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Tools of an Audiologist

Audiologists analyze hearing and treat hearing-related diseases and disorders using a variety of tools and procedures. They prevent, identify and treat hearing problems in patients of all ages, including newborn babies and elderly people. Audiologists work in hospitals, medical clinics, elementary schools, private practices, and ear, nose and throat clinics.

  1. Audiometer

    • One tool used by audiologists is the audiometer, which measures a patient's ability to hear sounds. An audiologist places headphones on a patient, then sends sounds of different intensity and sound levels to one ear at a time at random. The patient then indicates which ear he hears the sound in by either raising a hand or pressing a button.

    Hearing Screening Equipment

    • Two devices that screen a patient's hearing levels are the Auditory Brainstem Response Screening (ABR) and Otoacoustic Emission Screening (OAE). Both tests send clicking sounds through headphones to measure a patient's hearing. The ABR test measures brain activity upon hearing the clicking through electrodes that are attached to a patient's head. The OAE analyzes hearing by measuring the time it takes for the click to echo through the ear canal.

    Otoscope

    • An otoscope examines the external auditory canal, which is the small channel that leads to the eardrum. An otoscope consists of a handle, light, magnifying glass and cone. An audiologist inserts the cone into a patient's ear and looks through the magnifying glass to closely inspect the inner portions of the ear. Such an inspection is called an otoscopy.

    Hearing Aid Analyzer

    • A hearing aid analyzer examines the performance and amplification levels of a patient's hearing aid so that the patient receives proper hearing assistance. It makes sure that the settings allow users to hear conversations, noises and sounds the same way that someone with normal hearing would hear them. The test results show up on a screen for an audiologist to analyze.

    Tympanometer

    • A tympanometer is an audiology tool used to measure a patient's eardrum and tympanic membrane health. This device consists of a handle, cone and a head with a screen. An audiologist places the cone in the ear and either adds or removes air in the ear canal. The tympanometer records the eardrum's response to changes in air pressure.

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