audiometer

An audiometer is an instrument used to measure an individual's hearing threshold for pure tones across a range of frequencies, typically from 125 to 10,000 hertz. This range includes frequencies crucial for understanding speech.1

The audiometer consists of a signal generator, amplifier, attenuator to control tone intensity, and earphones or a loudspeaker. The "zero dB" level on the device represents normal hearing for young adults in a quiet environment and is an international standard.1

During a pure-tone audiometry test, each ear is tested separately. The individual signals when they can hear a tone, and the audiologist determines the lowest intensity at which the tone is audible 50% of the time. This data is plotted on an audiogram, which helps identify the nature and cause of hearing loss. The instrument can also include a bone-conduction vibrator to measure hearing through bone, which is useful in diagnosing conductive hearing loss.1