In order to assess hearing loss, audiometers are used to determine the type and degree of the loss. This machine also shows the tolerance or discomfort to speech stimuli and offers information in the abilities of word recognition. The information from testing can help to determine correct hearing aids or other devices needed for patients with significant losses.
Testing is done in a 2-room area, one is set up with the equipment and is sound-proof and the other is for the audiologist who is performing the testing. The equipment room has earphones, the audiometer, speakers, tape recorders, and CD's. The patient wears the earphones to participate in the testing, instruction is sent through one or both of them. A bone-conductor vibrator is also sometimes used. Loudspeakers are also used to present material into the sound field.
There are various tests used to find out what a person's speech thresholds are, the lowest level that speech can be heard at is tested at a 50 percent awareness level. Words that have equal emphasis on the syllables, or spondaic words, are used because they contain information in each syllable that allows the patient to make a reasonably accurate guess and they are easy to understand. This type of testing is excellent for children, people with neurological problems, and those who speak a different language.
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.
The suprathreshold word recognition testing shows the ability to repeat and understand conversation using one syllable words, it is also known as speech or word discrimination testing. The words used are phonetically balanced and either a tape, CD, or a live person presents the test. The words are repeated by the patient to the audiologist with each correct answer receiving 2 points. When an 80 percent score is achieved the test is over, otherwise it will continue. Patients wearing their hearing aids also take this test to check improvement in their hearing.
Testing young children is a bit more difficult and different methods need to be used to get the data required to correct their hearing losses. With limited language skills, picture cards of spondaic words are used. Children will be asked if they understand the pictures prior to testing. These are used for children in kindergarten and first grades.
One test that is often used is the word intelligibility test, it is comprised of 25 pages filled with colored pictures representing something named by single syllable words. This test is wonderful for children who are hearing impaired ages 4 and up. The pediatric speech intelligibility test uses a combination of single syllable words and sentences and is a good fit for those 3 and up. Another good test is the Northwestern University speech test that is good for ages 3 and over.
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.
Testing is done in a 2-room area, one is set up with the equipment and is sound-proof and the other is for the audiologist who is performing the testing. The equipment room has earphones, the audiometer, speakers, tape recorders, and CD's. The patient wears the earphones to participate in the testing, instruction is sent through one or both of them. A bone-conductor vibrator is also sometimes used. Loudspeakers are also used to present material into the sound field.
There are various tests used to find out what a person's speech thresholds are, the lowest level that speech can be heard at is tested at a 50 percent awareness level. Words that have equal emphasis on the syllables, or spondaic words, are used because they contain information in each syllable that allows the patient to make a reasonably accurate guess and they are easy to understand. This type of testing is excellent for children, people with neurological problems, and those who speak a different language.
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.
The suprathreshold word recognition testing shows the ability to repeat and understand conversation using one syllable words, it is also known as speech or word discrimination testing. The words used are phonetically balanced and either a tape, CD, or a live person presents the test. The words are repeated by the patient to the audiologist with each correct answer receiving 2 points. When an 80 percent score is achieved the test is over, otherwise it will continue. Patients wearing their hearing aids also take this test to check improvement in their hearing.
Testing young children is a bit more difficult and different methods need to be used to get the data required to correct their hearing losses. With limited language skills, picture cards of spondaic words are used. Children will be asked if they understand the pictures prior to testing. These are used for children in kindergarten and first grades.
One test that is often used is the word intelligibility test, it is comprised of 25 pages filled with colored pictures representing something named by single syllable words. This test is wonderful for children who are hearing impaired ages 4 and up. The pediatric speech intelligibility test uses a combination of single syllable words and sentences and is a good fit for those 3 and up. Another good test is the Northwestern University speech test that is good for ages 3 and over.
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.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.henanmedical.com for more helpful information about The Value Of Using Audiometers
No comments :
Post a Comment