The electronic piece of equipment employed by a hearing healthcare professional to assess the hearing thresholds and speech awareness/processing ability of an individual.
Audiometers are used by audiologists to diagnose hearing loss and to monitor the progress of hearing loss over time. Audiometers are also used by researchers to study the effects of hearing loss on speech perception, language development, and cognitive function.
An audiometer is an essential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss.
What is an audiometer used for?
An audiometer is used to measure a person’s hearing sensitivity. It does this by presenting a series of tones at different frequencies and intensities and asking the person to indicate when they can hear them. The results of the audiogram are then plotted on a graph, with the frequencies on the x-axis and the intensities on the y-axis.
How do you use an audiometer?
To use an audiometer, the person sits in a soundproof booth and wears headphones or earphones. The audiologist will then present a series of tones at different frequencies and intensities. The person will be asked to indicate when they can hear the tones. The audiologist will record the results of the test and use them to create an audiogram.
What is used to measure hearing?
An audiometer uses a variety of tools to measure hearing, including:
- Air conduction: This is the most common way to measure hearing. It involves presenting tones through headphones or earphones and measuring the lowest intensity at which the person can hear them.
- Bone conduction: This method involves presenting tones through a bone vibrator that is placed on the forehead or mastoid bone behind the ear. This method is used to measure hearing when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear.
- Speech recognition: This test measures a person’s ability to understand speech in different noise levels.
How can an audiometer identify hearing loss?
An audiometer can identify hearing loss by comparing the person’s hearing thresholds to normal hearing thresholds. If the person’s hearing thresholds are significantly worse than normal, then they have hearing loss.