otometrics AURICAL Aud Reference Manual
AURICALAud
Reference Manual
Doc. No.7-50-1030-EN/15
Part No.7-50-10300-EN
Copyrightnotice
© 2011,2017GNOtometricsA/S. Allrights reserved. ® Otometrics, the OtometricsIcon,AURICAL, MADSEN, ICSand HORTMANN
are registered trademarks of GNOtometricsA/S in the U.S.A.and/or other countries.
Version release date
2017-03-13 (153515)
Technical support
Please contactyour supplier.
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Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
Table of Contents
1 Introduction to AURICAL Aud 7
1.1 AURICAL Aud 7
1.2 HI-PRO2 8
1.3 AURICAL speaker unit 8
1.4 The OTOsuite Audiometry Module 8
1.4.1 NOAH 9
1.5 Intended use 9
1.6 About this manual 10
1.6.1 Installation and assembly 10
1.6.2 Safety 10
1.6.3 Training 10
1.7 Typographical conventions 10
1.7.1 Navigation 11
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module 13
2.1 The Audiometry Module main window 13
2.2 Menus and toolbar icons 13
2.2.1 File menu 14
2.2.2 Edit menu 14
2.2.3 View menu 14
2.2.4 Measurement menu 15
2.2.5 Tools menu 16
2.3 The Patient Responder indicator 16
2.4 The Masking Assistant 17
2.5 The Control Panels 19
2.5.1 Quick Select - Tone 20
2.5.2 Quick Select - Speech 21
2.5.3 Test Options 22
2.5.4 Monitor and Level 24
2.6 The stimulus bar 25
2.6.1 Test controls 25
2.6.2 The Tone stimulus bar 26
2.6.3 The Speech stimulus bar 27
2.7 The Tone test screen 27
2.7.1 The work area in the Tone screen 28
2.7.2 The audiogram 28
2.7.3 Curves and symbols selection 30
2.7.3.1 Selecting a symbol or curve 30
2.7.3.2 Creating new symbols 31
2.7.4 Compare audiograms 32
2.7.5 Tone feature boxes 32
2.7.6 Tone editing options 34
2.8 Work-flow related features 35
2.8.1 Selecting orientation 35
2.8.2 Automatic frequency/level shift when storing 35
2.8.3 Stimulus duration 36
2.8.4 Ear shift frequency and level setting 36
2.8.5 Saving non-stimulus channel as masking 36
2.9 The Speech test screen 36
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2.9.1 Selecting word or phoneme scoring 37
2.9.2 Selecting speech material 41
2.9.3 Scoring words using integrated OTOsuite Speech Material 43
2.9.4 Scoring words using external sound source 45
2.9.5 Scoring phonemes using integrated OTOsuite speech material 46
2.9.6 Scoring phonemes using external sound source 47
2.9.7 Saving source levels for speech material 48
2.10 Speech testing - tabular view 49
2.10.1 Creating and editing the speech test table 50
2.10.2 Speech editing options - tabular view 51
2.10.3 Storing SNR for Speech testing 52
2.11 Speech testing - graph view 52
2.11.1 Speech editing options - graph view 54
2.12 Speech feature boxes 55
2.13 Terms and abbreviations used in Speech testing 55
2.14 Special tests 57
2.14.1 SISI (Short Increment Sensitivity Index) 57
2.14.1.1 Navigating in SISI 57
2.14.1.2 The test process - SISI 60
2.14.2 ABLB (Alternate Binaural Loudness Balance) 60
2.14.2.1 Navigating in ABLB 60
2.14.2.2 The test process 63
2.14.3 TEN (Threshold-Equalizing Noise) 63
2.14.4 Ambient Noise Assessor 64
2.14.4.1 Selecting the FreeFit device in OTOsuite 64
2.14.4.2 Measuring Ambient Noise with AURICALFreeFit 64
2.14.4.3 Noise level indicators stored with measurements 67
2.14.4.4 Activating the Ambient Noise Assessor automatically 68
2.14.4.5 Minimum HTL per transducer type 69
2.15 Test controls (keyboard, mouse) 69
2.15.1 PC keyboard controls 69
3 Preparing for testing 71
3.1 Preparing the test environment 71
3.2 Preparing the test equipment 71
3.3 Listening check 72
3.4 Preparing the client 72
3.4.1 Hygienic precautions 72
3.4.2 Inspecting the client’s ear(s) 72
3.5 Proper transducer placement 72
4 Examples of audiometric testing 75
4.1 Testing the older child or adult patient 75
4.1.1 Assessing pure tone threshold using the Hughson/Westlake procedure 75
4.1.2 Assessing pure tone or speech most comfortable loudness level (MCL) 76
4.1.3 Assessing pure tone or speech uncomfortable loudness level (UCL) 76
4.1.4 Assessing speech reception threshold (SRT) using the Hughson/Westlake procedure 77
4.1.5 Assessing word recognition score 77
4.2 Special Tests 78
4.2.1 Performing Tone Decay using the Modified Carhart Method 78
