Why sound booths are essential for hearing tests

At IAC Acoustics Australia, we make a number of audiometric or sound booths for a whole range of different industries including healthcare facilities, manufacturing companies, and construction firms.

What are sound booths used for?

In the healthcare industry, sound booths are used by audiology clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities to conduct hearing tests and assess the hearing abilities of their patients. These tests are essential for diagnosing and treating hearing loss, and for monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment that has been prescribed.

Manufacturing companies and construction firms may also use audiometric booths to conduct tests on their employees. They’re required to do so by law, as prolonged exposure to loud noises caused by machinery can lead to hearing loss. By conducting regular hearing tests, these companies can ensure that their employees are not at risk of developing hearing problems due to their work environment.

What’s in an audiometric booth? 

Audiometric booths are designed to be completely soundproof, with walls that are heavily insulated to block out any external noise.

The audiometric booth is usually equipped with a microphone and speaker system. The person undergoing a hearing typically sits in the booth with a pair of headphones on and will be asked to listen to a series of sounds that are played through the speaker system. These sounds will vary in pitch, volume, and duration, and the individual will be asked to indicate when they can hear each sound.

The results of the hearing test are recorded and analysed to determine an individual’s hearing abilities. Based on the results, a hearing specialist may recommend further testing or treatment. For example, if the results indicate that the individual has hearing loss, they may be prescribed hearing aids or other devices.

What types of hearing tests are there?

There are several different types of hearing tests that can be conducted in an audiometric booth, including pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition, and bone conduction testing. 

– Pure-tone audiometry is the most common type of hearing test. It involves the use of headphones to play a series of tones at different pitches and volumes to an individual, who’ll be asked to indicate when they can hear each tone. The results are then plotted on a graph called an audiogram.

– During a speech recognition test, words or phrases are spoken through the speaker, and the individual will be asked to repeat the words or phrases back. This type of test is used to assess an individual’s ability to understand spoken language.

– In a bone conduction test, a vibrating device is placed on the individual’s head, testing their ability to hear through the bones in their skull. This assessment is often used in cases where the individual has a problem with their outer or middle ear, and is unable to hear through the normal auditory pathways.

IAC Acoustics’ audiometric booths provide a controlled, quiet environment that is necessary for the reliable administration of hearing tests. They play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. Contact us to find out more.