Audiometers are invaluable in the testing of hearing loss. They allow the audiologist to determine the degree and the type of loss a patient has as well as their discomfort and tolerance to speech stimuli and their ability to recognize words. Information gathered helps in the determination of amplification devices and the proper hearing aids to prescribe.
The testing room that is used with an audiometer is split into two, one is a sound-proof room for the patient and the other is where the audiologist sits. In the evaluation room are speakers, earphones, CD's, tape recorders, and the audiometer. Using earphones, various tests are sent through one or both of them to measure levels of speech that can be understood. Some testing is done using a bone-conductor vibrator.
Some techniques used are testing speech awareness thresholds to get the lowest level at which speech can be heard at least 50 percent of the time. Spondaic words are used as they have equal emphasis on each syllable, are easily understood, and contain information in each syllable that allow reasonable accurate guesses. It is a great test for younger patients, those who speak another language, or those who have neurological damage.
Speech recognition threshold measures the lowest level at which speech can be recognized at least half of the time. Spondaic words are used for this test as well. It determines the softest level that words can be heard and repeated and it validates pure-tone thresholds. It measures appropriate gain during hearing aid selection.
Suprathreshold word-recognition testing estimates the ability to understand and repeat conversational single-syllable words, it is also called word or speech discrimination testing. The words used are phonetically balanced, they are presented by a live person, a CD, or a tape. The patient repeats the words to the audiologist and each correct word is give a 2 percent score. When 80 percent or better is achieved the test is stopped, if lower than this it is continued. This test is also performed with patients wearing their hearing aids to check improvement.
Testing young children requires other methods of testing than with adults. They often have limited skills with language, especially with severe hearing losses. Picture cards are used that represent spondaic words. Children are asked before the testing if they understand what the cards represent for accurate results. A list of words selected especially for children is used for kindergarten through first grade.
A popular test for children is one where they identify cards by pointing to them. Word intelligibility testing consists of 25 pages of colored pictures that represent something named by a monosyllabic word. This test is used for children with hearing impairment and can be used for children ages 4 and older. The Northwestern University speech testing was developed for children 3 and older. Pediatric speech intelligibility testing uses both sentences and monosyllabic words where children point to the appropriate picture, this test is for children ages 3 and older.
Other testing used for children include the pediatric speech intelligibility test, the phonetically balanced kindergarten test, and the Bamford-Kowal-Bench speech in noise test. It is best to find out early that a child has a hearing loss so they can have it corrected with hearing aids and speech therapy which will enable them to do well socially and in school. Audiometers are great machines to help determine what kind of assistance is best with the help of a talented audiologist.
The testing room that is used with an audiometer is split into two, one is a sound-proof room for the patient and the other is where the audiologist sits. In the evaluation room are speakers, earphones, CD's, tape recorders, and the audiometer. Using earphones, various tests are sent through one or both of them to measure levels of speech that can be understood. Some testing is done using a bone-conductor vibrator.
Some techniques used are testing speech awareness thresholds to get the lowest level at which speech can be heard at least 50 percent of the time. Spondaic words are used as they have equal emphasis on each syllable, are easily understood, and contain information in each syllable that allow reasonable accurate guesses. It is a great test for younger patients, those who speak another language, or those who have neurological damage.
Speech recognition threshold measures the lowest level at which speech can be recognized at least half of the time. Spondaic words are used for this test as well. It determines the softest level that words can be heard and repeated and it validates pure-tone thresholds. It measures appropriate gain during hearing aid selection.
Suprathreshold word-recognition testing estimates the ability to understand and repeat conversational single-syllable words, it is also called word or speech discrimination testing. The words used are phonetically balanced, they are presented by a live person, a CD, or a tape. The patient repeats the words to the audiologist and each correct word is give a 2 percent score. When 80 percent or better is achieved the test is stopped, if lower than this it is continued. This test is also performed with patients wearing their hearing aids to check improvement.
Testing young children requires other methods of testing than with adults. They often have limited skills with language, especially with severe hearing losses. Picture cards are used that represent spondaic words. Children are asked before the testing if they understand what the cards represent for accurate results. A list of words selected especially for children is used for kindergarten through first grade.
A popular test for children is one where they identify cards by pointing to them. Word intelligibility testing consists of 25 pages of colored pictures that represent something named by a monosyllabic word. This test is used for children with hearing impairment and can be used for children ages 4 and older. The Northwestern University speech testing was developed for children 3 and older. Pediatric speech intelligibility testing uses both sentences and monosyllabic words where children point to the appropriate picture, this test is for children ages 3 and older.
Other testing used for children include the pediatric speech intelligibility test, the phonetically balanced kindergarten test, and the Bamford-Kowal-Bench speech in noise test. It is best to find out early that a child has a hearing loss so they can have it corrected with hearing aids and speech therapy which will enable them to do well socially and in school. Audiometers are great machines to help determine what kind of assistance is best with the help of a talented audiologist.
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