Sonometers measure vibrations and are used in medical settings to test hearing and bone density. Audiometers test hearing sensitivity, while clinical bone sonometers measure bone density to determine osteoporosis risk. Results are available immediately and can indicate a low, medium, or high risk of osteoporosis. Women over 65 and those with a family history of osteoporosis are at higher risk. Early detection can prevent serious consequences.
A sonometer is a diagnostic tool used to measure the voltage, frequency or density of vibrations. They are used in medical settings to test both hearing and bone density. A sonometer, or audiometer, is used to determine hearing sensitivity, while a clinical bone sonometer measures bone density to help determine conditions such as osteoporosis risk.
In audiology, the device is used to test for hearing loss and other ear disorders. The audiometer measures the ability to hear sounds at frequencies normally detectable by the human ear. Several tests are usually performed using the audiometer which will then be used to assess hearing ability. The results are typically recorded on a graph known as an audiogram.
A clinical bone sonometer, approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, is a device that tests for the risk of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. This test, called ultrasound bone densitometry screening, is not typically used for diagnostic purposes; it is generally used as a risk assessment tool. Testing is often recommended for those whose personal history and lifestyle choices indicate a possibly high risk of osteoporosis.
The test is usually conducted by an orthopedist, rheumatologist, or neurologist who specializes in the treatment of osteoporosis. The patient simply places their heel into the sonometer and is then scanned using ultrasound to determine bone density. This is a quick and inexpensive procedure that usually takes 30 seconds or less.
Results are typically available immediately after the procedure. Two scoring outcomes are possible: a T-score, which compares a patient’s scan to that of a young person of the same gender; and a Z-score, which compares the scan to someone of a similar age, weight, and gender. The results of the T-scores are used to evaluate the risk of osteoporosis. A score greater than -1 indicates a low risk of osteoporosis; below -1 to -2.5 indicates a risk of developing osteoporosis; and a score below 2.5 indicates that more intensive testing should be done and that osteoporosis is likely present. The Z-score reports how much bone the patient has compared to others her age. If this number is high or low, further tests can be ordered.
Women in general, especially those over the age of 65, are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Other high-risk groups include the elderly, those with a family history of osteoporosis or a personal history of bone fractures, and those of Caucasian, Asian and Latino ancestry. It is vital that such groups are aware of changes in bone density. Osteoporosis is a common problem that can be diagnosed quickly and easily through the use of a clinical bone sonometer. By discovering osteoporosis in its early stages and taking steps to prevent its progression, serious consequences associated with this debilitating condition can be avoided in later years.
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