Hearing might be something that many people take for granted, but it possesses a certain irony in that it becomes more noticeable as it is lost. Due to industrial developments and advanced sound production technology, hearing loss is more of an issue nowadays than it may once have been. Audiometers are essential in measuring and preventing hearing damage.
Every day, people are routinely exposed to extremely loud sounds, whether as part of their employment or recreation. Examples are heavy industry and loud music in entertainment venues. This type of exposure can result in gradual hearing decay. Preventing this decay involves the measurement of a person's hearing, and audio measuring devices are used in this process of measurement.
Audiometers all work on the same principle. They produce a sound which is listened to by the person being tested. The volume and frequency of the test sound can be controlled, thereby providing a standard against which the person's hearing can be measured. The frequency or pitch is measured in Hertz (Hz) and the volume is measured in decibels (dB). Pitch describes how high or low a sound is. For example, a soprano singer achieves a high pitch, while a bass guitar plays at a low pitch. Volume measures the intensity of the sound.
This type of test is used to determine the degree of sensitivity of the person's hearing. A typical audiometer consists of a set of headphones which are connected to a machine or a computer. Once a reading has been determined, appropriate action can be taken in safeguarding and mending the person's hearing.
The trick in using an audiometer is to make it produce exactly the right sounds. In order to do this, the audiometer needs to be calibrated, in the same way as a musical instrument needs to be tuned. Calibration, or re-calibration, needs to be done frequently in order to ensure maximum reliability.
Several factors make regular calibration necessary. The operating temperature of the machine, its age, rough handling and how often it is used all play a part in causing it to lose accuracy. This is similar to a musical instrument going out of tune. It is advisable to have an audiometer re-calibrated once a year.
At present there are two types of audiometer: the hardware and the software type. The hardware version consists of a stereotypical design: earphones plugged into a box or machine. The software type also uses earphones, but they are linked to a PC or other digital device. The most important difference lies in their respective performances. A software audiometer never needs re-calibration, just as a digital musical tuner can never go out of tune. Software devices can also produce more detailed readings, since they are digital. However, software audiometers are also harder to use accurately because they involve individualized on-board and hardware settings, which make calibration more difficult.
In modern times, the level of noise in the everyday environment of the public is higher than it used to be. Audiometers have an important function in keeping this noise in check. They represent a key tool in the fight against hearing loss and aural damage.
Every day, people are routinely exposed to extremely loud sounds, whether as part of their employment or recreation. Examples are heavy industry and loud music in entertainment venues. This type of exposure can result in gradual hearing decay. Preventing this decay involves the measurement of a person's hearing, and audio measuring devices are used in this process of measurement.
Audiometers all work on the same principle. They produce a sound which is listened to by the person being tested. The volume and frequency of the test sound can be controlled, thereby providing a standard against which the person's hearing can be measured. The frequency or pitch is measured in Hertz (Hz) and the volume is measured in decibels (dB). Pitch describes how high or low a sound is. For example, a soprano singer achieves a high pitch, while a bass guitar plays at a low pitch. Volume measures the intensity of the sound.
This type of test is used to determine the degree of sensitivity of the person's hearing. A typical audiometer consists of a set of headphones which are connected to a machine or a computer. Once a reading has been determined, appropriate action can be taken in safeguarding and mending the person's hearing.
The trick in using an audiometer is to make it produce exactly the right sounds. In order to do this, the audiometer needs to be calibrated, in the same way as a musical instrument needs to be tuned. Calibration, or re-calibration, needs to be done frequently in order to ensure maximum reliability.
Several factors make regular calibration necessary. The operating temperature of the machine, its age, rough handling and how often it is used all play a part in causing it to lose accuracy. This is similar to a musical instrument going out of tune. It is advisable to have an audiometer re-calibrated once a year.
At present there are two types of audiometer: the hardware and the software type. The hardware version consists of a stereotypical design: earphones plugged into a box or machine. The software type also uses earphones, but they are linked to a PC or other digital device. The most important difference lies in their respective performances. A software audiometer never needs re-calibration, just as a digital musical tuner can never go out of tune. Software devices can also produce more detailed readings, since they are digital. However, software audiometers are also harder to use accurately because they involve individualized on-board and hardware settings, which make calibration more difficult.
In modern times, the level of noise in the everyday environment of the public is higher than it used to be. Audiometers have an important function in keeping this noise in check. They represent a key tool in the fight against hearing loss and aural damage.
