What An Audiometer Hearing Test Entails

By Molly Morse


An audiometer is a piece of equipment used to evaluate hearing loss. This machine is mostly found in ear, nose and throat clinics. It is also a must have in audiology centers. Audiometers are made of a hardware unit that is linked to headphones. A button that the person being tested uses to give feedback is also included. A normal personal computer can sometimes be used to control this system. There are standards that govern the procedure as well as the requirements that the machine should meet.

There are several types of audiometers. Some are hardware based and others rely heavily on software. The basic types can be used at home by people who want to find out their hearing levels. The audiometers used in clinics are more expensive. This is because they are more accurate and their efficiency is higher. Calibration determines how precise a device is.

If you think that your ears are not working very well it is advisable to take an audiometer hearing test. Doctors carry out basic tests before using audiometers on their patients. They might start by using tuning forks. The initial screening determines whether you require a thorough test to be done. Audiometers are only used after it has been decided that you need a thorough screening. This device is used by audiologists.

Audiologists are more specialized and they usually take patients through a series of tests. The first thing that the specialist will do is to ask you a couple of questions. This will help to determine the cause of your problem. Your work and medical history will also be evaluated to find any clues on what led to the hearing loss. After all the questions the test can now be carried out.

You need to wear headphones before the test can start. Ensure they cover your ears properly. No sound should come in from the room that you are in. When the evaluation gets underway you should hear sounds in your ear. The test is aimed at evaluating each year individually. This means that you should hear the sound in each ear one at a time. By doing this the specialist will be able to determine if the hearing loss is on both ears or on one side.

The sound is switched to different levels and frequencies. This helps to determine if you can hear all the levels and at which frequency. The audiologists may want you to use signs such as raising your hands whenever you hear a sound. Use the hand on the side where you receive the sound. The tones get louder and fainter with time.

When you do not hear sounds there is no cause to panic. This is normal because the specialist needs to figure out the lowest sound that you are able to hear. This test will determine the level of hearing loss you are experiencing. From the results doctors will know whether you need another thorough test. Take your time during the test and provide accurate information.

An audiometer hearing test is very important when you have hearing loss. It provides information that is used to come up with the right solution. Doctors will determine the right form of treatment after seeing the results.




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