3
Preparing for testing
It is important to prepare properly before making measurements with Madsen A450 and the Otosuite software. It is time-
saving for both you and the client if the environment, the client, the test device, and the software are ready for the test.
3.1
Preparing the test environment
Before you start testing, make sure that the test environment is conducive to testing.
•
The test environment should be quiet, preferably in a sound proof booth, for accurate threshold results.
•
The test room or sound booth should have a minimum of furniture and hard surfaced articles (i.e. filing cabinets, tables
etc), as these can cause reverberation during sound field testing. Live voice examinations are best carried out when
using a sound booth, so that the client/patient cannot hear the tester's voice directly. With tester and client/patient
in the same room, especially of clients with normal or almost normal hearing, false results could be obtained.
Furniture
The test environment should include
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a comfortable chair for the client,
•
a child-sized chair if testing pediatrics,
•
a comfortable chair for the assistant.
The examiner should be able to see the client/patient. The client/patient should be seated so that it is not possible to see
what the examiner is doing or how the equipment is being operated. This reduces the likelihood that the client/patient
can anticipate when the stimulus will be presented.
For pediatric testing consider using a highchair, which is a familiar environment for most children and will place them
closer to eye level with the visual reinforcement toys if used. Make sure if performing visual reinforcement audiometry
that the reinforcing toys can be seen by the child. A child cannot look over and up at a toy until approximately 9 months of
age.
Lighting
The lighting in the booth or clinic should be bright enough for the examiner to adequately see the client.
Toys
If testing pediatrics, several interesting toys are needed to center the child (obtain the child's attention toward the assist-
ant or tester) prior to stimulus presentation. It is best if these toys do not produce sounds.
The child should be conditioned to respond to the sound of the stimulus only. Competing sounds from toys can confuse
the child and reduce the reliability of the test.
Soft toys are needed to keep a young child's attention during behavioral observation or visual reinforcement audiometry.
Younger children like to tap the toy on the highchair tray and therefore a toy that does not create much sound would be
more appropriate during testing.
Blocks, buckets, puzzles are needed to keep a child's attention during play audiometry.
3.2
Preparing the test equipment
Accessories
Make sure that you have connected the required accessories to the audiometer:
Madsen A450
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3 Preparing for testing
