the test when the sounds become to faint to hear without difficulty.

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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