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 device works by creating a wide selection of sounds that can be played at different frequencies. In addition, they can be transmitted at different volume levels and intensities. These sounds and the volumes at which they are played are reduced little by little until the patient being tested can no longer clearly hear the various sounds being transmitted.
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.
And audiometer is typically designed as a stand alone unit. In today's modern world, digital equipment of this kind can also be found. However, it is essential to realize that digital devices are not made for independent use. Instead, they are dependent on specific computer software programs. Such equipment is often used by speech therapist to monitor the progress of patients.
Because of the advancements in technology that are continually being made in the health care arena, the accuracy of the audiometer will probably be perfected even more in the future. Such devices are highly useful to both ear, nose, and throat specialists and audiologists. In addition, the accuracy they offer is advantageous to virtually all patients who are faced with any type 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 device works by creating a wide selection of sounds that can be played at different frequencies. In addition, they can be transmitted at different volume levels and intensities. These sounds and the volumes at which they are played are reduced little by little until the patient being tested can no longer clearly hear the various sounds being transmitted.
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.
And audiometer is typically designed as a stand alone unit. In today's modern world, digital equipment of this kind can also be found. However, it is essential to realize that digital devices are not made for independent use. Instead, they are dependent on specific computer software programs. Such equipment is often used by speech therapist to monitor the progress of patients.
Because of the advancements in technology that are continually being made in the health care arena, the accuracy of the audiometer will probably be perfected even more in the future. Such devices are highly useful to both ear, nose, and throat specialists and audiologists. In addition, the accuracy they offer is advantageous to virtually all patients who are faced with any type of hearing loss.
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