Interacoustics affinity 2.0 Additional information

D-0004576-I – 2017/11

Additional Information

Affinity

2.0

/ Equinox

2.0

Hearing Aid Analyzer

Table of Contents

1 AC440 .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 About AC440 Module ..................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Launching AC440 with Databases ................................................................................. 2

1.2.1 Launching from OtoAccess™ ...................................................................................... 2

1.2.2 Launching AC440 from Noah....................................................................................... 3

1.2.3 Using the Tone Screen................................................................................................ 4

1.3 The Speech Screen Elements ...................................................................................... 10

1.3.1 Speech Audiometry in Graph Mode............................................................................ 13

1.3.1.1 Dual Speech Graphs................................................................................... 14

1.3.1.2 50% Discrimination Line .............................................................................. 14

1.3.1.3 Bönninghaus & Röser calculation ................................................................ 15

1.3.2 Speech Audiometry in Table Mode .............................................................. 16

1.3.2.1 The SRT table ............................................................................................ 16

1.3.2.2 The WR Table ............................................................................................ 17

1.4 Binaural speech........................................................................................................... 18

1.5 Full 2(4) channel Speech in noise................................................................................ 19

1.6 Counselling Tab .......................................................................................................... 21

1.6.1 Sound Studio............................................................................................................ 21

1.7 Clinical Application of the AC440 Tests ...................................................................... 22

Air Conduction Audiometry .................................................................................................... 22

1.7.1 High Frequency Audiometry ...................................................................................... 24

1.7.2 Multi Frequency Audiometry ...................................................................................... 25

1.7.3 Bone Conduction Audiometry .................................................................................... 26

1.7.4 Masking 27

1.7.5 Speech Audiometry................................................................................................... 28

1.7.5.1 Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) in Table Mode....................................... 30

1.7.5.2 Word Recognition (WR) in table mode ......................................................... 31

1.7.5.3 Speech Testing with a Microphone .............................................................. 32

1.7.5.4 Speech Testing with an external CD Player .................................................. 33

1.7.5.5 Speech testing with Wave Files ................................................................... 34

1.7.6 Masking Level Difference (MLD) ................................................................................ 36

1.7.7 Master Hearing Aid (MHA)......................................................................................... 38

1.7.8 Hearing Loss Simulation (HLS) .................................................................................. 40

1.7.9 Short Increment Sensitivity Index ............................................................................... 42

1.7.10 Weber .................................................................................................................. 44

1.7.11 Knaster .................................................................................................................. 45

1.7.12 ABLB/Fowler ............................................................................................................ 47

1.7.13 Stenger Test............................................................................................................. 48

1.7.14 TEN Test .................................................................................................................. 50

1.7.15 QuickSIN .................................................................................................................. 51

1.7.16 Tone Decay.............................................................................................................. 53

1.7.17 ANL Test

18

............................................................................................................... 56

1.7.18 SIQ Test .................................................................................................................. 61

1.7.19 SIN Test .................................................................................................................. 63

1.8 Working with Individual Setups (Test Protocols)......................................................... 65

1.8.1 Selecting a Test Protocol:.......................................................................................... 65

1.8.2 Creating new Protocols ............................................................................................. 66

1.8.2.1 Common Setup .......................................................................................... 66

1.8.2.2 Tone Testing Setup..................................................................................... 68

1.8.2.3 Speech Testing Setup ................................................................................. 80

1.8.2.4 MLD testing Setup ..................................................................................... 88

1.8.2.5 MHA Counselling Setup .............................................................................. 90

1.8.2.6 Knaster Testing Setup................................................................................. 92

1.8.2.7 HLS Counselling Setup ............................................................................... 94

1.8.2.8 SISI Testing Setup ...................................................................................... 97

1.8.2.9 Weber Testing Setup .................................................................................. 98

1.8.2.10 QuickSIN Setup .......................................................................................... 99

1.8.2.11 QuickSIN Additional Features Setup ...........................................................101

1.8.2.12 ABLB/Fowler and Stenger Setup ................................................................103

1.8.2.13 TEN test Setup ..........................................................................................103

1.8.2.1 ANL Test Setup .........................................................................................104

1.8.2.2 SIQ Test Setup ..........................................................................................106

1.8.2.3 SIN Test Setup ..........................................................................................108

1.8.3 Finishing the Test Protocol .......................................................................................110

