Friday, December 20, 2013

A Look Into The Features Of An Audiometer

By Tiffany Gill


If you have hearing loss problems, then an audiometer is the best device to evaluate to what extend your problem is. This device can also be used to test other problems specifically those that involve the Ear, nose or the throat. This device is calibrated in decibel units which are universally accepted. The calibration is however done in regular basis to ensure that the device gives a perfect reading when in use.

The device does resemble a pair of headphones. However, it has several connections which include a special personal computer. Also embedded in this device is feedback control button. This button gives feedback signals to the PC whenever pressed. During operation, a patient is subjected to different audio frequencies which are from the audiometer. The patient then presses the button whenever they hear the sound. These different frequencies through which the patient is able to hear are than compiled to a data which is used to plot an audiogram.

The audiogram is plotted with the intensity of sound as the y axis in decibel units and the frequency of sound in the x- axis in hertz. The measured reading of the patient will be noted down and used to plot such a graph. Usually, the specialist uses computer software to aid them in drawing a perfect graph. They feed the reading to the computer software which automatically plots the audiogram graph. An important frequency known as the fundamental is included in the data as it is being fed to software to ensure the resulting audiogram captures all the details of the patient.

There are two types of audiometers found in the market. These are the hardware and the software types. The two types are closely related though they vary in cost and efficiency. The software type is not very sophisticated. It is the one found in several homes as it is easier to use. It only requires a computer program to display its results.

Hardware devices on the other contain an embedded unit which is connected next to the headphones. This unit is linked with a special button which gives feedback signal to the device during operation. This device is relatively expensive than the software type as it gives results of higher accuracy. They are very efficient in hearing loss tests.

The overall procedure of identifying a hearing loss problem is not complex as you might think. With this device, it is very easy.it only entails the patient being subjected to an audio from the device then their reaction at different frequencies being noted. These different frequencies give a range of the hearing capabilities of the patient. The range aid the medical specialist in treating such a patient.

If the patient under test is an adult, then the hearing loss analysis is very easy. They will be instructed to press the feedback button whenever they hear the audio. For children, it is very different. Only their reaction in whatever manner is required. The kid can be instructed to press a toy whenever they hear the audio. The frequency is then noted down.

Hearing loss problems are not suffered by human beings. Animals do also suffer from this problem. An audiometer is still the device veterinary doctors determining the hearing capabilities of animals. The animals are trained to respond to the sound through several practices like providing them with food, water e. T. C whenever they react to such audio frequencies.




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