CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
12
Introduction
1.3
General use precautions
The Otoport pass criteria are set in the
Configuration
area (see chapter
8
Configuration
). It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the pass
criteria set meet their requirements.
Measuring OAEs and ABRs requires that the ear is exposed to sound.
Whilst the level of this exposure is harmless under normal test conditions,
it is not recommended that tests be allowed to continue indefinitely even if
there is no result.
The Otoport includes ‘stop criteria’ which will automatically terminate the
test when an OAE or ABR pass has been achieved or after five minutes.
Whilst this limits the sound exposure in a single test, the user is responsible
for limiting the number of separate tests performed on the same ear.
The Otoport has built in signal analysis proven to distinguish true OAEs
and ABRs from artefactal signals. Checks should be performed weekly
and before each test session to confirm the system continues to operate
effectively (see chapter
14
Quality checks
).
In exceptional circumstances, either an equipment fault or failure to comply
fully with the instructions in this manual may result in unreliable test results.
Results with total OAE responses greater than 40 dB SPL should be
considered highly suspect and should not be relied on.
The probe’s coupler tubes which carry sound to and from the ear canal
are protected from contamination by the disposable tip. The probe should
never be inserted into the ear without a disposable tip attached. Doing so
risks damage to the ear by the probe body and contamination of the probe
by the ear.
If contamination occurs the coupler tubes must be replaced (see
16.2
Changing probe coupler tubes
).
TRAINING
REQUIRED