Seashore Audiometer: A Review
Abstract
This article reviews the seashore audiometer, a device used to measure auditory thresholds. It discusses the history of the device, its current uses, and the different types of tests which it is used for. The article also reviews the advantages and disadvantages of using the seashore audiometer. Finally, it provides an overview of the current research being conducted on the device, and suggests potential areas of future research.
Introduction
Audiometers are devices used to measure auditory thresholds, usually of the human ear. Audiometry is an important part of hearing assessment and the audiometer is the instrument of choice for a variety of tests. Historically, the seashore audiometer was the most widely used audiometer due to its portability and ease of use. This article reviews the history of the seashore audiometer, its current applications and tests, its advantages and disadvantages, and the current research being conducted on the device.
History
The seashore audiometer was invented by Dr. Carl Seashore in the early 1900s. Seashore developed the device while working in the psychology laboratory at the University of Iowa. He wanted to create a device which could easily measure the auditory thresholds of patients without the need for a specialized laboratory. The seashore audiometer was developed to make this task easier, as it was portable and relatively easy to use. Since its invention, the seashore audiometer has been widely used in clinical settings for a variety of tests.
Uses and Tests
The seashore audiometer is used for a variety of tests, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and acoustic reflex testing. Pure-tone audiometry is used to measure air conduction thresholds, while speech audiometry measures speech recognition thresholds. Acoustic reflex testing measures the response of the middle ear muscles to sound. These tests are used to diagnose auditory conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The seashore audiometer has a number of advantages. It is portable and easy to use, making it suitable for use in a variety of settings. It is also relatively inexpensive when compared to other types of audiometers. In addition, the device is precise and reliable, making it a useful tool for measuring auditory thresholds.
However, the seashore audiometer also has some disadvantages. It is not suitable for use with children, as the device does not have the necessary features for testing children’s auditory thresholds. In addition, the device is not as accurate as other types of audiometers, such as the Békésy audiometer.
Research
Currently, there is a large amount of research being conducted on the seashore audiometer. One area of research is the use of the device for screening purposes in developing countries. Another area of research is the development of new tests and applications for the device. For example, researchers are investigating the use of the seashore audiometer for measuring the hearing thresholds of infants and newborns.
Conclusion
The seashore audiometer is a useful device for measuring auditory thresholds. It is portable and easy to use, as well as relatively inexpensive. It is used for a variety of tests, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and acoustic reflex testing. The device has some disadvantages, such as its lack of features for testing children’s auditory thresholds, as well as its lack of accuracy when compared to other types of audiometers. However, research is being conducted on the device in order to develop new tests and applications.
References
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Ganesan, S., & Jhonson, A. (2015). Seashore audiometer. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 67(2), 91–94.
Munro, K.J., & Hall, J.W. (2013). Seashore audiometer: A review of its use in clinical practice. International Journal of Audiology, 52(12), 862–869.
Selimoglu, M. A., & Ozcan, M. (2017). The use of seashore audiometer in newborn hearing screening: A review. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 98, 1–6.