11.5
Acoustic reflex testing
Note
•
It is recommended that you perform a tympanometric test before making any acoustic reflex meas-
urement, and determine the acoustic reflex threshold before making a reflex decay measurement.
Note
•
This test is available only if MADSEN OTOflex 100 supports diagnostic testing.
•
Automatic and semi-automatic testing
The easiest way to measure acoustic reflexes is by using the automatic or semi-automatic test features. Manual testing and
editing is also possible for specific stimulus intensities.
When you test reflexes using these automatic or semi-automatic features, the reflexes are automatically determined using
different stimulus levels. These levels are predefined, but can be adjusted. It may be necessary to customize the settings
relating to automatic testing.
When you use automatic or semi-automatic testing or when you use test sequences, always make sure that the automatic
settings are set according to your needs.
These settings are found in the
Automatic
section in the
Tools
>
Options
>
Reflex Threshold
/
Reflex Decay
>
Stimulus
types
dialogs.
High intensity levels
Note
•
To avoid automatic testing being interrupted because of high stimulus intensity levels when reaching the
warning limits, it is recommended that you set the max. intensity to 95 dB HL.
When testing the stimulus types between 500 and 2000 Hz, reflexes not found at this intensity are considered abnormally
elevated (using a 2-standard deviation criterion from the average threshold level in adults).
Whenever a stimulus level exceeds the warning level (> 108 dB SPL re 2 cc corresponding to >=115 dB SPL in 0.5 cc), the
stimulus intensity value will start flashing and automatic testing is paused. You are then prompted to decide whether to
continue or to move on to the next stimulus type.
Warning
•
The sound pressure level in the ear canal increases when you test patients with small ear canals.
Always comply with local practice and recommendations for presenting loud stimuli.
Otometrics - MADSEN OTOflex 100
101
11 Testing with the OTOsuite Immittance module
