otometrics AccuScreen ABR, User Manual, Page: 33 / 110

Otometrics
33
Preparing for testing
Preparing the test environment
4.3 Preparing the test environment
Physical environment
• Make sure that the test environment is as quiet as possible. The quieter the room
is, the more accurate and quick your testing will be.
• Check that testing is not being done under an air conditioner or in front of a fan
or ventilator.
• Check that there are no mobile phones in the vicinity, people talking etc.
Hygienic precautions
• Be sure to follow any established infection control procedures for the setting in
which you are working.
• Always use new eartips.
• Swab the probe tip with a disinfectant between babies, or replace it with a spare
one.
4.4 Preparing the patient
Newborn hearing screening
Newborn hearing screening with OAE and ABR is best performed when the baby is
sleeping. The ideal time is after the baby has been fed and changed.
It is recommended that newborn babies be swaddled tightly for ABR testing. Swaddl-
ing has a very calming effect.
4.4.1 Prepare the patient for TEOAE and DPOAE testing
General preparations of the patient
1. Position the patient so that you can easily access the ear to be tested.
2. Grasp the pinna and gently pull back and slightly away from the patient's head.
3. Look into the ear canal.
If you can see apparent narrowing of the ear canal, it probably is not straight.
Because newborn ear canals are very soft, they are easily pressed out of shape. If
this is the case, wait until the ear canal returns to its original shape.
Release the pinna and try again. Gently massaging the area may help opening the
ear canal.
4. Inspect the ear canal to make sure it is clear of vernix or debris as this may affect
the result of the test. Clean the ear canal if required.