1.8.4 Changing a Test Protocol Permanently .....................................................................110

1.8.5 Changing a Test Protocol Temporarily ......................................................................111

1.8.6 Importing and Exporting Test Protocols .....................................................................112

1.8.6.1 Importing a Test Protocol: ..........................................................................112

1.8.6.2 Exporting a Test Protocol: ..........................................................................113

1.9 General Setup .............................................................................................................114

1.9.1 Symbol editor ..........................................................................................................115

1.9.2 Noah database settings............................................................................................116

1.9.3 Tone and speech settings ........................................................................................116

1.10 General Suite Settings and Examiner .........................................................................117

1.10.1 Startup 117

1.10.2 Examiner settings ....................................................................................................117

1.10.3 Language ................................................................................................................118

1.10.4 PDF Print ................................................................................................................119

1.11 Password protection ..................................................................................................120

1.12 The AC440 Menu Items ...............................................................................................121

1.13 PC Shortcut Manager .................................................................................................123

1.14 Standalone Database Settings....................................................................................124

1.15 FAQ ............................................................................................................................125

1.16 Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................127

1.16.1 Importing Wave Files – Speech from Hard Drive (ISF440) ..........................................127

1.17 Appendix 2 .................................................................................................................132

1.17.1 Audiometer Implementation of the TEN(HL) Test for Diagnosing Cochlear

Dead Regions .........................................................................................................132

1.18 Appendix 3 .................................................................................................................139

1.18.1 Masking Help/Automasking Quick Guide ...................................................................139

2 REM440 ........................................................................................................................144

2.1 Quick Guide................................................................................................................144

2.2 About REM440 ............................................................................................................146

2.3 REM440 Tests .............................................................................................................146

2.4 Launching REM440 with Databases ...........................................................................147

2.4.1 Launching REM440 from Noah4: ..............................................................................147

2.4.2 Launching REM440 from OtoAccess™: ....................................................................147

2.5 The REM Screen Elements ........................................................................................149

2.6 Background on Real-Ear Measurements using REM440 ............................................156

2.6.1 Required Items ........................................................................................................156

2.6.2 Calibration ..............................................................................................................158

2.6.3 Gain versus Response View.....................................................................................159

2.6.4 Real-ear Measurements on Open Fittings .................................................................160

2.6.4.1 Calibrate for Open Fit.................................................................................161

2.6.5 Probe Placement .....................................................................................................162

2.6.6 Stimuli for Real-ear Measures...................................................................................162

2.6.6.1 Tone Stimuli ..............................................................................................162

2.6.6.2 Speech Stimuli/ISTS ..................................................................................163

2.6.6.3 Composite Signals/ICRA ............................................................................163

2.6.6.4 What Stimulus to Choose? .........................................................................163

2.6.6.5 Presenting a Stimulus ................................................................................164

2.6.7 Working with Fitting Targets .....................................................................................165

2.6.7.1 Calculating the Target ................................................................................165

2.6.7.2 Choosing a Fitting Prescription ...................................................................165

2.6.7.3 DSL m[i/o] options....................................................................................166

2.6.7.4 NAL-NL1/NAL-NL2 options.........................................................................168

2.6.8 Comparing to the Hearing Aid Fitting Software...........................................................169

2.6.8.1 On Top Mode ............................................................................................169

2.6.8.2 Table Mode ...............................................................................................170

2.6.8.3 Show Cursor on the Graph .........................................................................170

2.4.1 Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) .................................................................................171

2.6.9 Display Peaks and Valleys .......................................................................................171

2.6.10 Preconditioning and Sweep Delay.............................................................................172

2.6.10.1 Preconditioning..........................................................................................172

2.6.10.2 Sweep Delay ..............................................................................................172

2.6.11 Smoothing a Curve ..................................................................................................172

2.6.12 Comparing Curves ...................................................................................................173

2.6.13 Managing Multiple Curves ........................................................................................173

