What type of inspection analyzes the appearance and sound of operating equipment?

The selected choice focuses on the auditory inspection, which specifically examines the sounds produced by operating equipment. This type of inspection is valuable because it allows maintenance personnel to detect abnormalities in equipment that may not be visible to the eye. Unusual sounds often indicate mechanical issues, such as wear or malfunction, that could impact the equipment's performance and safety. By attentively listening to these auditory cues, technicians can identify problems early, facilitating timely maintenance or repairs.

While visual inspections focus on the observable aspects of equipment, such as condition and cleanliness, and manual inspections involve hands-on techniques to assess the functionality or performance, auditory inspections emphasize the crucial role of sound in identifying mechanical health. Comprehensive inspections may encompass a variety of methods, including visual and auditory, but they adopt a broader approach rather than pinpointing sound specifically. Thus, auditory inspection is uniquely suited to analyze equipment through its operating sounds.