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.
Until the device was invented, the most challenging problem with which health care professionals were faced was determining the level of each patient's hearing loss, particularly if the individual was deaf in one ear. In such cases, specialists had to rely on manual testing, such as clapping their hands together at various intensities to create different volumes of sound. However, this was a very hit and miss method of diagnosing.
Due to technological advancements, various devices exist today that are more complicated and efficient than manual testing. Audiometers themselves have undergone numerous advancements as well, after the initial model was invented. The device can now produce essentially all frequency levels necessary to accurately test each patient's hearing.
The device is also capable of producing a written document referred to as an audiogram. The latter is printed on graph paper. It can be sent to a specialist or physician for evaluation following the test. After this, the person can be measured for a hearing aid, or additional tests can be scheduled, depending on the information outlined in the audiogram.
The meter essentially functions by transmitting a vast array of frequencies, which are played at various volumes and intensities. The sounds are played at a slightly lower volume throughout each sequence. At a certain point, the patient being tested will no longer be able to clearly hear each sound.
Although it is not impossible to conduct such tests without the use of headphones, most professionals in the field of health care prefer to use headphones whenever one's hearing is being tested. This is due to the fact that they improve the accuracy of the frequencies that the patient will be hearing throughout the test. The individual being evaluated will be directed to respond to each sound that he or she can clearly hear, and inform the testing administrator when the various sounds can no longer be heard.
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.
Due to the the technological advancements continuously being made in the world of health care, it is very likely that the accuracy of the audiometer will improve as time goes on. They are highly useful devices for both audiologists and ear, nose, and throat specialists. Additionally, the accuracy with which they are associated is beneficial to essentially all individuals who are faced with any level of hearing loss.
Until the device was invented, the most challenging problem with which health care professionals were faced was determining the level of each patient's hearing loss, particularly if the individual was deaf in one ear. In such cases, specialists had to rely on manual testing, such as clapping their hands together at various intensities to create different volumes of sound. However, this was a very hit and miss method of diagnosing.
Due to technological advancements, various devices exist today that are more complicated and efficient than manual testing. Audiometers themselves have undergone numerous advancements as well, after the initial model was invented. The device can now produce essentially all frequency levels necessary to accurately test each patient's hearing.
The device is also capable of producing a written document referred to as an audiogram. The latter is printed on graph paper. It can be sent to a specialist or physician for evaluation following the test. After this, the person can be measured for a hearing aid, or additional tests can be scheduled, depending on the information outlined in the audiogram.
The meter essentially functions by transmitting a vast array of frequencies, which are played at various volumes and intensities. The sounds are played at a slightly lower volume throughout each sequence. At a certain point, the patient being tested will no longer be able to clearly hear each sound.
Although it is not impossible to conduct such tests without the use of headphones, most professionals in the field of health care prefer to use headphones whenever one's hearing is being tested. This is due to the fact that they improve the accuracy of the frequencies that the patient will be hearing throughout the test. The individual being evaluated will be directed to respond to each sound that he or she can clearly hear, and inform the testing administrator when the various sounds can no longer be heard.
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.
Due to the the technological advancements continuously being made in the world of health care, it is very likely that the accuracy of the audiometer will improve as time goes on. They are highly useful devices for both audiologists and ear, nose, and throat specialists. Additionally, the accuracy with which they are associated is beneficial to essentially all individuals who are faced with any level of hearing loss.
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