2.6.13.1 Curve Display Options ...............................................................................174

2.6.13.2 Deleting Curves .........................................................................................174

2.6.13.3 Combined Screen View ..............................................................................174

2.6.13.4 Changing the Curve Colour ........................................................................174

2.7 Clinical application of Real-Ear Measurements using REM440 ..................................175

2.7.1 REUR/REUG Measurements....................................................................................175

2.7.1.1 Predicted REUR ........................................................................................177

2.7.1.2 REUG/REUR from a previous Session ........................................................178

2.7.1.3 REUR/REUG in both ears view...................................................................178

2.7.2 REAR/REAG Measurements ....................................................................................179

2.7.3 REIG Measurements ...............................................................................................181

2.7.4 RECD Measurements ..............................................................................................183

2.7.4.1 RECD using the client’s own ear mould .......................................................184

2.7.4.2 RECD using the SPL Probe........................................................................187

2.7.4.3 Own Mould versus SPL Probe ....................................................................189

2.7.4.4 Predicted RECD Curve ..............................................................................189

2.7.4.5 Measured RECD compared to a predicted RECD ........................................189

2.7.4.6 Re-using a Coupler Curve ..........................................................................190

2.7.4.7 RECD from a previous Session ..................................................................191

2.7.4.8 Test Box/Coupler Base Fitting (Simulated REM) ..........................................191

2.7.4.9 The “Coupler Approach” .............................................................................191

2.7.4.10 The “Real-ear approach” ............................................................................193

2.7.4.11 Importing the RECD into the Hearing Aid Manufacturers Software ................193

2.7.4.12 Counselling the Parents in Visible Speech Mapping .....................................193

2.7.5 REOR/REOG measurements ...................................................................................194

2.7.6 Measuring Input/Output ............................................................................................195

2.7.7 Directionality Measurements.....................................................................................197

2.7.8 Binaural REM Measurements ...................................................................................198

2.5 FM System Verification...............................................................................................206

2.5.1 FM Transparency ....................................................................................................206

2.5.2 Ear Level, FM only ...................................................................................................209

2.6 Working with Individual Setups (Test Protocols)........................................................212

2.6.1 Selecting a Test Protocol..........................................................................................212

2.6.2 Creating new Test Protocols.....................................................................................213

2.6.2.1 REUG/REUR Settings................................................................................216

2.6.2.2 REAR/REAG Settings ................................................................................218

2.6.2.3 REIG Settings ...........................................................................................220

2.6.2.4 RECD Settings ..........................................................................................222

2.6.2.5 REOR/REOG Settings ...............................................................................224

2.6.2.6 Input/Output Settings .................................................................................226

2.6.2.7 Directionality Settings.................................................................................228

2.6.2.8 Pause Settings ..........................................................................................230

2.6.2.9 Visible Speech Mapping Settings ................................................................230

2.6.3 Combined Screen Setup ..........................................................................................231

2.6.4 Fitting Prescription Setup .........................................................................................232

2.6.4.1 DSL ..........................................................................................................233

2.6.4.2 NAL-NL2 Settings ......................................................................................234

2.6.4.3 NAL-NL1 Settings ......................................................................................235

2.6.4.4 Print Layout Settings ..................................................................................236

2.6.5 Finishing the Test Protocol .......................................................................................237

2.6.6 Changing a Test Protocol Permanently .....................................................................237

2.6.7 Changing a Test Protocol temporarily........................................................................238

2.6.8 Importing and Exporting Test Protocols .....................................................................238

2.6.8.1 Importing a Test Protocol ...........................................................................238

2.6.8.2 Exporting a Test Protocol ...........................................................................239

2.7 General Setup .............................................................................................................240

2.8 The REM 440 Menu Items ...........................................................................................242

2.9 Visible Speech Mapping (VSPM440) ...........................................................................245

2.9.1 About Visible Speech Mapping .................................................................................245

2.10 The Visible Speech Mapping Screen ..........................................................................246

2.11 Verification with Visible Speech Mapping...................................................................252

2.11.1 Considerations before you begin...............................................................................252

2.11.2 Visible Speech Mapping (in ear mode) ......................................................................252

2.11.3 Visible Speech Mapping (in coupler mode/test box mode) ..........................................253

2.12 Visual Tools for Counseling and Verification .............................................................256

2.12.1 Percentile Analysis ..................................................................................................256

2.12.2 Display Peaks and Valleys .......................................................................................257

2.12.3 Show Examples.......................................................................................................257

2.12.4 Speech Intelligibility Index ........................................................................................258

2.12.5 Speech Spectrum ....................................................................................................258

