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

Eclipse Additional Information
7.5

Preparing for a ABRIS measurement

7.5.1 Visual inspection of the ear canal

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

7.5.2 Instruction of patient

The ABRIS collects electrical signals from the brain via electrodes which are placed on the baby. As these
signals are very small, it is recommended that the baby be asleep or in a very calm state for testing. The
baby can stay in its crib, be placed on an examination table or be held by the parent.
Ideally, show the electrodes and transducer to be used to the parent before testing and explain the following:
 The aim of the test is to test screen the hearing organ for its functionality.
 The skin will be prepared before placing three 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 baby is not required to do anything during the test as it is automated.
 Crying, sucking and movement may result in a longer test time.

7.5.3 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.
This removal procedure should be discussed with a qualified nurse or doctor. The electrode sites can be pre-
pared and cleaned in order to obtain lower skin impedances. For this purpose a large variety of skin prepara-
tion 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 electrically 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 supplied 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.

7.5.4 Placement of Electrodes

Apply electrodes, blue for left and red for right mastoid, white for vertex (or hairline at the upper forehead)
and black for lower forehead.
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