Audiometry - what is it? Types of audiometry

Audiometry - what is it? The answer to this question is found in the materials of this article.

Audiometry. What it is?

Audiometry is the process of studying the severity of hearing, as well as determining the sensitivity of the hearing aid to sound waves of different frequencies. This word was formed from Latin and Greek respectively: audio, that is, "I hear", and metron, that is "measure".

Who conducts the audit?

Audiometry - what is it and how is it carried out? This study should only be performed by a hearing therapist. Measurement of hearing is carried out using an audiometer. Although sometimes this procedure can be carried out with the use of tuning forks.

Objectives of auditory research

Audiometry - what is it and why is it needed? With this measurement, both air and bone conduction can be examined. After the procedure, the specialist receives the results in the form of an audiogram. According to her, the otolaryngologist can easily diagnose various ear diseases. It should also be noted that regular and timely research allows one hundred percent to detect the onset of hearing loss.

Types of examination

Audiometry of hearing is a research and diagnostic procedure that allows you to easily identify its severity. Currently, several types of audiometry are distinguished, namely:

• Tonal;
• Computer;
• Speech.

Let's consider each of the varieties in more detail.

Tone audiometry

With such a study, a specialist studies the threshold of hearing sensitivity to sound waves that have a different frequency. In this case, the frequency range during the direct examination is approximately 125-8000 Hz. The main task of the doctor-audiologist is to determine the minimum level that his subject hears.

In addition, this study helps to identify and the maximum threshold, which is the limit for a single patient. Usually at this value a person feels a significant discomfort.

How is tone threshold audiometry carried out? Such a study is carried out using an audiometer. Through a special headset, the patient is given a sound signal. At the same time, the patient's task is to press a small button in response to this stimulus (provided, of course, that he hears it).

This hearing test can be performed even in young children. However, in this case the game form is used.

The result of tonal research is the audiogram. It reflects all the information that allows you to find out at what frequencies and how much the person's hearing is different from the norm.

Speech audit of hearing

Audiometry of speech allows to determine the individual sensitivity of the patient to sound waves. This method is considered the easiest and easiest. It is conducted with the help of a whisper or ordinary spoken language. However, it should be specially noted that the correct perception in this way depends not only on how the patient hears individual sounds, but also on his vocabulary, and the level of development.

As practice shows, a coherent speech and whole sentences are perceived by the subjects much better and faster than the usual enumeration of words. Speech audiometry data can differ significantly from one another if it is conducted using a different material.

In order to achieve the most objective results, a unified set of words is often used during this research.

What is the verbal hearing test used for? This method is often used by specialists to evaluate the effective operation of selected hearing aids.

Computer audiometry

This type of research is considered the most objective. To conduct such a procedure, the subject should not take an active part in it. The very method of studying the severity of hearing is automatic. In this regard, it is quite successfully used in relation to children, including newborns.

Indication for examination

Typically, such a survey is assigned to those people who constantly complain of poor hearing, as well as patients who are observed:

• Hearing impairment;
• Periodic pain in the ear.

It should also be noted that parents should be sure to follow the development of hearing in their child, as well as regularly check it. This requires you to sit next to your child and clap your hands. A baby with a normal hearing should definitely respond to this. If the reaction does not follow, then it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist.

Normal hearing

Now you know what audiometry is about hearing. The norm of this study is determined depending on its type. At verbal check the patient, when talking with a doctor, should perceive a whisper at a distance of about 6 meters. Normal hearing with tonal audiometry is determined by the nature of the lines of the audiogram. The difference between the thresholds of bone and air sound can not be more than 10 decibels. If there is any pathology, then this value can reach even 40 decibels. With computer audiometry, all received data are recorded on the monitor screen. With the help of a special program, a specialist can easily determine whether his subject has any deviations or not.