2.12.6 Dynamic Range View...............................................................................................259

2.12.7 Aided versus Unaided ..............................................................................................259

2.13 2.13 Visible Speech Mapping Settings........................................................................259

2.14 FAQ ............................................................................................................................262

2.15 Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................268

2.16 The REM440 Test Signal Characteristics ....................................................................268

2.17 REM PC Shortcuts ......................................................................................................270

2.18 Technical Specifications of the REM440 Software......................................................271

3 HIT440...........................................................................................................................272

3.1 HIT440 Quick Guide ....................................................................................................272

3.2 About HIT440 ..............................................................................................................274

3.3 HIT 440 Tests ..............................................................................................................275

3.4 Launching the HIT 440 Software from Databases .......................................................255

3.4.1 Launching HIT440 from Noah ...................................................................................255

3.4.2 Launching HIT440 from OtoAccess™ .......................................................................255

3.5 The HIT440 Screen......................................................................................................257

3.6 Hearing Instrument Testing using HIT440 ..................................................................262

3.6.1 Testing Hearing Instruments: ....................................................................................262

3.6.2 Testing bone anchored device using the SKS10 Skull Simulator .................................263

3.6.3 Installing the Skull Simulator License in the HIT440 Software: ....................................264

3.6.3.1 How to receive a new HIT license ...............................................................264

3.6.3.2 Activating the new HIT license ....................................................................265

3.6.3.3 Using the Skull Simulator protocol...............................................................266

3.6.3.4 Setup of SKS10 in the Affinity test chamber.................................................267

3.6.4 Running Pre-programmed Test Protocols ..................................................................269

3.6.5 Automatic Testing (Auto Run) ...................................................................................269

3.6.6 Preconditioning and Sweep Delay.............................................................................270

3.6.6.1 Preconditioning..........................................................................................270

3.6.6.2 Sweep Delay .............................................................................................270

3.6.7 Smoothing a Curve ..................................................................................................270

3.6.8 Show Cursor on the Graph .......................................................................................271

3.6.8.1 Managing Multiple Curves ..........................................................................271

3.6.8.2 Curve Display Options ...............................................................................272

3.6.8.3 Combined Screen View ..............................................................................272

3.6.8.4 Changing the Curve Color ..........................................................................272

3.6.9 Comparing Curves ...................................................................................................273

3.6.10 Comparing to the manufacturers specification sheets .................................................274

3.6.10.1 Telecoil Testing .........................................................................................274

3.7 Application of the HIT440 Tests..................................................................................276

3.7.1 Frequency Response ...............................................................................................276

3.7.2 Gain Curve ..............................................................................................................277

3.7.3 Harmonic Distortion .................................................................................................278

3.7.4 Intermodulation Distortion.........................................................................................280

3.7.5 Attack/Recovery Time ..............................................................................................280

3.7.6 Battery Current Drain/Battery Life Time .....................................................................282

3.7.7 Equivalent Input Noise .............................................................................................284

3.7.8 Reference Test Gain ................................................................................................285

3.7.9 Microphone Directionality .........................................................................................286

3.7.10 Single Frequency.....................................................................................................287

3.7.11 Response/Gain/Input/Output ....................................................................................288

3.7.12 Delay 289

3.7.13 OSPL90 290

3.5.1 3.7.14 Full-on Gain ..................................................................................................290

3.8 Working with Individual Setups (Test Protocols)........................................................292

3.8.1 Selecting a (standard) test protocol: ..........................................................................292

3.8.2 Designing a Customized Test Protocol ......................................................................293

3.8.2.1 Frequency Response Settings ....................................................................295

3.8.2.2 Gain Curve settings ...................................................................................298

3.8.2.3 Harmonic Distortion Settings ......................................................................299

3.8.2.4 Input/Output Settings .................................................................................301

3.8.2.5 Intermodulation Distortion Settings..............................................................303

3.8.2.6 Attack/Recovery Time Settings ...................................................................305

3.8.2.7 Battery Current Drain Settings ....................................................................307

3.8.2.8 Equivalent Input Noise Settings ..................................................................308

3.8.2.9 Reference Test Gain Settings .....................................................................312

3.8.2.10 Directionality Settings.................................................................................314

3.8.2.11 Single Frequency Settings..........................................................................315

3.8.2.12 Response/Gain/Input/Output Settings .........................................................317

3.8.2.13 Delay Settings ...........................................................................................318

3.8.2.14 Pause Settings ..........................................................................................320

3.8.3 Combined Screen Setup ..........................................................................................321