4.2.2 Performing a pure tone Stenger 79
4.2.3 Performing speech Stenger 79
4.2.4 Performing Weber 80
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4.2.5 Performing Rinne 80
4.2.6 Performing Alternate Binaural Loudness Balancing (ABLB) test 81
4.2.7 Performing Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI) test 81
4.3 Testing with sound files 82
4.3.1 Playing sound files without word lists 82
4.3.2 Playing sound files with word lists 82
4.4 Performing sound-field speech audiometry off site 83
4.4.1 Enabling portable sound-field audiometry 83
4.4.2 Performing a manual calibration of AURICAL Aud speakers 83
4.4.3 Using manual speaker calibration values 84
5 Unpacking and Installing 85
5.1 Requirements to the location 85
5.1.1 Requirements to noise in the test environment 85
5.2 Unpacking 86
5.3 Storing 86
5.4 Views of AURICAL Aud 86
5.4.1 AURICAL Aud 86
5.4.2 AURICAL Aud - with HI-PRO2 87
5.4.3 AURICAL speaker unit 88
5.5 Connection panels 88
5.5.1 AURICALAud connection panel 88
5.5.2 Built-in HI-PRO2 connection panel 92
5.5.3 AURICAL speaker unit connection panel 92
5.6 Assembling AURICAL Aud 93
5.7 Desktop or wall installation 94
5.7.1 Connecting accessories and PC to AURICAL Aud 95
5.7.2 Mounting AURICAL Aud on the mounting plate 95
5.8 AURICAL speaker unit installation 95
5.8.1 Connecting cables to the AURICAL speaker unit 96
5.8.2 Connecting accessories and PC to AURICAL Aud 98
5.8.3 Mounting AURICAL Aud on the AURICAL speaker unit 99
5.9 Powering AURICAL Aud 99
6 Configuring the Audiometry Module 101
7 Communicating with the device 103
7.1 Reconnecting to the device 103
7.2 Updating device firmware 103
8 AURICAL Aud with HI-PRO2 105
9 Tuning the AURICAL Aud speaker for use with third-party applications 106
9.1 Microphone placement for use with RoomTune 106
9.2 Preparing to use RoomTune 106
9.3 Using RoomTune in a new environment 107
9.4 Using RoomTune to keep AURICAL Aud speakers in tune 108
9.5 Cancelling faulty RoomTune data 109
9.6 Using RoomTune to measure sound levels 109
9.7 Exiting RoomTune 110
10 Maintenance and calibration 111
10.1 Service and repair 111
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10.1.1 Fuses 111
10.2 Maintenance 111
10.3 Cleaning 111
10.4 Calibration 112
11 Troubleshooting 113
11.1 Powering 113
11.2 Software/device communication 113
11.3 HI-PRO2 113
12 Standards and Safety 115
12.1 AURICALAud 115
12.2 Warning notes 115
12.2.1 Connector warning notes 115
12.2.2 General warning notes 116
12.3 The OTOsuite Audiometry Module 118
12.4 Manufacturer 118
12.4.1 Responsibility of the manufacturer 118
13 Technical specifications 119
13.1 AURICAL Aud 119
13.2 HI-PRO2 (built-in) 127
13.3 AURICAL speaker unit 128
13.4 Accessories 128
13.5 Notes on EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) 129
Index 133
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1 Introduction to AURICAL Aud
1.1 AURICAL Aud
AURICAL Aud is a PC-controlled audiometer for testing a
person's hearing. The audiometer, which is connected to a
PC via USB, is operated from the OTOsuite Audiometry
Module PC software.
With AURICAL Aud you can perform all standard audiometric tests, tone and speech audiometry and special
tests.
The intuitive graphical user interface and the user test feature enable you to carry out your tests with very little
effort.
You can connect other devices easily through the built-in USB Hub, and AURICAL Aud provides the necessary connections
to carry out counseling using the OTOsuite Counseling and Simulations module.
Configurations
AURICAL Aud is available as:
• part of the integrated AURICAL system
• a separate audiometer
Each configuration is available with an optional built-in HI-PRO2 and an optional AURICAL speaker unit. AURICAL Aud can
be placed on the desk top, mounted directly on the back of the AURICAL speaker, or, if the optional kit is used, it can be
mounted on the wall or under the desk.
Operating AURICAL Aud
• You operate AURICAL Aud from the PC’s keyboard/mouse with the OTOsuite Audiometry Software Module acting as
the display showing the intensity, frequency as well as current settings and other information on the PC monitor.
