An audiometer is a special instrument used to identify and monitor hear loss and hearing disorders. It has standard calibrations which help to obtain the best results of the condition. Audiometric tests are carried out in a quiet soundproof room. Headphones are provided to the patient to place on his ears. The professional requests you to sit and remain calm.
The headphones are then attached to a device that produces tones at varied frequencies and different intensity. The audiologist then waits to see the patient raise a hand in acknowledgement of sound heard. To specify the ear that picks the sound, you are expected to raise the corresponding hand to the ear, which is either left or right hand respectively. There is also the provision of buttons to confirm hearing by the patient. The results are then studied and recorded on an audiogram.
There are many conditions that have contributed to people losing their hearing ability. One of such condition is called acoustic neuroma. This is a slow growing tumor on the cranial nerve, which has the responsibility of the sense of hearing and balance. In addition to the loss of hearing ability, it can also cause paralysis of the face.
Sporting activities or accidents can damage the eardrum which in turn causes hear loss. Vestibulocochlear nerve is also very sensitive and when damaged can affect the ability to hear. Conditions like tinnitus and vertigo can also result to hear loss if care is not taken.
There are a number of tests than can be done to check for hearing ability. This are carried out according to the type of patient and the reason the test is to be done. The type of patient can be a newborn baby, young children or even adults. Children are not able to say when they have hearing problems. The audiologist has to use special equipments to test them. The principle followed in testing children is the same but the way of doing it may vary to be able to obtain more accurate results.
An otoacoustic emission test is used to check for hear loss on babies. It is a simple test that is not painful and is very fast. It comprises of a small earpiece which has a microphone and a tiny loudspeaker. The earpiece is placed in the ear. Clicking Sound is produced by the loudspeaker and relayed to the cochlea which in turn sends it to the ear canal to be heard through the microphone.
If the sound is not heard, there could be a problem with the ear though the audiologist has to rule out other factors. If the child was not steady, he could have interrupted the process of testing and also a noisy room can also affect the results. If the test is repeated and no change is seen then an automated auditory brainstem response test is done to give accurate results.
Reinforcement audiometry is the technique recommended for testing young children. Using speakers, sound is relayed to the testing room and the child is expected to respond by turning towards the direction of sound. The audiologist rewards the child to motivate him as he performs the test repeatedly. The frequencies are altered at different levels to establish if the child can pick even the lowest sound. Testing older children and adult is different as a pure tone audiometry technique is employed. This includes the use of an audiometer to transmit sounds through a headphone in varied pitches and levels.
The headphones are then attached to a device that produces tones at varied frequencies and different intensity. The audiologist then waits to see the patient raise a hand in acknowledgement of sound heard. To specify the ear that picks the sound, you are expected to raise the corresponding hand to the ear, which is either left or right hand respectively. There is also the provision of buttons to confirm hearing by the patient. The results are then studied and recorded on an audiogram.
There are many conditions that have contributed to people losing their hearing ability. One of such condition is called acoustic neuroma. This is a slow growing tumor on the cranial nerve, which has the responsibility of the sense of hearing and balance. In addition to the loss of hearing ability, it can also cause paralysis of the face.
Sporting activities or accidents can damage the eardrum which in turn causes hear loss. Vestibulocochlear nerve is also very sensitive and when damaged can affect the ability to hear. Conditions like tinnitus and vertigo can also result to hear loss if care is not taken.
There are a number of tests than can be done to check for hearing ability. This are carried out according to the type of patient and the reason the test is to be done. The type of patient can be a newborn baby, young children or even adults. Children are not able to say when they have hearing problems. The audiologist has to use special equipments to test them. The principle followed in testing children is the same but the way of doing it may vary to be able to obtain more accurate results.
An otoacoustic emission test is used to check for hear loss on babies. It is a simple test that is not painful and is very fast. It comprises of a small earpiece which has a microphone and a tiny loudspeaker. The earpiece is placed in the ear. Clicking Sound is produced by the loudspeaker and relayed to the cochlea which in turn sends it to the ear canal to be heard through the microphone.
If the sound is not heard, there could be a problem with the ear though the audiologist has to rule out other factors. If the child was not steady, he could have interrupted the process of testing and also a noisy room can also affect the results. If the test is repeated and no change is seen then an automated auditory brainstem response test is done to give accurate results.
Reinforcement audiometry is the technique recommended for testing young children. Using speakers, sound is relayed to the testing room and the child is expected to respond by turning towards the direction of sound. The audiologist rewards the child to motivate him as he performs the test repeatedly. The frequencies are altered at different levels to establish if the child can pick even the lowest sound. Testing older children and adult is different as a pure tone audiometry technique is employed. This includes the use of an audiometer to transmit sounds through a headphone in varied pitches and levels.
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