3.8.4 Print Layout Settings ................................................................................................322

3.8.5 Finishing the Test Protocol .......................................................................................323

3.8.6 Changing a Test Protocol Permanently .....................................................................324

3.8.7 Changing a Test Protocol Temporarily ......................................................................325

3.8.7.1 Importing and Exporting Test Protocols .......................................................325

3.8.7.2 Importing a Test Protocol ...........................................................................325

3.8.7.3 Exporting a Test Protocol ...........................................................................326

3.9 General Setup .............................................................................................................327

3.10 The HIT440 Menu Items ..............................................................................................330

3.11 HIT440 Software – Technical Specifications ...............................................................332

3.12 Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................334

3.12.1 The HIT440 Test Signal characteristics .....................................................................334

3.13 Appendix 2: ................................................................................................................335

3.13.1 Connecting the TBS25 to Affinity

2.0

/Equinox

2.0

...........................................................335

4 PRINTING AND MAKING REPORTS .....................................................................337

4.1 The Print Wizard .........................................................................................................337

4.1.1 Designing a Customized Print Template ....................................................................339

4.1.2 Design Elements .....................................................................................................340

4.1.2.1 General Elements ......................................................................................340

4.1.2.2 Taskbar 343

4.2 Creating Reports ........................................................................................................344

4.2.1 Operation of the Report Editor ..................................................................................344

4.2.1.1 The Report Editor ......................................................................................344

4.2.1.2 The Template Editor ..................................................................................346

5 RECOVERY MANAGER ...........................................................................................347

6 CRASH REPORTS .....................................................................................................349

7 QUICK GUIDES ..........................................................................................................351

8 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................353

Affinity

2.0

Additional Information Page 1

1 AC440

1.1 About AC440 Module

AC440 is the PC-based audiometry module for the Affinity

2.0

and Equinox

2.0

hardware platforms.

The AC440 software is an independent two-channel audiometer. It features tone audiometry for air and

bone, speech testing and a variety of masking and signal types. Stimuli are presented using the PC

keyboard, mouse or a dedicated audiometry keyboard. Test results are displayed on screen and saved to the

associated database (e.g. Noah, OtoAccess™). They are immediately available for inspection, hearing aid

fitting, printout, export, and so on. The AC440 module can also be operated external to a database in stand-

alone mode.

The module is flexible, enabling the individual clinician to tailor the system according to their specific

preferences. It permits the creation of an unlimited number of personalized test protocol settings and

functions for different purposes and/or for different clinicians working at the same location. The system also

provides you with the option to make individual print layouts, keep reports electronically, and compare actual

curves to previous sessions. These numerous setup options can be very helpful and time saving in the daily

clinical work environment.

In addition to the setup functions, the AC440 also contains counselling tools in order to help both patient and

relatives to get a better understanding of the consequences of hearing impairment and why hearing

amplification may be needed.

The AC440 contains the following tests:

 Air Conduction Audiometry

o High Frequency Audiometry

o Multi Frequency audiometry

 Bone Conduction Audiometry

 Free Field Audiometry

 Speech Audiometry

 Masking Level Difference (MLD)

 Master Hearing Aid (MHA) (counselling tool)

 Hearing Loss Simulation (HLS) (counselling tool)

 Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI)

 Weber

 Knaster

 Stenger

 Tone Decay Test

 TEN test

 QuickSIN

Affinity

2.0

Additional Information Page 2

1.2 Launching AC440 with Databases

1.2.1 Launching from OtoAccess™

Ensure that the Affinity is switched on and connected before opening the software suite. If the hardware is

not detected, a dialog box will appear asking if you want to run the Affinity Suite in Simulation mode, similar

to the following:

To start the Affinity Suite from OtoAccess™:

1. Open OtoAccess™

2. Select the patient you want to work with by clicking on it; it will then highlight blue to indicate

selection.

3. If the patient is not yet listed:

- press the New client button

- fill in at least the mandatory fields, marked with a red asterisk.

- save the patient details by pressing the Save patient information button.

4. Double click on the Affinity Suite in the Select Instrument box.

For further instructions about working with the database, please see the operation manual for OtoAccess™.