• From the OTOsuite Audiometry Software Module, which is NOAH compatible, you can monitor test results, create
User Tests, store and export data, and print reports.
Test intensities and frequencies as well as the current test settings and other information are shown on the PC monitor.
• Speech input signals can be taken from audio files on the PC hard drive, CD-ROM, external line-in devices such as a CD
player, or live-voice from a microphone.
Outputs
AURICAL Aud supports the following types of output:
• One set of headphones. The supported headphone types are:
– TDH39 headphones
– TDH39 with ME70
– Holmco
– HDA 200/HDA300
• Insert phones
• Bone oscillator
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1 Introduction to AURICAL Aud
• 2 sound field speakers. The speakers can use either the power amplifier built into AURICAL Aud or an external power
amplifier.
Note•Sound-field testing is not available on some models.
1.2 HI-PRO2
AURICAL Aud is available with an optional built-in HI-PRO2 (Hearing Instrument Programming Unit).
The HI-PRO2 serves as a standardized interface between OTOsuite and programmable hearing instruments, and can serve
as a remote control for programmable hearing instruments.
In the HI-PRO2 section of the AURICAL Aud cabinet there are two connectors for the cables to the programmable hearing
instruments (or remote control), so that both a left and a right hearing instrument can be programmed.
The PC software for programming the hearing instrument is made by the hearing instrument manufacturer.
The cables for connecting hearing instruments to HI-PRO2 are supplied by the hearing instrument manufacturer.
1.3 AURICAL speaker unit
AURICAL Aud is available with the optional AURICAL speaker unit. The AURICAL Speaker is for use with AURICALFreeFit
and the PMM and Counseling and Simulations modules in OTOsuite. The speaker unit can be attached to an AURICAL Aud
audiometer or to an AURICAL Aud that is not enabled as an audiometer. You can use AURICAL Aud to connect and drive
the accessories for OTOsuite PMM and the OTOsuite Counseling and Simulations module. The speaker unit also contains a
built-in charger for FreeFit.
Note•The instructions for assembly are the same, whether or not the audiometer is activated.
1.4 The OTOsuite Audiometry Module
OTOsuite
OTOsuite is a software tool that integrates a suite of hearing tests and hearing instrument fitting functionality with result review and reporting capabilities into a single powerful PC
application.
OTOsuite integrates closely with the latest generation of Otometrics test devices by offering real time presentation of test
results and full test control directly from a PC with a comprehensive user interface and NOAH compatibility.
The OTOsuite Audiometry Module is designed to operate with AURICAL Aud as the test device.
The OTOsuite Audiometry Module
The OTOsuite Audiometry Module provides you with comprehensive control and overview of the current stimulus and
masking choices both numerically and graphically in the displayed audiogram when you test with a connected Otometrics
audiometer.
As the module is part of OTOsuite, audiograms can be used directly in other OTOsuite modules such as the PMM and
Immittance modules for an optimized workflow independent of NOAH, and for combined reporting.
The Audiometry Module provides you with a wide range of features:
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1 Introduction to AURICAL Aud
Testing
• Testing, using the Audiometry Module as a handy control panel while you follow stimulus settings and test progress on
your PC display
• Tone testing
• Speech testing
• Special tests
• Controlling play-back of speech test material
• Creating complete User Tests for specific audiometric tasks, including selecting specific speech lists, viewing preferences, activating operator monitoring peripherals, etc.
• Entering tester details and test date entry for manually entered audiograms
• Entering special test and tuning fork test results
Viewing and printing
• Viewing and printing test results
• Viewing the progression of a range of tests online
• Viewing historic audiometry results from NOAH or XML
• Viewing online audiometry results during testing
• Viewing masking level indicator in audiogram
• Viewing audiogram overlays
1.4.1 NOAH
OTOsuite integrates with:
• NOAH systems
• NOAH for ENT
• NOAH-compatible Office Management systems.
The NOAH System is a HIMSA product for managing clients, launching hearing test applications and fitting software, and
storing audiological test results. OTOsuite stores test results using NOAH.
Note•Whenever reference in this manual is made to NOAH, this reference should also apply to NOAH-com-
patible systems.
1.5 Intended use
AURICAL Aud and the Audiometry module
Users: audiologists, ENTs and other health care professionals in testing the hearing of their patients.
Use: diagnostic and clinical audiometric testing.
AURICAL Aud with HI-PRO2 and the Audiometry module
Users: audiologists, ENTs, hearing instrument dispensers and other health care professionals.
Use: As for AURICAL Aud, and hearing instrument fitting.
