Tuesday, July 16, 2013

About Audiometers And Their Use

By Roxanne Cruz


Audiometers are equipments used to evaluate or diagnose hearing loss. These devices are typically used in audiology centers. The equipment is made of hardware which is connected to headphones and one button that is for the subject. With advanced technology today, computers are used to control these devices. There are also standards for these procedures.

As this field has developed over the years, different variations of the devices have been made. One type of the device is clinical PC based. These are more accurate when testing hearing problems. These types are generally used in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research studies. Another type is the screening PC based which can be used by anyone in their own homes to test hearing.

These equipments must be calibrated routinely to make sure that levels on display are equal to the stimulus the patient is subjected to. Proper calibration ensures that measurements are always consistent and results are accurate. The devices are calibrated using audiometric calibration system. When it comes to diagnostic tools, accuracy is very important.

To test air conduction hearing, a system that includes an ear simulator is used. For this system, an artificial ear calibrates air conduction. Headphones will be applied to the open side of the coupler. There is an internal microphone that detects sound pressure level within the cavity. Outputs will be measured by a sound level meter.

Meanwhile, bone conduction hearing will be tested with the use of an artificial mastoid. This device can calibrate channels of bone conduction in audiometers. This can test hearing in response to mechanisms by bone conduction. It has a dome that is similar to the human mastoid. In this case, the force applied will be measured by a transducer and the output will be measured with a sound meter.

Several models of these devices now exist. Different models have their own specifications and these can be used for specific purposes. With these devices, hearing problems can be effectively diagnosed by physicians. Diagnostic procedures simply cannot be performed without the use of certain equipments. It is easy to see how these devices made a big difference in the field.

Since there are already many equipments available, hearing specialists can choose an equipment of their choice. Some types are the stand alone kind and these are usually used for screening. The computer based types are often used for diagnostic purposes. These devices have their own frequencies and intensities which may depend on the exact application they are for.

Diagnostic equipments must be fully operational and efficient all the time. Accuracy is one important factor that these devices must have in order to provide reliable measurements. Results must be accurate to establish proper diagnosis of one's hearing loss. Specialists need to determine the extent of hearing damage so they can also recommend appropriate management.

Hearing specialists realize the need to have audiometers in their clinics. It is very important for physicians to have the right type of equipment. This is essential for them to provide quality treatment and services to patients. With proper diagnosis, patients can be treated effectively so they can be relieved from their symptoms and have better chances at full recovery.




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