2

3

4

Affinity

2.0

Additional Information Page 3

1.2.2 Launching AC440 from Noah

Ensure that the Affinity is switched on and connected before opening the software module. If the hardware

is not detected, a dialog box will appear asking if you want to run the Affinity Suite in Simulation mode.

To start the Affinity Suite from Noah 4:

1. Open Noah 4

2. Search for and select the patient you want to work with from the left-hand side of the screen.

3. If the patient is not yet listed:

- Click on the Add a New Patient icon

- Fill in the required fields and click OK

4. Click on the Affinity Suite module icon at the top of the screen.

For further instructions about working with the database, please see the operation manual for Noah 4.

Affinity

2.0

Additional Information Page 4

1.2.3 Using the Tone Screen

The following section describes the elements of the tone screen.

Menu provides access to Print, Edit, View, Tests, Setup, and Help

Print allows for printing the session’s acquired data.

Save & New Session saves the current session in Noah or OtoAccess™

and opens a new one.

Save & Exit saves the current session in Noah or OtoAccess™ and exits the

Suite.

Collapse the left side panel.

Go to Tone Audiometry activates the tone screen when in another test.

Go to Speech Audiometry activates the speech screen when in another

test.

Extended Range +20 dB extends the testing range and can be activated

when the testing dial setting gets within 55 dB of the maximum level of the

transducer.

Note that the extended range button will flash when it needs activation for

reaching higher intensities.

To switch on the extended range automatically, select the Switch extended

range on automatically by going to the setup menu.

Affinity

2.0

Additional Information Page 5

Fold an area so that it only shows the label or the buttons of that area.

Unfold an area so that all buttons and labels are visible

Show/hide areas can be found by right mouse clicking on one of the areas.

The visibility of the different areas as well as the space that they take on the

screen is locally saved to the examiner.

List of Defined Protocols allows for selecting a test protocol for the

current test session. Please refer to section 1.7 for more information about

protocols. Right mouse click on a protocol allows the current examiner to

set or deselect a default startup protocol.

Temporary Setup allows for making temporary changes to the selected

protocol. The changes will be valid for the current session only. After

making the changes and returning to the main screen, the name of the

protocol will be followed by an asterisk (*).

List of historical sessions accesses historical sessions for comparison

purposes. The audiogram of the selected session, indicated by the

orange background, is shown in colours as defined by the used symbol

set. All other audiograms that are selected by check marks show on

screen in the colours as indicated by the text colour of the date and time

stamp. Note that this listing can be resized by dragging the double lines

up or down.

Right Clicking on a historical session will allow you to see exactly

which measurements have been performed in that session. This is useful

when trying to find a special test amongst several sessions without

opening the session individually to find the data you need.

The tests which have been performed will have a green light next to them.

You can also click on Deselect all selected sessions overlays after

right clicking on the sessions to remove any historic session overlays you

have chosen to display.

Go to Current Session brings you back to the current session.

Affinity

2.0

Additional Information Page 6

Edit Mode button activates the editing function. Left clicking on the graph

will add/move a point to the position of the cursor.

By right clicking on a

point

it is possible to Delete the recorded point or the entire curve.

Furthermore,

right mouse click provides the option to Add unmasked

threshold, Add

no response, Add masked threshold, Add masked-

n

o-response threshold, Copy bone thresholds to other ear, and Hide

unmasked thresholds where masked

exist.

Mouse controlled audiometry enables you to do the audiometry using

the mouse only.

The stimulus is presented with the left mouse button, and

the threshold is stored with the right mouse button.

The dB step size button indicates to which dB step size increment the

system is currently is set. It rotates from 1 to 2 to 5 dB

and the larger

number indicates the setting.

The hide unmasked threshold will hide those unmasked thresholds

where masked thresholds exist.

Toggle Masking Help will activate or deactivate the Masking Help. The

masking help function can be removed from this interface through

amending the settings in the

Protocol Setup (See this in section 1.7.2.2).

For more information

on Masking Help, please see section 1.7.2.2 or

A

ppendix 4 for the Masking Help Quick Guide

Toggle Automasking will activate or deactivate the Automasking feature.

For more information on

Automasking, please refer to section 1.7.2.2 or to

Appendix

4 for the Masking Help Quick Guide.

