Audiomètres

An audiometer is a medical device used to measure a person's hearing ability. It is an essential tool for audiologists and otolaryngologists in diagnosing hearing loss and determining its type and severity. The device typically produces pure tones at various frequencies and intensities, which are presented to the patient through headphones. The patient indicates when they can hear the sound, and the audiologist records the softest sound they can detect at each frequency. This process generates an audiogram, a graphical representation of the individual's hearing thresholds.

There are different types of audiometers. Pure-tone audiometers are the most common, assessing hearing through air conduction (sound traveling through the ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear) and bone conduction (vibrations transmitted directly to the inner ear). Speech audiometry, another component, evaluates the ability to hear and understand spoken words. Screening audiometers are simpler devices used for quick checks, often in schools or occupational health settings, to identify individuals who may need a more comprehensive audiological evaluation.

The results from an audiometer are crucial for diagnosing conditions such as noise-induced hearing loss, age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), and conductive or sensorineural hearing impairments. This information guides treatment options, which may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other interventions, and helps in understanding the impact of hearing loss on communication and quality of life. Regular audiometric testing can also monitor changes in hearing over time.