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1 Introduction to AURICAL Aud
Speaker unit
Users: audiologists, hearing instrument dispensers and other health care professionals.
Use: The AURICAL speaker unit is intended to present audio signals for use with AURICAL Aud and the Audiometry module, with AURICALFreeFit and the OTOsuite PMM module and the OTOsuite Counseling and Simulations module.
1.6 About this manual
This is your guide to installing, calibrating and using AURICAL Aud and to using the OTOsuite Audiometry Module. It also
introduces you to the key features of the device and the software, as well as to working scenarios for performing tests and
viewing and printing test results.
We strongly recommend that you read this manual carefully before using AURICAL Aud and the Audiometry Module for
the first time.
Note•If you are using the Audiometry Module with NOAH, we recommend that you are familiar with the screens
and functions provided in NOAH.
1.6.1 Installation and assembly
Unpacking ► 86 and Assembling AURICAL Aud ► 93 contain a full description of unpacking instructions and how to
assemble the device. For instructions on installing the software, see the OTOsuite Installation Guide.
1.6.2 Safety
This manual contains information and warnings which must be followed to ensure the safe performance of AURICAL Aud.
Warning • Local government rules and regulations, if applicable, should be followed at all times.
Safety information is stated where it is relevant, and general safety aspects are described in Standards and Safety ► 115.
1.6.3 Training
It is recommended that you read this manual and try out test scenarios before you start operating AURICAL Aud so that
you are familiar with both the device and the software program before testing a patient.
1.7 Typographical conventions
The use of Warning, Caution and Note
To draw your attention to information regarding safe and appropriate use of the device or software, the manual uses precautionary statements as follows:
Warning • Indicates that there is a risk of death or serious injury to the user or patient.
10 Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
Caution• Indicates that there is a risk of injury to the user or patient or risk of damage to data or the device.
Note•Indicates that you should take special notice.
1.7.1 Navigation
Menus, icons and functions to select are shown in bold type, as for instance in:
• Click the Set Options icon on the toolbar or select Tools> Options...
1 Introduction to AURICAL Aud
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1 Introduction to AURICAL Aud
12 Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
The general functions for navigating in the main window are described in the OTOsuite manual.
You will find descriptions of the Audiometry test screens in:
• The Tone test screen ► 27
• The Speech test screen ► 36
Special tests are described in:
• Special tests ► 57
2.1 The Audiometry Module main window
The basic OTOsuite functions are described in the OTOsuiteUser Guide.
Audiometry elements
A. Audiometry toolbar
B. Control Panel
C. Work area
2.2 Menus and toolbar icons
General icons - see the OTOsuite manual
Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
D. Stimulus bar
E. Masking level indicator
F. Stimulus marker
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2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Audiometry icons and menu selections
The icons and menu selections that are unique to Audiometry functionality depend on the test functions included in OTOsuite and/or whether a test device is connected.
Tone audiometry
Speech audiometry
2.2.1 File menu
Menu item Icon Description
New Audiogram
2.2.2 Edit menu
Menu item Shortcut Description
Audiometric prop-
...
erties
2.2.3 View menu
Menu item (Tone) Icon Description
Select Orientation
Masking Assistant
Ctrl+U
Select new audiogram. You will be prompted to save or cancel current data.
Click to enter Tester name, Test Date, and air conduction transducer for a manually entered audiogram.
Note•The air conduction transducer is stored when you have selected it
in the transducer section of the Control Panel (or with device controls, if
applicable) and data points are entered on the audiogram.
Click to select the perspective of the patient's ears as presented on
the screen for graph and table views.
Enable or disable the Masking Assistant.
The Masking Assistant causes an unmasked threshold to flash
repeatedly if masking is recommended.
• See The Masking Assistant ► 17.
14 Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
Menu item (Tone) Icon Description
Overlays
Combined Audiogram
Enables or disables the overlays. Overlays display
• pictures
• severity
• speech banana,
• speech letters,
• unusable area
on the audiogram.
Overlays can also be displayed by selecting them from the overlays
box below or next to the audiogram.
To view/hide the overlays box, select Tools> Options> General.
See Tone feature boxes ► 32.
Combined View
• Click to view both ears in a single audiogram.
Split View
• Click to view separate audiograms for each ear.
Click to toggle between viewing both ears in a single audiogram (combined audiogram) or both a left and a right audiogram on your screen.
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Audiogram Legend
Standard / All / High
frequencies
2.2.4 Measurement menu
Menu item Icon Description
Monitoring
Click to enable or disable the display of the audiogram legend. The
legend contains the most commonly used symbols for the audiogram.
It is not configurable.
The graph shows up to 20,000 Hz. AURICAL Aud presents stimulus up
to 12,500 Hz.