Talk Forward activates the Talk Forward microphone. The arrow keys

can be used to set the talk forward level through the currently selected

transducers. The level will be accurate when VU meter indicates to be at

zero dB.

1

HF requires an additional license for the AC440. If not purchased, the button is grayed out.

2

MF requires an additional license for the AC440. If not purchased, the button is greyed out.

High Frequency

1

shows frequencies on the audiogram (up to 20 kHz for

the Affinity

2.0

/Equinox

2.0

). However, you will only be able to test in the

frequency range the selected headset is calibrated for.

High Frequency Zoom activates high frequency testing and zooms in on

the high frequency range. Please refer to section 1.6.1 for more

information on high frequency testing.

Single audiogram toggles between viewing the information of both ears

in a single graph and two separate graphs.

Multi frequencies

2

activate testing with frequencies in between the

standard audiometric test frequencies. The frequency resolution can be

adjusted in the AC440 setup.

Synchronize channels locks the two channels together. This function

may be used to perform synchronous masking.

Affinity

2.0

Additional Information Page 7

Selecting the Monitor Ch1 and/or Ch2 check boxes allow you to monitor

one or both channels through an external loudspeaker/headset connected

to the monitor input. The monitor intensity is adjusted by the arrow keys.

The Talk back check box enables you to listen to the patient. Note that

you need to be equipped with a microphone connected to the talk back

input and an external loudspeaker/headset connected to the monitor

input.

The Patient monitor opens an always-on-top window with the tone

audiograms and all its counselling overlays s

hown. This provides an

easier layout to counsel the patient.

The size and position of the patient

monitor gets saved for each examiner individually.

The Phonemes counselling overlay shows phonemes as it is configured

in the protocol that is currently i

n use.

The Sound examples counselling overlay shows pictures (png-

files) as they are set up in the protocol that is currently in use.

The Speech banana counselling overlay shows the speech area as it is

set up in the protocol that is currently in u

se.

The Severity counselling overlay shows the degrees of hearing loss as it

is set up in the protocol that is currently in use.

The Max. testable values overlay highlights the area beyond the

maximum intensity

that the system allows. This is a reflection of the

transducer calibration and

differs when the extended range is activated.

Selecting HL, MCL, UCL or Tinnitus sets the symbol types that are currently

in use by the audiogram

for different tests. HL stands for hearing level, MCL

stands for

most comfortable level and UCL stands for uncomfortable level.

Note that these buttons

display the unmasked right and left symbols of the

currently selected symbol set.

Each type of measurement is saved as a separate curve.

Binaural and Aided allows for indicating if the test is performed with hearing

aids or binaurally with corresponding symbols. The measurements will be

saved as separate curves.

In the Comments section you can type comments related to any audiometric

test. The used space by t

he comments area can be set by dragging the

double line with your mouse. Pressing the

Report editor button opens a

separate window for adding notes to the current session. The report editor

and comment box contain the same text. In case the formatting of t

he text is

important, this can only be set within the report editor.

Note that after saving the session changes can only be added to the report

within the sessions date. Therefore once the date changes you cannot add

anything further or make amendments. See section 4.2

for more information

about the Report Editor.

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The Output list for channel 1 provides the option to test through head

phones, bone conductor, free field speakers or insert phones. Note that the

system only shows the calibrated transducers.

The Input list for channel 1 provides the option to select pure tone, warble

tone, narrow band noise (NB) and white noise (WN).

Note that the background shading is according to the side that is selected,

red for right and blue for left.

The Output list for channel 2 provides the option to test through head

phones, free field speakers, insert phones or insert masking phone. Note

that the system only shows the calibrated transducers.

The Input list for channel 2 provides the option to select pure tone, warble

tone, narrow band noise (NB), white noise (WN) and TEN noise

3

.

Note that the background shading is according to the side that is selected,

red for right, blue for left, and white when off.

Man and Rev allows toggling between Manual and Reverse test modes. In

manual the stimulus is presented only when manually activated. In reverse

the signal is presented continuously until interrupted by the tone switch.

Pulsation allows for single and continuous pulsating presentation. The

duration of the stimulus can be adjusted in the AC440 setup.

Sim/Alt allows togging between Simultaneous and Alternate presentation.

