The establishment of a metrological standard for an audiometric system with parameters for the respective functions of calibration and reliability

• Grant number: 00/13113-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2001
• End date: June 30, 2004
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Oswaldo Rossi Júnior
• Grantee: Oswaldo Rossi Júnior
• Company: Inter-Metro Serviços Especiais Ltda

Abstract

The carrying out of an audiometric evaluation is extremely important in the process of diagnosing individuals suspected of having a hearing problem. Electronic equipment called audiometers is used for this purpose. However, two factors conspire negatively to influence and drastically undermine tests carried out in this country. The first is the lack of a national standard for the metrological reliability of the equipment, along with the occurrence of a very large number of diverse equipment and distinct methodologies. Secondly, the lack of standardized parameters and metrological standards for these pieces of equipment. The central objective of the present project is to develop research and define stable standards for the operating of audiometric stations in their diverse configurations, as well as standards for the metrological reliability of these stations. It is about developing a brand new and reliable system of measurement for analysis from audiometers with characteristics such as operational agility and portability that may be removed from the metrological laboratory to clinics and locations where audiometric tests are being carried out. In this way, the system will be able to carry out readings and measurements in a simple manner and in real conditions. The readings effected will be stored in electronic memories (loggers) and sent to the laboratory for analysis and the definition of the metrological characteristics of the instrument previously measured. The implementation of this project should significantly reduce the time and total cost of the calibration of audiometers, permitting the metrological laboratory to function far from its base, while nevertheless maintaining a high degree of reliability in its measurements. (AU)