• Click to choose between viewing:
Standard Frequencies
Displays the audiogram from 125 to 8000 Hz.
All Frequencies
Displays the audiogram from 125 to 20,000 Hz.
High Frequencies
Displays the audiogram from 8000 to 20,000 Hz.
Enables or disables the monitor speaker for monitoring stimuli presented
to the patient from the Stimulus or Masking channel.
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2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Menu item Icon Description
Talk Forward
Enables communicating with the patient in the sound booth. This will display the Talk Forward dialog box, where you can control the talk forward
microphone sensitivity and the output level (in dB HL) to the patient.
When enabled, the monitor speaker will be disabled.
When the Allow stimulation checkbox is checked, you can present stimuli
while leaving Talk Forward on. This is useful when you wish to present
stimuli and verbally reinforce the patient quickly, as for instance during
pediatric testing.
Note•Be aware that background noise must not be present if
Allow stimulation is checked.
Scoring and Playing See Selecting word or phoneme scoring ► 37.
Ambient Noise
See Ambient Noise Assessor ► 64.
Assessor
2.2.5 Tools menu
Menu item Icon Description
Curves and Symbols Click to select the Curves and Symbols dialog box.
This dialog box and its related function are specific to configuring the curves and
symbols to be displayed on the audiogram or speech graph during testing.
See Curves and symbols selection ► 30.
2.3 The Patient Responder indicator
When the patient presses the Patient Responder this is shown on the Stimulus bar, and a sound signal from the PC is heard
through the Monitor Speaker or Operator Headset. The sound signal is optional (Tools> Options> Audiometry>
General> Measurement, Misc> Audible patient response).
16 Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
Single Responder setup
• Green
Indicates that the patient is pressing the Patient
Responder.
2.4 The Masking Assistant
If the Masking Assistant is enabled, it will at all times check for frequencies that may require testing with
masking. This also applies to old audiograms imported from NOAH or XML as long as a supported transducer
was stored with the data.
The Masking Assistant is a tool provided to help you with an indication that there may be frequencies where testing with
masking1is recommended.
• The audiogram symbol will flash at the specific frequencies where contralateral masking may be recommended2.
• The masking criteria are configurable so that you can
set them up to match your local recommendations for
masking. You can for instance choose either frequency
specific criteria, which increases the efficacy of your
work, or the traditional "one-level-fits-all" criteria.
Select the Tools> Configuration Wizard> Audi-
ometry - Configure... > Masking Assistant to set up
the masking criteria.
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
All masking signals are calibrated in effective masking.
How does the Masking Assistant work?
Terminology
AC AC test ear
ACc AC contra
BC BC
BCc BC contra
Min IA Minimum inter-aural attenuation.
1
(Katz, J., Lezynski, J. (2002). Clinical Masking. In J. Katz, ed., Handbook of Clinical Audiology, Williams and Wilkins, Bal-
timore.)
2
Based on criteria described in Clinical Masking, Essentials of Audiology, Stanley A. Gelfand, Thieme 1997, and Meas-
urement of Pure Tone Hearing Thresholds, Audiologists’ Desk Reference - Vol 1, James W. Hall III, H. Gustav Mueller
III, Singular Publishing Group 1997. and Munro K.J., Agnew N. A comparison of inter-aural attenuation with the Etymotic ER-3A insert earphone and the Telephonics TDH-39 supra-aural earphone. Br J Audiol 1999; 33: 259-262.
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2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
When is masking required?
Masking is recommended when the following conditions are met:
AC AC > ACc + Min IA
or AC > BCc + Min IA
BC BC < AC - x* dB
Only stored thresholds measured without masking are checked. Levels which did not evoke a response are excluded from
the check. This means that as soon as a masked threshold has been stored, the flashing stops for that frequency.
* denotes configurable Air/Bone gap criterion (Tools> Configuration Wizard> Audiometry - Configure...> Masking
Assistant).
Min IA is frequency specific
These are the Min IA tables for TDH-39 and Otometrics Inserts used in the Masking Assistant1.
Min IA (supraaural phone: TDH-39), frequency specific
Hz dB
125 35 Katz & Lezynski, (2002)
250 48 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
500 44 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
750 40 N/A - fulfill traditional approach
1000 48 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
1500 40 N/A - fulfill traditional approach
2000 44 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
3000 56 Hall J.W. III & Mueller G.H. III / Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
4000 50 Katz J / Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
6000 44 Hall J.W. III & Mueller G.H. III / Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
8000 42 Katz J / Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
Min IA insert phone
Hz dB
125 60 N/A - traditional value
250 72 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
500 64 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
1
Katz, J., Lezynski, J. (2002). Clinical Masking. In J. Katz, ed., Handbook of Clinical Audiology, Williams and Wilkins, Bal-
timore. Munro, K.J., Agnew, N. A comparison of inter-aural attenuation with the Etymotic ER-3A insert earphone and
the Telephonics TDH-39 supra-aural earphone. Br J Audiol 1999; 33: 259-262. Hall, JW., MUELLER, HG. (1997). The audiologists’ desk reference, Volume I., Singular Publishing Group, San Diego.
