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 various types of audiometers. Some are PC based and they can be operated by just about anyone. They are commonly used at home by people who want to evaluate their hearing. Devices that are used in audiology centers are very efficient and accurate. They are also very expensive. They are well calibrated and this is why they are more precise.

If you suspect that you have a hearing problem it is advisable to take a hearing test. Before using an audiometer the doctors use other devices first. Mostly they begin with basic tests that involve tuning forks. After the initial screening the doctors can determine if you need a thorough evaluation. Audiometers come in handy when doing serious screening. Audiologists are trained to use this device to carry out specialized screening.

This device is mostly used by audiologists and not doctors. The screening involves several tests. The first thing that specialists do is to ask questions to try and figure out what might be causing your hearing loss. You may be asked questions regarding your kind of work as well as your medical history. After answering the questions the actual test will be carried out.

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.

In some instances you will not hear all the sounds. This is normal and you should not be worried. Doctors need to find out the lowest sound you are able to hear. This indicates the type of loss you may be experiencing. It also determines whether you need a more thorough evaluation. It is advisable to take time with the test and answer all questions as accurately as you can. Do not guess anything.

Whenever you have a hearing problem it is advisable to do an audiometer hearing test. This will determine how serious your problem is and the kind of treatment options you have. You may need to go for a more specialized screening to determine the treatment options that you will be comfortable with.