Ch1 and Ch2 will present the stimulus simultaneously when Sim is

selected. When Alt is selected, the stimulus will alternate between Ch1 and

Ch2.

R+L allows for the system to perform binaural masking and tone

simultaneously. This setting will need to be enabled in each channel. The

test screen will turn grey to indicate this.

Masking indicates if channel 2 is currently in use as a masking channel

and in that way makes sure masking symbols are used in the Audiogram.

For example in paediatric testing through free field speakers, channel 2 can

be set as a second testing channel. Note that a separate store function for

channel 2 is available when channel 2 is not used for masking.

dB HL Increase and Decrease buttons allow increasing/decreasing the

intensities of channel 1 and 2.

The arrow keys on the PC keyboard can be used for increasing/decreasing

channel 1 intensities.

PgUp and PgDn on the PC keyboard can be used for

increasing/decreasing channel 2 intensities.

3

TEN noise requires an additional license for the AC440. If not purchased, the stimulus is not available.

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Additional Information Page 9

Stimuli buttons will light up when hovering the mouse over it. This indicates

the presentation of a stimulus.

A right mouse click in the Stimuli area will store a no response threshold. A

left mouse click in the Stimuli area will store the threshold at the current

position.

Channel 1 stimulation can also be obtained by pressing the space bar or

left Ctrl key on the PC keyboard.

Channel 2 stimulation can also be obtained by pressing the right Ctrl key on

the PC keyboard.

Mouse movements in the Stimuli area for both channel 1 and channel 2 can

ignored depending on the setup.

Frequency and Intensity display area shows what is currently presented.

To the left the dB HL value for channel 1 is shown and to the right for

channel 2 In the centre the frequency is displayed.

Notice that the dB dial setting will flash when trying to go louder than the

maximum available intensity.

The patient response indicator will appear inbetween these values when the

patient response button is depressed. The colour of this indicator will

depend upon which patient response side is used, a red light indicates the

right patient response and a blue light indicates the left patient response.

Frequency increase/decrease increases and decreases the frequency

respectively. This can also be obtained using the left and right arrow keys

on the PC keyboard.

Storing thresholds for channel 1 is done by pressing S or by a left mouse

click in the attenuator of channel 1. Storing a no response threshold can be

done by pressing N or by a right mouse click in the stimuli button of channel

1.

Storing thresholds for channel 2 is available when channel 2 is not the

masking channel. It is done by pressing <Shift> S or by a left mouse click

in the stimuli button of channel 2. Storing a no response threshold can be

done by pressing <Shift> N or by a right mouse click in the attenuator of

channel 2.

The hardware indication picture indicates whether the

hardware is

connected. Simulation mode is indicated when operating the software

without hardware.

When opening the Suite the system will automatically search for the

hardware. If it does not detect the hardware a dialog box pops up and asks

if you want to continue in simulation mode.

The Examiner indicates the current clinician who is testing the patient. The

examiner is saved with a session and can be printed with the results. This

information is taken from the login on the database from which the Suite is

launched, or the suite can be configured in the ‘General Suite Settings’ to

request an examiner name on start-up.

For each examiner, the Suite stores how it is set up with regards to the use

of space in the screen. The examiner will find that the suite starts up looking

the same as it did the last time they used the software. Also the examiner

can select which protocol must be selected at start up (by right mouse click

on the protocol selection list).

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1.3 The Speech Screen Elements

The following section describes the elements of the speech screen in addition to the tone screen:

Input levels sliders allow for adjusting the input level to 0 VU for the

selected input. This ensures that correct calibration is obtained for Mic1,

Mic2, CD1, and CD2.On the VU Meter the dial intensity is achieved when

the signal is at the 0 mark.

WR1, WR2 and WR3 (Word Recognition) allows selecting different speech

list setups as defined by the selected protocol. The labels of these lists

which go along with these buttons can also be customized in the protocol

setup. (See section

1.7.2.3).

The Output list for channel 1 provides the option to test through head

phones, bone conductor, free field speakers or insert phones. Note that the

system only shows the calibrated transducers.

The Input list for channel 1 provides the option to select white noise (WN),

speech noise (SN), microphone 1 or 2 (Mic1 and Mic2), CD1, CD2 and

wave file.

Note that the background shading of the speech Audiogram is according to

the side that is selected, red for right and blue for left.

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