Audiometer is a medical device used to measure hearing sensitivity. The word audiometer is spelled with the prefix "audi-" meaning "hearing" and the suffix "-ometer" meaning "measuring device". The correct pronunciation of audiometer is 'ˌɔːdiˈɒmɪtər' with stress on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of audiometer is /ɔːdɪˈɒmɪtə/, with the "ɔː" as in "law", "ɪ" as in "it", "ʃ" as in "she", "ɒ" as in "pot", and "tə" as in "studio".
An audiometer is a sophisticated electronic device designed for measuring an individual's hearing ability. It is commonly used by audiologists, hearing specialists, and medical professionals to evaluate and diagnose hearing impairments or disorders. The primary function of an audiometer is to determine an individual's hearing thresholds, which is the lowest sound level that can be detected by the person being tested.
The audiometer consists of a variety of components that work together to conduct precise hearing tests. It typically includes an amplifier to amplify and control the sound intensity, an oscillator to generate a pure tone, and a set of headphones or earphones to deliver the sound to the individual being tested. Some audiometers may also have the capability to deliver speech sounds or other types of auditory stimuli. Moreover, modern audiometers often come equipped with advanced features such as automated testing, frequency-specific testing, and data storage capabilities.
During a hearing test, the audiometer presents a range of sounds at different frequencies and intensities to the individual. The person is required to indicate when the sound is heard by pressing a button or raising their hand. This feedback allows the audiologist to plot the individual's hearing thresholds on an audiogram, a visual representation of their hearing sensitivity.
In summary, an audiometer is a sophisticated electronic device used in the field of audiology to assess and quantify an individual's hearing capabilities. It plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of hearing impairments and disorders.
Acoumeter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "audiometer" is derived from two Latin roots: "audi-" meaning "to hear" and "-meter" meaning "measure". Thus, "audiometer" literally means "a device to measure hearing".