18 Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
Hz dB
750 60 N/A - traditional value
1000 58 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
1500 60 N/A - traditional value
2000 56 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
3000 58 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
4000 72 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
6000 54 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
8000 62 Munro & Agnew, BJA (1999)
2.5 The Control Panels
Click the Control Panel icon in the toolbar to activate the Control Panel.
The Tone Control Panel
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
A. Quick Select - Tone ► 20
B. Test Options ► 22
C. Monitor and Level ► 24
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2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
The Speech/Aided Speech Control Panel
2.5.1 Quick Select - Tone
Click the Control Panel icon in the toolbar to activate the Control Panel.
A. Quick Select - Speech ► 21
B. Test Options ► 22
C. Monitor and Level ► 24
Quick Select
Click to select the options you wish to use. You can customize the symbols to suit your purposes: See Curves and sym-
bols selection ► 30.
R, B, L
(Right, Binaural, Left)
AC (Air Conduction)
Click to select whether your transducer selections will be routed to the right, left,
or both right and left transducers.
This will also reflect on how the results are stored:
• Left symbols will be stored on the left-ear audiogram (or on the combined audiogram)
• Right symbols will be stored on the right-ear audiogram (or on the combined
audiogram)
• Binaural symbols will be stored on both audiograms (or once on the combined
audiogram)
Presents the stimulus and/or masking using the selected AC transducer.
Mask
BC (Bone Conduction)
Presents the stimulus and/or masking through the bone oscillator.
Mask
20 Otometrics - AURICAL Aud
Quick Select
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
SF (Sound Field)
Mask
Condition
Click to select the conditions you wish to apply to the audiogram.
Condition
Click to define the viewing mode you wish to apply to the audiogram.
Threshold
MCL
UCL
2.5.2 Quick Select - Speech
Click the Control Panel icon in the toolbar to activate the Control Panel.
Presents the stimulus and/or masking through the soundfield speakers.
• If you are using only 2 speakers, the routing is determined by the typical routing controls (left, right, binaural).
• If you are using only 2 speakers, you can set up a channel to provide stimulus/masking via a different transducer (i.e. when providing masking to one ear
and stimulating the other ear using the soundfield speakers).
• Unaided
• Aided Speech 1
• Aided Speech 2
Threshold view
Most Comfortable Level view
UnComfortable Level view
Test Ear
Click to select the test ear to be recorded in the audiogram.
Measurement
Click to select the transducer type used.
AC
BC
SF
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• Left/Both/Right
• Air Conduction
• Bone Conduction
• Sound Field
Note•Sound-field testing is not available on some models.
21
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Measurement
Click to select the condition you wish to apply to the audiogram.
SDT • The data will be stored as a S peech D etection T hreshold. This is the lowest level at
which the patient responds to speech at least 50% of the time (also known as SAT - Speech
Awareness Threshold).
SRT • The data will be stored as a S peech R eception T hreshold. This is the lowest level at
which the patient repeats at least 50% of spondaic words correctly.
MCL • The data will be stored as a M ost C omfortable L oudness level. This is the level at which
the patient reports it is most comfortable to listen to the speech stimulus.
UCL • The data will be stored as an U nC omfortable L oudness level. This is the level at which
the patient reports that the speech stimulus is uncomfortably loud.
WRS/SRS • The data will be stored as a W ord R ecognition S core or S entence R ecognition S core.
This test requires monosyllabic words to be presented at the patient's MCL level or above.
The patient is instructed to repeat the words he or she hears.
SNR/dB step • S ignal to N oise R atio in dB step.
If you check SNR , you can report a S ignal to N oise R atio in the speech result description box. This also stores the speech data as a "speech in noise" test and is accordingly differentiated from a regular speech measurement.
IPSI routing
IPSI
Masking/Stimulus 2
On
2.5.3 Test Options
General options
dB Step
1, 5 (dB)
AC Transducer
Insert Presents the stimulus or masker through the insert earphones. See Configuring the Audi-
Phone
• Click to select the IPSI routing. IPSI routes the non-stimulus channel to the same ear as the
speech stimulus. That way, a speech in noise test can readily be administered.
• Click Masking/Stimulus 2 On to enable non-stimulus channel presentation.
This selection depends on the Input selection for the non-stimulus channel.
Defines the intensity of the stimulus and masker used to record the audiogram.
ometry Module ► 101.
