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Interacoustics ASSR -
Diagnostic ABR Software
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Can it stimulate both ears simultaneously?
Yes, with up to 4 frequencies in each ear.
Q2 Does it provide an estimated audiogram?
Yes it does. The development of the estimated audiogram can be monitored
as the test progresses. After test completion relevant correction
factors can be applied, turning the ASSR results into an Estimated
Audiogram. A consistent correction strategy is possible by entering
such correction factors into predefined tables, differentiating
between different test situations. Each table can also hold different
correction factors depending on the degree of loss (higher degree
of loss typically requires less correction).
Q3 Is it NOAH compatible?
Yes. NOAH must be version 3.6 or better. The estimated audiogram
may be saved in NOAH, and retrieved by the Hearing Aid Fitting Modules
for HA fitting purposes. Alternatively, the complete audiometric
OtoAccess™ network database can be used for electronic data
storage. Results can also be output in PDF for alternative EMR systems.
Q4 Is it portable?
Yes. It runs on the ECLIPSE platform and may be executed by a laptop
under Windows XP. Full medical safety is assured also in this situation.
Q5 Which main features make this faster and more accurate
than the competition?
a) Optimized stimulus b) More efficient detection algorithm c) Full
independent manual control of each of 8 simultaneous stimulated
frequencies d) Dual channel detection algorithm – no detection
loss with binaural vertex / mastoid electrode placement.
Q6 One or Two channels?
Typical ASSR systems are one channel systems. The Interacoustics
ASSR is a two channel system allowing optimum efficiency also with
traditional 2 x mastoid / vertex placement of electrodes.
Q7 Which response detection principle does it use –
that of the Audera or that of the MASTER?
It uses both together to add the benefits of both. Also it uses
the full spectrum of the response. This feature alone will typically
reduce the test time to less than 50% of what would be the case
using traditional technology. This is a patented technology and
not used by any other ASSR manufacturer.
Q8 Are the new stimuli well suited considering the subsequent
use of the estimated audiogram for HA fitting purposes?
Yes. The compensation for cochlear travel time is beneficial under
all circumstances. And considering the other stimulus parameters
(e.g. a stimulus width of +/- ½ octave) it is worth noting,
that they are designed by Claus Elberling, long time Director of
Research at Oticon, ensuring that they are excellently suited for
providing a resulting estimated audiogram that is optimized for
hearing aid fitting.
Q9 Does it use 90Hz or 40Hz stimulation rate?
It can use both. If the patient changes arousal state during the
session the rate can be changed accordingly within session for optimum
results (typically 40Hz for awake adult – 90Hz in all other
situations).
Q10 Are there published studies documenting the applied
technologies?
Yes. The new stimuli and the genuine detection method are both described
with relevant studies in two articles from 2006 published in the
prestigious Journal of American Association of Audiology:
Journal of American Academy of Audiology 17:448-461 (2006) “New
Efficient Stimuli for Evoking Frequency-Specific Auditory Steady-State
Responses”.
Journal of American Academy of Audiology 17:93-103 (2006) “Objective
Detection of Auditory Steady-State Responses: Comparison of One-Sample
and q-Sample Tests”.
Q11 I cannot set the ASSR program up to my national language.
Your version of the ASSR program may not hold your national language
(see General Setup). Please check with your supplier for availability
of additional languages.
Q12 I would like to change the way the printout is styled
on one of the preprogrammed tests. I cannot do that, as the test
setup is dimmed out.
Yes, the factory supplied preprogrammed tests protocols are dimmed
to protect against accidental change or erasure.
You have two ways to change the printout style:
1) Create a test protocol for printing only. Set this protocol up
to hold your desired printout style. If you have this test protocol
selected when you bring in the historic session you want to print,
then the printout will be made according to this new test protocol.
2) Create a new test protocol identical to the preprogrammed protocol,
but holding your desired print layout. Use this protocol for your
testing and your printing.
Q13 Patient ID number is missing on the printout.
Yes. If you want ID number to appear on the print-out, you may use
the "Report" function of the ASSR program, to add the
ID-number information.
Q14 I cannot select a different "correction factor"
table in a historic session. Also, I cannot manually edit individual
audiogram points in the Estimated Audiogram.
That is correct. Such corrections are considered an inherent part
of the actual session, and once the session is completed and saved,
no further changes can be made.
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