Audiometer

/ˌɔːdiˈɑːmɪtər/ noun

Definition

A device that measures hearing ability by producing sounds at different volumes and frequencies to test how well someone can hear.

Etymology

From Latin 'audire' (to hear) + Greek 'metron' (measure). The word combines the ability to hear with the ability to measure, creating an instrument for quantifying hearing loss or sensitivity.

Kelly Says

Audiometers revolutionized audiology in the early 1900s—before them, doctors had to guess at hearing loss using whispered words and ticking watches. Modern audiometers can detect hearing differences smaller than a decibel, which is why they're crucial for fitting hearing aids and identifying deafness in newborns.

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