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20 June 2013

Basic Information Related To Audiometers

By Lana Bray


Audiometers is the name given to the structures that are used for the purpose of evaluating the amount of hearing loss in a person. These units are mostly used at professional health facilities, such as audiology facilities or ear, nose and throat offices. Typically they include embedded hardware that has been connected to headphones. There is also a test button that can be controlled through nearly any basic computer device.

The machines are also used with bone vibrators as a way to check conductive hearing devices. There are both hardware and software meters that can be used and come in different models. Meters typically connect to basic computers and are operated through them. There are even versions for use at home. Still, the accuracy of these home-kit results is less on point because there is no set standard for calibration.

Clinical models tend to provide the best, most efficient of results than other versions. They can also be more expensive. This is why these models are mostly only used in professional facilities, such as hospitals, audiology offices, research facilities and other places where there is much emphasis placed on having the most accurate and precise of results.

Devices that are used often should be calibrated on a frequent basis. This is important to ensure that the display says the same as the stimulus that the test subject is exposed to. Additionally, the correct calibration is essential to getting consistent measurements that are the same regardless of where tests are done. Reliable measurements are necessary to help quantify and characterize loss. ACS or Audiometric Calibration System and ESS or Ear Simulator System are machines typically employed when calibrating these devices.

Audiometry is a word that derives from the Latin language. It is a combination of words that mean to measure and to hear. It is generally defined as measuring of hearing ability. The field is centered on checking hearing ability at varying levels and tracking the ability of an individual to distinguish sounds, intensities and pitches. The machines used in the field are able to measure otoacoustic emissions and acoustic reflex. Results from tests help physicians when it comes to diagnosing problems of the ear, whether it is hearing loss or something other.

Many retailers have these products available in stock. The cost of such machines will range. The complex versions offer high accuracy results and are often more costly than traditional models. This is why they are primarily for professional use. There are also inexpensive versions available for use in the home.

Many different things can lead to hearing loss. This loss might be partial or total. The key problem is a decreased sensitivity to noises typically heard. Usually the amount of loss is based on the increase that is needed for the sound to be picked up by the hearer.

Audiometers is the term used to describe machines that are mostly used in audiometry. The units, which are available in different models, are employed for measuring hearing loss. The more complicated versions are typically more expensive but provide results that are highly accurate. For this reason, they are usually found in professional settings. At-home versions are less accurate but inexpensive and available through many retailers. Either way, regular calibration is a major factor when it comes to properly operating the units and getting results that are of the highest accuracy possible.




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