Preparing For An Assr Measurement; Visual Inspection Of The Ear Canal; Instruction Of Patient; Preparation Of Skin - Interacoustics Eclipse Additional Information

Eclipse Additional Information
6.6

Preparing for an ASSR measurement

For obtaining reliable and valid test results it is important that the patient is well prepared for the test.

6.6.1 Visual inspection of the ear canal

Check the external ear canal for wax with an otoscope and remove excessive wax to prevent the probe
opening from clogging which will inhibit testing.

6.6.2 Instruction of patient

Show the electrodes and transducer to be used to the patient or parent before testing and explain the follow-
ing:
 The aim of the test is to test the hearing organ for its functionality.
 The skin will be prepared before placing the electrodes.
 A transducer (probe, insert headphones etc.) will be used to deliver the sound to the ear.
 A soft clicking sound will be heard during the test.
 The individual is not required to do anything during the test as it is automated.
 It is important relax during testing (crying, sucking and movement may result in a longer test time).

6.6.3 Preparation of skin

The skin should be clean and free of lotions or oils. If any greasy skin care products have been used where
the electrodes are to be placed, the lotion/oil should be carefully removed prior to placing the electrodes.
The electrode sites should be prepared and cleaned in order to obtain lower skin impedances. For this pur-
pose a large variety of skin preparation pastes/gels can be purchased. Please note that two different types of
electrode pastes/gels exist: One which is an abrasive gel to prepare the skin and another which is an electri-
cally conductive paste used with reusable electrodes. Only the first type can be used for skin preparation
(you can feel the abrasive nature of this type of paste when rubbing it between your fingers). The paste sup-
plied with the unit is this type of skin preparation paste/gel (NuPrep).
Typically, if the baby's skin is clean and free of lotions/oils, you will not need to perform any skin preparation.
However, to lower the skin impedances, follow these instructions:
 Clean the skin where the electrodes will be placed with an alcohol wipe.
 Put some of the skin preparation gel (NuPrep) onto a piece of gauze and rub the skin gently several
times. A good and thorough job of rubbing the skin with the gel might turn the skin a little red but will en-
sure good electrode impedance. Neonates generally do not require excessive abrasion.
 Remove excessive abrasive gel before placing the electrodes. Some clinicians prefer to clean off the gel
with alcohol wipes of a piece of gauze. This will also ensure a very clean and dry area, well suited for the
adhesive part of the electrode.
If the baby's skin is dry or you are obtaining high impedances, applying a small amount of conductive
gel/paste to the baby's skin prior to connecting the surface electrode will help to rehydrate the skin and to
lower impedances.
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