What instrument is used to perform audiometry?

The correct choice is an audiometer, which is specifically designed for performing audiometric testing. An audiometer generates pure tones at predetermined frequencies and sound levels, allowing hearing professionals to assess an individual's hearing sensitivity across a variety of pitches and loudness levels. The results from the audiometer are recorded on an audiogram, which is a crucial tool in diagnosing hearing loss and determining the appropriate course of treatment, such as hearing aids or other interventions.

In contrast, an otoscope is primarily used for examining the ear canal and eardrum, while a stethoscope is utilized for listening to internal body sounds, such as heartbeats and lung sounds, and is not suitable for audiometry. A decibel meter measures sound intensity but does not provide the specific frequency testing needed for audiometric evaluations. Thus, the audiometer stands out as the essential instrument for assessing hearing ability systematically.