Audiometry
Audiometry is a key method for reliably examining hearing. METAS ensures that audiometers and hearing test rooms comply with legal requirements. In doing so, we are making an important contribution to the comparability and trustworthiness of audiometric examinations in Switzerland.
Audiometry in everyday life
Audiometry is used to check your hearing and identify hearing problems at an early stage. This applies, for example, to clinical audiology and preventive examinations in occupational and conventional medicine, as well as to the fitting of hearing aids.
In order for the results to be reliable, audiometers and audiometric booths used to measure hearing must comply with the legal requirements for audiometric measuring instruments, be approved and periodically verified. METAS is the competent Swiss approval and verification body for audiometers and hearing test rooms.
Typical applications of audiometry
Audiometry is used in various areas:
- Hearing examinations in children (paediatric audiology examinations)
- Clinical audiology
- Preventive check-up in occupational and conventional medicine
- Fitting hearing aids
Our services in the field of audiometry
Verifications
At METAS, we verify:
- audiometers
- hearing test rooms
Please carefully read the instructions on verifying audiometers and hearing test rooms before the inspection by the service centre.
Information on the verification of audiometers
During the verification process, we will check all available verification-relevant signals in accordance with the Audiometry Ordinance (SR 941.216). If you do not wish to use certain signals, inform the technician at your service centre during the inspection of your audiometer.
The following measures are possible:
- Signals that are not required are permanently disabled in the software.
- Signals that cannot be disabled are adjusted to the minimum level and thus obviously rendered unusable.
METAS technicians are not authorised to carry out any adjustments or repairs.
Notes on the verification of hearing test rooms
Please note that room acoustics can also be significantly influenced by very small structural changes. Therefore, make sure that the room is fully set up before the adjustment of the audiometer is carried out by the technician at your service centre.
Avoid:
- Movable reflective surfaces (pivoting monitors, advertising plates, etc.)
- Subsequent attachment of pictures or certificates
- General changes to the furnishings (changing the seating, plants, carpet, curtains, etc.)
Pay attention to interference such as:
- Loudspeaker hum
- Computer fan noise
- Ventilation noises
Type examinations and approvals
We carry out type examinations and national approvals of audiometers on the basis of the Audiometry Ordinance (SR 941.216).
Is the service you are looking for not listed on the website? Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can work together to find a customised solution to your problem.
Measuring methods and technologies
- Sound level measurements in semi-anechoic chambers
- Sound level measurements with defined acoustic couplers and simulators according to IEC 60318-1, IEC 60318-3, IEC 60318-5
- Measurements with defined mechanical simulators for head and hearing according to IEC 60318-6
Quality and expertise
Our employees cover the technical spectrum from auditory acoustics and room acoustics to electrical engineering and software development. We have independent mobile measuring stations that can be traced back to the International System of Units (SI).
We support associations and professional societies in the development of their quality guidelines.
You can find more information on the quality of our services on the “Integrated Management System” page.
Enquiry and contact
Audiometry
Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
Lindenweg 50
3003 Bern-Wabern
T +41 58 387 01 11
audiometer@metas.ch
Application for the verification of audiometers and audiometric booths
Index
More information
Verification
Our verifications ensure that measuring instruments subject to verification carry out measurements in compliance with legal requirements. A verified measuring instrument can be recognised by its verification mark, which indicates the validity of the verification and, by extension, fosters trust in its measurement results.
National approval for measuring instruments in Switzerland
The national approval based on Article 16 of the Measuring Instruments Ordinance (SR 941.210; MIO) confirms compliance with binding requirements for measuring instruments and thus enables the legally compliant placing of your measuring instrument on the market. The application for national approval is usually submitted by the manufacturer or the Swiss distributor.