Which type of audiometer is most suitable for testing individuals who are difficult to assess?

The manual audiometer is particularly suitable for testing individuals who may be difficult to assess due to its hands-on functionality. This type of audiometer allows the audiologist or technician to have direct control over the testing process. It offers flexibility in assessing various parameters such as frequency and intensity, and can be adjusted based on the specific responses or behaviors exhibited by the test subject.

Additionally, testing individuals who are challenging to assess often requires closer observation and interaction. Manual audiometers facilitate this because they are operated based on live input from the clinician, enabling them to adapt the testing in real-time according to the individual's needs. This adaptability is less pronounced in automatic or computer-based audiometers, which may follow a fixed protocol that doesn’t allow for immediate changes based on the subject's responses.

By maintaining direct interaction and observation, a manual audiometer helps ensure that the assessment is as accurate and comprehensive as possible, making it ideal for testing populations that may have special needs or require additional care during the testing process.