An audiometer is a medical device used by audiologists and ENT specialists to measure a person’s hearing ability. It plays a key role in diagnosing hearing loss and determining the degree, type, and nature of hearing problems.
How Does an Audiometer Work?
An audiometer generates pure tones, speech sounds, or other signals at different frequencies and volumes. These sounds are delivered through headphones or special earphones while the patient responds to what they can hear.
The results are recorded in an audiogram, a chart that shows the person’s hearing thresholds across frequencies. This helps specialists understand which sounds are harder for the patient to detect.
Types of Audiometers
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Clinical Audiometers – Used in hospitals and clinics for detailed hearing evaluations.
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Screening Audiometers – Portable and simpler, used in schools, workplaces, or community checkups.
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Computer-Based Audiometers – Advanced systems connected to software for precise testing and data storage.
Uses of an Audiometer
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Detects hearing loss levels (mild, moderate, severe, or profound).
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Helps differentiate between conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss.
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Assists in hearing aid fitting by providing accurate results.
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Monitors changes in hearing over time.
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Useful for screening programs in schools, industries, or routine health checkups.
Benefits of an Audiometer
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Provides quick and reliable results.
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Helps in early detection of hearing problems.
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Guides audiologists in recommending the right hearing aids or treatment.
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Improves patient awareness about their hearing health.
Conclusion
An audiometer is an essential tool for hearing assessment. By measuring how well a person hears different sounds, it helps specialists diagnose hearing loss and recommend proper treatment or hearing devices. Regular hearing checkups with audiometer testing ensure healthy hearing and better quality of life.
