Audiometers: Diagnosing Ear Disorders

Audiometers: Diagnosing Ear Disorders

Hearing loss can affect any age group at any time. Audiometry, a way to test and measure hearing acuity, is a simple, yet very effective method of treating hearing loss directly or any underlying conditions which may be causing it. Audiometers emit varying sound intensities and pitches to accomplish this. They can also complete testing by altering the pressure inside the ear.


How Do Audiometers Work?


Audiometers test each ear independently by producing pure tones at particular volumes. The volume of each tone is decreased to the point where it is inaudible. This point is called the auditory threshold, and it identifies which frequencies have been lost to the person undergoing the audiometry test. Emitted tones and their auditory thresholds are recorded by the audiometer.

Loss of particular frequencies can be typical of certain conditions and can, therefore, guide medical professionals on the best next steps for treatment. Audiometry testing is accomplished in three ways.

Pure tone testing delivers pure tones through earphones connected to the audiometer. The patient signals when they hear these tones. Speech audiometry delivers spoken words through a headset, which are detected and repeated by the patient. Immittance audiometry involves the insertion in the ear of a probe that uses pumped air to alter in-ear pressure as it produces tones.

Some audiometry devices are able to display testing graphs. Others produce a printout of results from the device, and there are models that will offer both display and printing features. There is a wide range of headphone styles.

Devices are available in a handheld form for the purposes of screening, as well as those able to complete full diagnostics and emit higher sound frequencies. Yearly calibrations of audiometric equipment are necessary in order to ensure accurate results and meet standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

What Conditions Can Audiometers Detect?

Audiometers can detect a wide range of conditions. Some of these include:

  • Abnormal bone growth
  • Acoustic trauma from exposure to loud or intense sounds
  • Hearing loss due to age
  • Ear infections
  • Tinnitus
  • Perforated or ruptured eardrum
  • Acoustic neuromas (benign tumors of the vestibular cochlear nerve)
Audiometry testing takes up to one hour to complete. Following their interpretation of test results, patients will meet with their doctor to discuss treatment options.


Where Can You Find Audiometric Testing Equipment?


Thanks to technology, equipment to test hearing can be purchased online. However, only certain brand names should be considered, and you must ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable company to ensure the best quality. Medical Device Depot specializes in the sale of top-quality audiometry equipment brand names like Welch Allyn, Amplivox and easyTymp to ensure the best possible results for all of your patients or yourself.

Testing equipment to detect hearing loss can be purchased by healthcare facilities, practitioners, and individuals who want to have the benefits of having their hearing tested in their home. To purchase your equipment, call Medical Device Depot to speak with an experienced representative: 1-877-646-3300.