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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 other auditory disorders. The device typically presents pure tones at different frequencies and intensities to the listener, who indicates when they can hear the sound.

There are several types of audiometers. Pure-tone audiometers are the most common and assess hearing thresholds across a range of frequencies, usually from 125 Hz to 8000 Hz. Speech audiometers evaluate understanding of spoken words and sentences, often at various loudness levels. Impedance audiometers, also known as tympanometers, assess the function of the middle ear and the eardrum's movement.

The results of an audiometry test are plotted on an audiogram, a graph that visually represents the individual's hearing thresholds. This chart helps to determine the type, degree, and configuration of any hearing loss. Audiometers are calibrated regularly to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. They play a crucial role in early detection, management, and rehabilitation of hearing impairments.