Presents the stimulus or masker through supra-aural headphones.
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Control
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Stim On
Stim. Lock
Tracking
When checked, the stimulus will be continuously on and will turn off when you press the stimulus button.
The stimulus/masker from both channels will be presented simultaneously if this option is
enabled.
When the intensity of the stimulus/masker for a channel is increased/decreased by xdB the
intensity of the stimulus/masker for the other channel will also increase/decrease by the same
xdB if this option is enabled.
Pulsed Tone only:
The stimulus pulses 200ms on and 200ms off if this option is enabled.
The pulse duration is configurable: Select Tools> Options...> Audiometry> Tone> Meas-
urement> Pulsed.
Tone specific options
Stimulus
Tone
Warble
FRESH Noise
Presents a pure tone as the stimulus type.
• 125Hz to 12,500Hz is standard.
Presents a warbled pure tone as the stimulus type. This stimulus type should be used for sound
field testing to avoid any standing waves. Warble depth and rate are configurable: select
Tools> Options> Audiometry> Tone> Measurement, Misc> Warble.
Presents the customized FRESH noise as the stimulus type.
FRESH stands for FREquency Specific Hearing assessment noise.
ab
Speech specific options
Input
Speech material
source (drop down
list)
a
The FRESH noise is implemented according to specifications of "Stimuli for Sound Field Audiometry: A Response to
Lippmann and Adams", G. Walker and H. Dillon, 1984 in Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, p 219, and H. Dillon
(2008), personal communication.
b
For more information read: "Narrow Band Noise Audiometry: The Effect of Filter Slope", Daneil J. Orchik and Nancy L.
Mosher, 1975 in The Journal of American Audiology Society, Vol. 1, No. 2, p.50-53.
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Determines the input to Source A and Source B.
The options are:
• Int. File (stored on hard drive),
• Int. CD (internal CD drive built into the PC),
• Line In (external medium connected to the PC).
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2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Input
Source...
2.5.4 Monitor and Level
Monitor
The signal level changes in 3dB steps with each click of the arrow up or arrow down buttons.
• To change the signal level by more than one click at a time, use the mouse scroll wheel.
• The check boxes are used for enabling/disabling of monitoring. You can also define this in Tools> Options> Audi-
ometry> General> Measurement> Monitor.
The options are:
• Mic
For live voice speech testing by the Operator. The operator presents live speech material
through a microphone.
• Source A
Delivers recorded speech material from sourceA.
• Source B
Delivers recorded speech material from sourceB
• Source A+B
Delivers recorded speech material from sourceA and B. This is only possible for the integrated speech material, if it has been prepared for this.
• Source B+A
Delivers recorded speech material from sourceB+A. This is only possible for the integrated speech material, if it has been prepared for this.
Stim
Mask
Talkback
The stimulus can be monitored if this option is enabled. The indicator displays the level of the
signal.
Masking can be monitored if this option is enabled. The indicator displays the level of the signal.
Talkback can be monitored if this option is enabled. The indicator displays the level of the signal.
Level
The signal level changes in 1dB steps with each click of the arrow up or arrow down buttons.
• To change the signal level by more than one click at a time, use the mouse scroll wheel.
Mic
For adjusting the sensitivity of the test microphone reflected on the VU meter (only
used for Speech testing).
Source A, Source B For adjusting the sensitivity of the signal coming from Source A or Source B reflected on
the VU meter (only used for Speech testing).
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2.6 The stimulus bar
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
A. Intensity
B. Stimulus indicator
C. Transducer indicator
D. Stimulus being presented
E. Frequency
F. Stimulus bar color
G. Routing indicator
H. Masking on
Intensity
Indicated by the dB level above the channel status bars.
• Masking is denoted by square brackets around the level (calibrated in effective masking level).
• The green triple wave symbol above the level indicates that the stimulus is currently being presented.
Stimulus bar color
Indicates the routing for each channel:
• Blue = left ear
• Red = right ear
• Blue/Red = binaural
• Gray = unspecified
Stimulus, transducer and routing indicators
The stimulus/masking type, the transducer and the routing for each channel.
2.6.1 Test controls
Test controls provide a means of operating the audiometer if you use the mouse and on-screen options to perform tests.
• To enable test controls, select Tools> Options> Audiometry> General> On-screen controls> Show> On.
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2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Up and down arrows
Tone and Speech. Stimulus and Masking
• The Arrow Up and the Arrow Down buttons change the stimulus level depending on the set-
ting in Tools> Options> Audiometry> Tone> Misc.> Level Direction of Arrow Keys.
Left and right arrows
Tone. Stimulus and Masking
• Arrow left decreases the stimulus frequency.
• Arrow right increases the stimulus frequency.
