Amol U.

Khobragade
Final year ME (Digital Electronics) Sipnas College of engineering & technology Amravati (MS) India Email id: aukhobragade@gmail.com

V. T. Gaikwad
A.P. Department of Computer Science & I. T. Sipnas College of engineering & technology Amravati (MS) India Email id: vtgaikwad@rediffmail.com presented to the person who responds to these stimuli . The minimum intensity level of these stimuli to which consistent responses are obtained is taken as the threshold of hearing . Dep ending on this threshold, the patient s hearing sensitivity can be estimated by obtaining an audiogram. An audiogram is a plot of threshold intensity versus frequency. Then the best-suited medical treatment or hearing aid or other assi stive devices can be prescribed. There are different audiometric procedures depending on the stimuli used . An audiometer is an instrument, which is used for carrying out these audiometric tests. II. AUDITORY SYSTEM A disorder in any of them will cause deafness. The ear has three sections viz. - the external auditory meatus, the middle ear and the inner ear, as shown in Fig.1. The external ear is the area from the pinna (technically called auricle) to the ear drum. The middle ear is from t he ear drum to the cochlea, it consists of the three small bones called ossicles which are placed in a closed space (called ympanum) filled with air.

Abstract Audiometry is the technique to identify and quantitatively determine the degree of hearing loss of a person by measuring his hearing sensitivity, so that suitable medical treatment or one of the appropriate hearing aids and assistive devices can be prescribed. In audiological investigations, the hearing sensitivity is tested for pure tones, speech or other sound stimuli. The result, when plotted graphically, is called an audiogram. The electronic instrument used for measuring the hearing threshold level is called an audiometer. Using it, the test tones of different frequencies and levels are generated and presented to the patient and hearing thresholds are determined on the basis of patient s response. The auditory system and its disorders are described . Different audiometric tests, techniques and various audiometers are discussed. Ultimately, the most important product of a hearing conservation program is the prevention of hearing loss, not the amount of hearing protection that has been purchased or whether patient's are attending their annual training sessions. With audiometric data, we can assess overall program effectiven ess, alert workers of impending hearing loss, and reveal potential employer liabilities for compensable hearing loss. Without the ability to efficiently analyze audiometric data or produce effective reports, our programs become fruitless and unproductive. These technologies, consisting of audiometers, associated peripheral hardware, and database/reporting software, deserve our consideration. Audiometer consists of tests of function of the hearing mechanism.

Audiometer, Auditory system, Audiogram, Audiometric Analyzer

I. INTRODUCTION There could be various disorders in the various parts of the ear. Audiological investigations help us to diagnose the nature of deafness and localize the site of disorder. The method by which patients hearing sensitivity can be determined is termed as audiometry. It helps in assessing the nature, degree, and probable cause of the hearing impairment. In this technique, auditory stimuli with varying intensity levels are

Fig. 1. The organ of hearing, consisting of the outer ear (auricle and pinna), the middle ear (ossicles) and the inner ear (cochlea).

The inner ear is the portion of the ear deeper to this and it houses the transducer (called cochlea) and also the organ of balance (called vesti bular labyrinth).

When sound reaches the inner ear through the eardrum, this phenomenon is called air conduction. This is the usual path of sounds to reach the eardrum. Sound, particularly in the low frequency range, may reach the inner ear via the bones in the head rather than from the eardrum, this phenomenon being called bone conduction. The normal process via the ear canal is called air conduction. Wearing earplugs results in a greater percentage of the sound heard coming from bone conduction. Normally only a small fraction of sound is received in this way; however, deaf people whose inner ear still functions normally may be able to hear sound conducted to the ear in this way, f or instance by holding between the teeth a wooden rod connected to a vibrating object. III. AUDIOMETER The measurement of hearing consists of two parameters: the frequency or pitch of the sound and the intensity or loudness of a sound. The device used to measure responses to sound is called an audiometer. Responses to the tones presented through the audiome ter are recorded on a graph called an audiogram. An audiometer may be portable or stationary. Th e most reliable evaluations are conducted with the client in one sound-proof room and the audiologist in another sound treated room using a stationary audiomete r that has been calibrated yearly by a professional. Calibration assures validity of the evaluation. The audiologist presents tones through the audiometer either at ear-level or through speakers. When a tone is presented at ear level, it comes through earp hones (a headset with TDK earmuffs or earphones that insert into each ear canal) or a bone conduction oscillator. When tones are presented sound field, speakers are placed approximately 3 feet from each ear to assure equal balance of the presentations. AUDIOGRAM The Audiogram An audiogram is a standard way of representing a person's hearing loss. Most audiograms cover the limited range 125Hz to 8000Hz (8 kHz) which is most important for clear understanding of speech, and they plot the threshold of hearing relative to a standardized curve that represents 'normal' hearing, in dBHL. An audiogram is a graph that charts the way a person responds to specific sounds called puretones. It is designed to record the responses for the mechanical part of hearing. The audiologist measures a clients hearing threshold at each frequency. Auditory threshold is the intensity at which a puretone is barely detected 50% of the time, often two out of three presentations. All audiograms have an audiogram key

