Audiometers

An audiometer is a medical device used to evaluate a person’s hearing ability. A trained professional, such as an audiologist, doctor, nurse, or occupational health practitioner conducts the test.

The device measures hearing thresholds through a process called audiometry. A hearing threshold is the lowest level of sound a person can hear at specific frequencies. By identifying these thresholds, clinicians can detect and quantify the degree of hearing loss.

During audiometry, the clinician presents tones at different frequencies (pitches) and intensity levels (volumes) through headphones or insert earphones. The patient responds by pressing a response switch button when they hear a tone. The results are recorded in an audiogram, either digitally or in print, providing a visual representation of the individual’s hearing levels.

Clinicians can perform audiometry in different ways depending on the application and clinical setting.

Audiometers can be used for both screening and diagnostic hearing assessments.

Screening audiometry is a quick, pass-or-refer test designed to identify individuals who may have hearing loss. It typically tests several frequencies at set intensity levels to determine whether hearing falls within the normal range.

Hearing screening tests are commonly conducted in schools, workplaces, primary care settings, and community health programs. It does not diagnose the type or degree of hearing loss; it simply determines whether you need further evaluation. Learn more about a hearing screening test.

Diagnostic audiometry, on the other hand, is a comprehensive assessment used to evaluate, quantify, and characterise hearing loss. It measures hearing thresholds across a full range of frequencies and intensities.

This may include additional tests such as bone conduction, speech audiometry, and masking procedures. The results help determine the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss, guiding medical treatment or hearing aid fitting. Learn more about diagnostic hearing testing.

In short, screening identifies potential problems, while diagnostic testing provides a complete evaluation.

Clinicians, occupational health professionals, educators, and researchers use audiometers in a wide range of clinical, occupational, educational, and research environments. In healthcare settings, they are commonly found in hospitals, ENT departments, private audiology clinics, opticians, hearing aid centers, and speech and language therapy practices.

In occupational and industrial environments audiometers play a critical role in hearing conservation programs and regulatory compliance testing. These include manufacturing plants, construction sites, mining operations, airports, and military facilities.

Educational institutions, including schools and universities, use audiometers for routine hearing screenings and early identification of hearing issues. Mobile and community health services also deploy them to support rural outreach and public health initiatives.

An audiogram is a chart made during a hearing test. It shows how well the patients hears sounds at different pitches and volumes. The chart indicates the degree of hearing loss by measuring the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies.

We record the frequency in hertz (Hz) and the loudness in decibels (dB). Based on these thresholds, clinicians classify hearing ability as normal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound.

An audiogram also helps determine the type of hearing loss by comparing air conduction and bone conduction results. This helps to identify whether the hearing loss is:

• Conductive (related to the outer or middle ear)
• Sensorineural (involving the inner ear or auditory nerve)
• Mixed (a combination of both)

In addition, the test results show which frequencies (low, mid, or high pitches) are most affected. This is important because different speech sounds occur at different frequencies.

It can also show if hearing loss is the same in both ears, as well as patterns that hint at causes. These causes may include aging, noise exposure, or infection. Learn more how to interpret an audiogram.