Information About An Audiometer Hearing Test

By Molly Morse


An audiometer is a piece of equipment used to evaluate hearing loss. This machine is mostly found in ear, nose and throat clinics. It is also a must have in audiology centers. Audiometers are made of a hardware unit that is linked to headphones. A button that the person being tested uses to give feedback is also included. A normal personal computer can sometimes be used to control this system. There are standards that govern the procedure as well as the requirements that the machine should meet.

There are different types of audiometers. Some can be operated by anyone at home who wants to test their hearing. Such devices are not very accurate and they are PC based. The type that is used in clinics is more expensive. However, they are more efficient and accurate. The calibration determines how accurate the machine is.

If you think that your ears are not working very well it is advisable to take an audiometer hearing test. Doctors carry out basic tests before using audiometers on their patients. They might start by using tuning forks. The initial screening determines whether you require a thorough test to be done. Audiometers are only used after it has been decided that you need a thorough screening. This device is used by audiologists.

The evaluation is thorough and it involves a series of tests. The audiologists should ask you several questions to find out what is likely to be the cause of your hearing problem. Your medical history will also be evaluated. Questions related to your work might also come up. After this the actual test will then be done.

You need to wear a pair of headphones before getting started. Make sure that you place them over the ears properly. They should block all other sounds from the room. When you are ready you should start receiving sounds from the headphones. The sound will hit the ears one at a time. This is because the test should evaluate both ears individually. This way, specialists can determine whether you have a problem in one ear or both of them.

The sound in the head phones is switched to various frequencies and levels. This helps to identify the levels that you can hear and those that you cannot. Depending with the specialist you may be required to use the feedback button or your arms to indicate when you hear a sound. The tone will keep varying.

When you do not hear sounds there is no cause to panic. This is normal because the specialist needs to figure out the lowest sound that you are able to hear. This test will determine the level of hearing loss you are experiencing. From the results doctors will know whether you need another thorough test. Take your time during the test and provide accurate information.

An audiometer hearing test provides a lot of information regarding your hearing problem. Specialist can then present you with the various treatment options available. In some cases you need to undergo further tests to determine your comfort levels before a specific treatment can be offered.




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