Posted by Jessica Wetzel on Tue, Nov 01, 2011 @ 09:50 AM
EroScan OAE General Questions:
Q: How can the EroScan save me time?
A: Otoacoustic emissions requires no response from the patient. This is a definite advantage for children with physical disabilities, young children, and children where English is a 2nd language.
Q: How does the EroScan work?
A: The digital signal processor in the instrument generates two pure tones (f1 and f2) through a digital-to-analog converter. These tones are presented to the ear via speaker tubes located in the probe. A microphone in the probe measures the sound in the ear canal and transmits the signal to the analog-to-digital converter. The digital signal processor then filters the signal into narrow frequency bands, and detects any emissions present. The level of these emissions can be compared with the average level of the noise in adjacent frequency bands. An emission is judged to be present when the level in the emission band is 5 db or more above the level in adjacent bands. (The actual pass-fail criterion used in the EroScan instrument uses a more sophisticated statistical test).
Q: I see different units listed and one is more expensive than the other. What is the difference?
A: The screener has a lower price because it has set test protocols in the unit that cannot be altered by the user. The standard unit allows the user to modify the test protocol allowing for the testing of more frequencies at different levels.
Q: What are the reimbursement codes for the unit?
A: OAE screening is billed with CPT code 92587 – Screening. Diagnostic OAE testing is billed with CPT code 92588 – Comprehensive.
Operation:
Q: What training is required?
A: Anyone can learn to use the product, however, there is a technique for proper screening, and practice is required to do the technique properly. A training video comes with each unit and will help you to learn the technique.
Q: When should I use the remote probe?
A: The remote probe is just as effective when testing but gives you a bigger range of motion. It is the preferred method for testing because it allows head movement and is more comfortable – especially for newborns.
Q: What does a REFER result mean?
A: Test results are either PASS or REFER. REFER means that the patient did not pass the test. This could be due to many reasons including ear wax, middle ear fluid, noise, improper test technique or hearing loss. All REFER results should be immediately repeated. If the test result continues to be REFER, the patient should be screened using pure-tone testing and tympanometry. If passing results are not achieved on these tests, then a referral to an audiologist and/or physician should be made.
Who Can Be Screened:
Q: What ages can be screened with the EroScan?
A: Newborn to adult.
Q: Can I test patients with pressure equalization (PE) tubes?
A: Patients with PE tubes can be tested by bypassing the auto-start function of the unit. This is accomplished by first inserting the EroScan with an appropriate ear tip into the ear canal and obtaining a proper seal. To disable the auto-start, at the main menu select the ear to be tested by holding down the right or left arrow keys for 3 seconds until the green "test" light turns off. Once the key is released, the EroScan will calibrate and test as before.
Q: If a patient’s ear is impacted with wax can I still screen her?
A: No, impacted wax will yield a refer result. In addition, any significant amount of wax can potentially cause a refer result.
Q: Can a patient with otitis media still be screened with the EroScan unit?
A: Middle ear fluid will yield a refer result. This should then be followed up with pure tone testing and tympanometry so you can determine if there is otitis media based on the flat tympanogram.
Maintenance:
Q: Does the unit need to be calibrated?
A: The instrument requires no regular maintenance beyond routine cleaning and battery replacement.
Q: How do I clean my EroScan unit?
A: The instrument and its accessories may be wiped clean with a damp cloth using a mild antiseptic solution (e.g. cetylcide). Take care not to put excessive pressure on the clear display window or allow any utensil to puncture the display window or keypad. Do not allow any fluid to enter the device. Do not immerse the instrument in fluids or attempt to sterilize the instrument or any or its accessories. Probe tips should be replaced when they become clogged. Replacement probe tips are included with the instrument. Do not attempt to clean the probe tips, they are disposable and must be replaced when they become clogged.
View all FAQ's, Technical Specs, Operator's Manual and More on the Maico EroScan OAE Hearing Screener >>
Posted by Jessica Wetzel on Tue, Oct 25, 2011 @ 06:03 PM
Tips from the Early Childhood Hearing Outreach (ECHO) Initiative
According to their website, the ECHO Initiative’s goal is to “provide early childhood educators and health providers with up-to-date information on recommended Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) hearing screening practices so that children 0 – 3 years of age with hearing health needs receive appropriate services.” ECHO’s website offers resources for early head start, early intervention settings, and health care settings that include:
- Training/instructional materials.
- How to identify a local pediatric audiologist to assist with training and technical assistance.
- An audiologist-approved OAE screening and follow-up protocol.
- Guidelines and resources for selecting appropriate OAE equipment.
- Forms for documenting screening outcomes.
- Tools for tracking follow-up activities.
- Periodic webinars (including introductory and advanced information).
- Monthly electronic newsletter, Probes & Tips, offering helpful tips for implementing OAE screening and follow-up practices.
- Live presentations and training workshops at State, Regional and National Conferences.
- Individual consultation as needed.
10 Great OAE Resources from the ECHO website:
- 25-minute Introduction to the ECHO Initiative video -understand the elements involved in getting trained and ready to implement an effective OAE hearing screening program with children 0 – 3 years of age.
- OAE Implementation Checklist.
- Locate your Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program Coordinator.
- Share this Audiologist's Training and Technical Assistance Manual [PDF] with your pediatric audiologist.
- Elements to Consider When Selecting Equipment [PDF]
- OAE Equipment Comparisons [PDF]
- OAE Equipment Reviews
- Sample Mini-grant Proposal [MS Word]
- Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]
- Gain Skills and Implement Your OAE Screening Program
Visit ECHO’s website.
Shop OAE Hearing Screeners, Read FAQ's, Operator's Manuals, and More >>
Request a FREE Hearing Screening Consultation >>
Posted by Jessica Wetzel on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 @ 05:02 AM
6 Tips from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Identify that OAE’s are the appropriate screening method for your program. Involving an audiologist in the selection of the screening method is always recommended. However, you may want to take into consideration the age and maturity level of the children being screened and who will actually be conducting the screening in your assessment. For example, if a child is old enough and mature enough to respond to instructions consistently, you may want to use traditional or play audiometry to screen those children. But an OAE hearing screener would be a better choice when screening infants, toddlers, or other children who are developmentally unable to participate in traditional audiometry screening. Also, if the person conducting the screening in not an audiologist, OAEs might be the best choice because people who are trained to work with children can learn to use OAEs effectively.
- Select the appropriate OAE machine for your program. Use factors such as the type of person performing the screening (lay people versus audiologists) to determine which machine to buy. You probably want to schedule a consultation with an equipment expert before making a final decision (schedule a free hearing screening consultation here >>).
- Create Screening Protocols. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “An effective OAE screening protocol must balance the risk of false positive results and potentially over-referring children for assessment against the need for timely referrals. A multi-step screening protocol (PDF) addresses this concern." Read more >>
- Select Your Program’s Screeners. Identify who will be performing the screening at your facility, which will determine how many hearing screeners to purchase. Examples of screeners include health specialists, nurses, or teachers.
- Determine How to Track & Follow Up with Referrals. Once a child has been identified as needing further hearing testing, make sure that child receives the attention they need.
- Train Screeners. View Training Materials used in the Head Start ECHO project. According to ASHA, "the most important training element is supervised, hands-on experience screening children."
Read the entire article from ASHA >>
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