Audiometry

The science of calculating the sharpness of hearing especially by measuring deviations in sound intensity and pitch is called ‘audiometry’. It also examines tonal purity and involves measuring thresholds. Audiology aims to decide whether someone can hear within the normal range, and if not, which portions of hearing (high, middle, or low frequencies) are influenced and to what extent. Audiologists are specialists in the administration of the auditory and balance systems. It is one of the principal branches of audiology i.e. the science of hearing, balance, and associated disorders. Audiometry conducts an examination to test the ability to hear noises based on loudness i.e. intensity and vibration i.e. speed of sound waves. The science of listening dictates that when the vibrations of noise reach the inner ear means a person can hear. Hearing is one of the chief senses of the human body and a test monitoring its ability is not only something all must be conscious of but also gather as much knowledge about as possible.

The audiometry tests are carried out in a quiet soundproof room. Headphones will be placed on your head. You will be told to sit quietly and not talk. The headphones are attached to a device that will surrender the tunes and different noises of speech to your ears, one ear at a time. The audiologist will ask you to raise your hand when you catch a noise. For example, if you hear a sound with your left ear, raise your left hand; if you hear a sound with your right ear, raise your right hand. At some hearing care clinics, you may be asked to push a key or make some other gesture that you have recognized a sound. The audiologist will register each tone at the lowest potential volume that you were able to hear it. Before or after the common audiometry test, tuning forks are also used to manage the Rinne and Weber tests. Each test assesses the potential for various kinds of hearing loss.