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12-16-08
Instructing the subject
You should put the subject as much at ease as possible before the test begins. In
addition, you should try to make the subject understand how the test is to be
conducted and what the subject will hear. For the sake of uniformity, an unvarying
explanation is advisable - something similar to the following:
“I am going to place these earphones over your ears. You will hear a variety of
tones - some high, some low, some loud, some very soft. Whenever you hear, or think
you hear one of these sounds, raise you hand. Lower your hand when you no longer
hear the sound.
Remember that though some of the tones will be easy to hear, others will be very
faint. Therefore, you should listen very carefully and raise your hand whenever you
think you hear the tone.”
Modify the instructions accordingly if the optional response handswitch is to be
used.
Placing the earphones
The most important thing to remember is that a good seal is required between the
earphone cushion and the subject’s head and ear. To increase the likelihood of a
good seal:
a. Eliminate all obstruction between earphone and subject (hair, eyeglasses,
earrings, hearing aids, etc.).
b. Adjust the headband so that it rests solidly on the crown of the subject’s head
and exerts firm pressure on both ears.
c. Center earphones carefully over both ears, earphone with red connector on right
ear. Take care to eliminate any visible gaps between earphone cushions and
portions of the subject’s head and the ear on which the cushion rests.
Response handswitch
If the optional response handswitch is to be used insure that the plugs and jacks are
properly connected. The AM 232 Manual Audiometer front panel indicator will be
illuminated when the subject presses the response button.
