Audiometer For Accurate Hearing Loss Evaluations

Audiometer For Accurate Hearing Loss Evaluations

by Helene Norris

The audiometer is a machine used by audiology centers and ENT specialists to measure hearing loss in patients. More often than not, it is a part of the audiometry test equipment used for administering various tests. <A href="http://www.henanmedical.com">Audiometer</A>s now available in the market come in both hardware and software form.

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.

Audiometers may be standalone machines or can be integrated with a computer that controls it and offers a full suite of software tools and functionality. These devices come in many different types and use varying technologies. For example, some are bone-conduction systems while others are air-conduction based. It may be handheld, portable or a full-fledged machine intended for use in a single location.

Software-based audiometers produce the same tones, and subjects respond in exactly the same way. The main difference is that the software has a stored database of sounds. The tones are simply piped into the headphone through the system's sound card.

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.

Industrial audiometric testing also needs the same audiometers, and the process followed is about the same as described above. However, subjects are not required to go the clinic or audiology center. Rather, a mobile lab packed with all the equipment and technicians is dispatched to the industrial facility to evaluate how workers are being affected by the onsite noise.

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.



<a href="http://www.henanmedical.com">Read more about</a> Accurate Hearing Loss Evaluations With An Audiometer visiting our website.

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