Audiometry
Audiometry
Audiometry (/ˌɔːdiˈɒmɪtri/; from Latin: audire, "to hear" and Greek: metria, "measure") is a branch of Audiology that deals with the measurement of hearing acuity. It is used to identify and quantify hearing loss and hearing impairment.
Etymology
The term "Audiometry" comes from Latin audire meaning "to hear" and Greek metria meaning "measure". Thus, it essentially means "measurement of hearing".
Procedure
Audiometry is performed using an audiometer, a machine that produces pure tone sounds at specific volumes and frequencies. The patient's responses to these sounds are recorded and used to create an audiogram, a graphical representation of the individual's hearing ability.
Types of Audiometry
There are several types of audiometry tests, including:
- Pure-tone Audiometry: This is the most common type of audiometry test. It measures the quietest sound that a person can hear at different frequencies.
- Speech Audiometry: This test measures the ability to hear and understand speech.
- Tympanometry: This test measures the function of the middle ear.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): This test measures sounds that are produced by the inner ear.
Related Terms
- Audiologist: A healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing loss and balance disorders.
- Audiogram: A graph that shows the results of an audiometry test.
- Hearing Threshold: The quietest sound that a person can hear.
- Decibel: A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Audiometry
- Wikipedia's article - Audiometry
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