or legend at the bottom to remind the reader of the meaning of the symbols. Earphones are used to evaluate hearing of the outer, middle, and inner ear. A resp onse at any frequency is called the air conduction response (AC). The type of earphone (TDK or insert) should be noted as part of the audiogram. A bone conduction oscillator stimulates the inner ear directly and is placed by the audiologist on the mastoi d bone. The use of the bone oscillator bypasses the outer ear and middle ear and stimulates the cochlea (inner ear) directly. A response at any frequency is called the bone

Fig.2 Audiogram

conduction response (BC).When an individual cannot wear earphones, hearing levels are evaluated by presenting tones or noise through speakers in a soundproof room. This is called the Soundfield Response. When there is suspicion or confirmation that one cochlea hears better than the other cochlea at a given frequency, masking (narrow band or speech noise) is presented to the better ear to keep it occupied. Masking is generally presented through one earphone and a puretone or speech is resented through the opposite earphone or a bone oscillator.

The responses charted on the audiogram defi ne levels of hearing for each ear. For adults, normal hearing and degree of hearing loss fall into the following categories: To work out the level of hearing loss 1. 2. Add the Hearing Level (dB) for 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz in the better ear. Divide by 5.

This audiogram belongs to a man whose hearing loss was caused by gunfire while serving in World War II. After the war, he continued to be active in shooting sports. You can see that his hearing loss is most pronounced in the areas critical to understanding speech . UNDERSTANDING YOUR HEARING TEST The way to a hearing aid fitting often begins with a feeling that your hearing is not as it should be or that your hearing has worsened. This feeling may originate from situations where you have to ask for sentences to be repeated or when other people comp lain that the television is too loud while you regard it as comfortable. Making a serious mistake, family pressure, or safety concerns are also reasons people often cite for seeking a hearing solution. If you suspect a hearing loss contact a hearing care professional as soon as possible. A hearing care professional determines with the help of a hearing test whether or not a hearing loss is present. If no hearing loss

21 to 40dB Mild loss 41 to 70dB Moderate loss 71 to 95dB severe loss 95dB + profound loss III. AUDIOGRAM INTERPRETATION The audiogram indicates where along the auditory system hearing loss occurs. For most adults, hearing loss is confined to the inner ear and is called sensorineural hearing loss. The sensory part of the inner ear, tiny hair cells called cilia, is damaged. T he configurations of responses on the audiogram indicate where the damaged hair cells are in the cochlea. It is not common for damage to occur to the neural part of the inner ear, those tiny nerve bundles that interact with both inner and outer hair cells. Hearing loss that is the result of blockage, damage, or disease to the outer and/or middle ear, with the cochlea hearing normally, is called conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss means there is a difference of at least 10 dB between bone conduction responses and air conduction responses. Bone conduction responses must fall within the range of normal. The conductive mechanism consists of the outer ear, the ear canal, the eardrum, the Eustachian tube, and the tiny bones of the middle ear the ossicles. Hearing loss that includes diminished air conduction responses and both normal and diminished bone conduction responses is called mixed hearing loss. This means that a person has both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss: that there is an airbone gap of at least 10 dB, generally in the low to mid frequencies, but no air-bone gap at the mid to high frequencies. While valuable, an audiogram only tells the way a person responds to basic sounds or how loud a sound needs to be for an indi vidual to be aware of it. The audiogram has value when determining financial compensation for handicap; however, it only suggests the way a person might function in a quiet environment and gives little valuable information about how one functions in the real world. Most people with hearing loss have hearing threshold levels that cross a range of categories; consequently, further word and speech testing must be conducted in order to determine function and amplification needs.

