[The audioanalysator. A bridge between audiometry and psychoacoustics]

An analyser with a system of continous sweeping frequencies and a spectrum of strongly different control signals is described here. Including the active participation of the patient and his impaired hearing a much more accurate finding of symptoms is possible than with the standard methods of audiometry. The major factors mentioned include the continuous fine testing of the sounds heard in an unlimitated choice of frequencies ranging between 20 Hz. and 20 000 Hz. with an automated search unit as well as a test for the highest tones. After brief instruction the tests are determined by the patient himself according to choice monaurally and/or binaurally depending on comparisons and corrections right/left. This leads to highly differentiated statements on the sounds heard and to comparable qualities of tone which until today have been unknown in this wide extent of variety to audiometry and audiology and which presents totally new aspects. One of the main purposes of the audioanalyser is to detect the role played by the transients in discrimination. Obviously also the highest tones influence the character of the transients. They are apt to be easily lost e.g. by infections any kind. A vigilant patient will become aware of this loss.