Stimulate button
Present Tone
• Presents stimulus.
• If Continuous On is enabled, activating the button interrupts the stimulus.
Store button
Store Tone and Speech
• Stores the data point on the audiogram(s) or in the Speech screen.
Silence Mode
Silence Mode allows you to control tone levels and presentation by hovering the mouse cursor over the respective onscreen controls. This is particularly useful when the operator of the audiometer and the person being tested are in the
same room.
• To enable silence mode, select Tools> Options> Audiometry> General> On-screen controls> Silence Mode> On.
• To change the level and frequency by more than one click at a time, use the mouse scroll wheel.
2.6.2 The Tone stimulus bar
A. Symbol B. Frequency
During online testing, the stimulus bar shows:
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2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
Symbol
• Indicates the symbol that will be displayed on the audiogram(s) when a data point is stored. The symbol shown
reflects the current audiometer measurement settings.
See also
Curves and symbols selection ► 30
Frequency
• Indicated by the Hz value in the center of the stimulus bar.
2.6.3 The Speech stimulus bar
A. VU meter
B. Speech score
C. Word count
During online testing, the stimulus bar shows:
Speech Score/Word Count
• Displays the percentage correct/incorrect and the amount of words correct/incorrect out of a given number of
words. You can display speech score and word count either as “% Correct” or as “% Incorrect”. To set your preference, select Tools> Options> Speech> Misc.> Score Presentation.
% Correct is the default setting.
.
VU Meter
• Displays the level (in volume units) of the test microphone or speech material from Source A or Source B. Speech
should always be delivered at 0dB on the VU meter so that the dB level on the stimulus intensity bar represents
the level actually being delivered to the patient.
2.7 The Tone test screen
During online testing, the screen reflects the test done by the audiometer as it progresses.
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2.7.1 The work area in the Tone screen
The Tone test work area consists of a range of elements for viewing and selecting various features:
• The audiogram ► 28
With a description of audiogram elements, how to view single or dual graphs, and how to view the intensity levels
used for masking.
• Tone feature boxes ► 32
With a description of result boxes for special tests, utilities such as a timer and an overlays selector, and instructions
for how to view/hide the feature boxes.
A. Stimulus bar
B. Work area
C. Feature boxes
2.7.2 The audiogram
Audiogram elements
Cross hatch
Indicates your current stimulus level and frequency. The color indicates the routing:
• Blue = left
• Red = right
• Black = binaural
Mouse cursor
Indicates where you place the mouse. The color indicates the routing:
• Blue = left
• Red = right
• Black = binaural
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Audiogram
Viewing the audiogram
You can choose between:
Single graph view
A. Stimulus marker (ear color)
B. Masking level indicator
C. Mouse cursor (ear color)
2 Navigating in the OTOsuite Audiometry Module
• Intensity is shown to the left of the audiogram in dBHL.
• Octave frequencies are shown below the audiogram in Hz.
• Interoctave frequencies are shown above the audiogram in Hz.
Dual graph view
When you use the dual graph viewing option, the graph that
corresponds with the stimulus ear will have a gray outline to
denote the active audiogram.
You can switch the position of the right and left graphs to correspond to your viewing preference.
1. Select Tools> Options> Tone> Misc.> Dual Graph View
or in the menu bar under View.
A. Stimulus marker (ear color)
B. Masking level indicator
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Viewing masking levels
Masking levels
Below the audiogram, the intensity levels used for masking can be displayed. It is an option to display the masking
levels. Select Tools> Options> Tone> View> Misc.> Masking Levels.
• In combined view, the non-test ear masking levels are shown below the graph.
• In Dual Graph View, the masking level used for masking the non-test ear is by default displayed under the graph
for the test ear. The masking level can be set to be displayed either under the test ear or under the non-test ear:
select Tools> Options> Tone> View> Misc> Masking Table Placement.
2.7.3 Curves and symbols selection
You can select a symbol and/or a curve style for a specific measurement and you can create new symbols.
2.7.3.1 Selecting a symbol or curve
You can select a symbol and/or a curve style for a specific measurement.
1. Select Tools> Curves and Symbols...
2. Click on the selections that apply to your measurement under Test, Transducer, and Aided Condition. The current
symbols and line style are shown.
3. Double-click on the symbol you wish to change. The Symbols selection dialog box is shown.
4. Double-click on the symbol you wish to use.
5. To change the line style of the curve, select from the Line Style drop-down list.
6. To change the color, double-click on the current Color square. Select a new color or click on Define custom colors>>
to select a color not shown. Click OK.
7. To optimize viewing of the audiogram, you can offset the symbols in relation to the audiogram grid in the fields Hori-
zontal Offset and Vertical Offset.
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