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The audiometer is used by audiology centers and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists for measuring hearing loss. It is usually one of the methods performed as part of an audiometry test. Both hardware and software-based audiometers are now available from various providers.
The hardware version is a simple machine that produces pure tones at controlled intensities. During hearing loss evaluations, the machine's output is heard by the subject in one ear at a time through a pair of headphones. The subject has a feedback button that enables them to respond when they hear the tone.
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.
Hardware audiometers used by professional audiology centers, hospitals and research centers are more expensive, but also highly accurate and more reliable. These machines must be calibrated regularly to ensure that the intensity of the tone heard by subjects accurately reflects the level shown on the device display. Calibration also ensures standardized testing and consistent results no matter where the machine is used.
Audiometry software may be used as an alternative to a whole new machine. It will be cheaper and can be used by anyone at home and without assistance. However, calibration of the software is much more difficult and accuracy harder to obtain. People can still use it for regular testing, and only seek expert medical opinion if they discover any hearing loss.
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.
Audiometers may also be used for industrial audiometric testing. The procedure followed is essentially the same as described above. The difference is in the fact that the subject or patient doesn't come to the clinic. Instead, a full-fledged mobile audiometry testing lab and technician are brought to the industrial facility to test the hearing levels of noise-exposed workers.
The results obtained in these industrial tests are not simply meant to evaluate the hearing ability of workers from a health point of view. It is also used to find out whether the facility requires additional noise-muffling systems. Sometimes, these checkups are provided under group health plans. In any case, an audiometer used for industrial applications must be calibrated perfectly to within a small fraction of a decibel.
The hardware version is a simple machine that produces pure tones at controlled intensities. During hearing loss evaluations, the machine's output is heard by the subject in one ear at a time through a pair of headphones. The subject has a feedback button that enables them to respond when they hear the tone.
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.
Hardware audiometers used by professional audiology centers, hospitals and research centers are more expensive, but also highly accurate and more reliable. These machines must be calibrated regularly to ensure that the intensity of the tone heard by subjects accurately reflects the level shown on the device display. Calibration also ensures standardized testing and consistent results no matter where the machine is used.
Audiometry software may be used as an alternative to a whole new machine. It will be cheaper and can be used by anyone at home and without assistance. However, calibration of the software is much more difficult and accuracy harder to obtain. People can still use it for regular testing, and only seek expert medical opinion if they discover any hearing loss.
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.
Audiometers may also be used for industrial audiometric testing. The procedure followed is essentially the same as described above. The difference is in the fact that the subject or patient doesn't come to the clinic. Instead, a full-fledged mobile audiometry testing lab and technician are brought to the industrial facility to test the hearing levels of noise-exposed workers.
The results obtained in these industrial tests are not simply meant to evaluate the hearing ability of workers from a health point of view. It is also used to find out whether the facility requires additional noise-muffling systems. Sometimes, these checkups are provided under group health plans. In any case, an audiometer used for industrial applications must be calibrated perfectly to within a small fraction of a decibel.
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