Fig.3 Audiogram of man

is present, you won't need any further help. In the case where a hearing loss is present, th e kind and degree of your hearing loss is determined individually for each ear and entered in an audiogram. IV. PREVENTION IS THE KEY TO AVOIDING HEARING LOSS. Listening to loud music non -stop has never been easier with the advent of iPods and other MP3 device s. High fidelity music is enjoyable and can be beneficial. To preserve the full enjoyment of listening to music and conversation, preventing hearing loss from occurring from these electronic devices is essential. IPods and other MP3 devices make it extrem ely easy to listen continuously to hours of dangerous noise doses that can damage hearing permanently. Listening to an MP3

device full-blast five minutes a day can result in a permanent hearing loss for some persons. Many MP3 devices deliver sound in exces s of 120 decibels (a unit of measure for sound intensity) that can permanently damage hearing, cause annoying tinnitus (ringing in the ears), make ears sensitive to listening to loud sounds, and make listening to conversations seem muffled after exposure to these extremely loud blasts for only a few minutes. Loud noise and music can cause hearing loss by damaging the sensitive hair cells in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear that helps transmit sound information to the brain. The risk for permanent hearing loss is determined by two factors--high volume levels and duration of sound exposure. Thus, increasing continuous listening time to an MP3 device, even listening at seemingly reasonable levels increases the risk for permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss may occur gradually from exposure to loud sounds and is often not noticed until the loss is quite extensive. Prevention is the key to avoiding hearing loss. What can be done to prevent hearing loss with iPods and other MP3 devices? 1. 2. Decrease the volume of your iPod to 60 decibels (db), about two-thirds of the maximum volume. Limit listening time to 60 minutes a day. Decreasing the duration of exposure to loud sounds helps prevent or decrease the extent of a permanent hearing loss. Take a break from listening continuously to your MP3 or iPod. Replace the inexpensive ear buds inserts with sound-isolating ear buds or noise-canceling headphones. Listeners tend to decrease the volume with sound-isolating ear buds or noise -canceling headphones. Take advantage of the free download Apple offers for most iPod models. The download contains a setting to limit the volume. Maintain a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetable have been shown to help protect the inner ear from damaging loud sounds. Visit an audiologist for a hearing ev aluation if you have "ringing or buzzing in the ears" (tinnitus), hearing seems muffled, hearing is becoming super sensitive to loud sounds, or difficulty

understanding conversations occurs after listening to your iPod or MP3 device.

V. CONCLUSION Audiometry has established itself as a valuable method for quantitatively determining the degree of hearing loss of a person. In comparison to other methods Pure t one audiometry has been popular because of its simplicity and ease with which the type of disorder can be identified from the shape of the audiogram directly by this software which is very popular and helpful for subject. The use of improved Audiometers incorporating various facilities should make possible a higher level of research into the use of PC Audiometers in the study of hearing disorders and analysis.

VI. REFERENCES [1]Jacob V, and others. Can Rinne's test quantify hearing loss? ENT journal, 1993, 152 -153 [2] Hone SW, Norman G, Keogh I, Kelly VThe use of cortical evoked response audiometry in the assessment of noise-induced hearing loss. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003 Feb; 128(2):257-62. [3] Zemlin, W.R., Speech and Hearing Science : Anatomy and Physiology, 4th Ed., Prentice -Hall, 2000. [4] Katz, J. (ed.), Handbook of Clinical Audiology, 5th Ed., Maryland: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001. [5] Berlin, C. I. (ed.), Neurotr ansmission and Hearing Loss: Basic Science, Diagnosis, and Management, San Diego: Singular Publishing Group, Inc., 1997. [6] STTP on Emerging Trends on Digital Signal Processing by Dr. D. S. Choudhary 31st march 2009. [7] Principles and acoustical founda tions of the computerbased hearing screening Method H. Skarzynski, A. Czyewski, B. Kostek Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing Warsaw, Poland [8] Czyzewski A., Kostek B., Mazur J., Skarzynski H., Method of testing hearing by means of persona l computers, International Patent Application No.PCT/PL00/00019, 1999. [9]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiometer . [10] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ audiometry . [11]http://forums.studentdoctor.net/ forumdisplay.php [12]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/ topic/209593-hearingaidsaudiologists. [13] R. M. Schafer, http://www.sfu.ca/sonic -studio/, site of School of Communication, Simon Fraser University, accessed on 24 Sep 03.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7.