Welch Allyn TM286 Directions For Use Manual page 24

20 Operation
Tympanometry testing information
It is good practice to perform a test on a normal ear each day to make certain that the
instrument is functioning properly. See
Helpful hints
Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing can be performed on patients of any age;
however, the technique used will vary with age. From three years through adult,
tympanometry can be performed with little difficulty due to the cooperative nature of this
age group. With patients under three years old, a bit of ingenuity is required to keep the
patient relatively quiet during the seconds required for the test. In all cases, distraction is
the key to success. Anything that provides a sound and/or visual distraction should work.
Sucking on a pacifier or a bottle will help with the younger population. However, the
tympanogram tracing will not appear as smooth due to the movement artifact. Having a
parent hold an infant during testing will also help. For the 1000 Hz probe tone on infants,
we recommend turning the Auto Start option off (factory default setting). This will allow
the probe to be positioned and will allow repeated tests without removing the probe.
The key to success in all cases is to be at eye level with the ear canal. Use a steady hand
monitor the ear canal and probe lights until the test is over. It is a good idea upon first
receiving the instrument to practice on a cooperative patient to gain confidence in its use.
Obtaining a seal
Six different size eartips are provided with this instrument. The size of eartip will vary with
size of the individual patient. Generally speaking, the following criteria apply:
• Preemie - 8 mm (26008)
• Newborn - 8 mm, 11 mm (26011)
• Pre-school -11 mm, 13 mm (26011 or 26013)
• School age -11 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm (26011, 26013, or 26015)
• Adult -15 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm (26015, 26017 , or 26019)
Note
1. Place the appropriate size eartip onto the nose cone of the probe, making sure the
rounded tip of the eartip sits flush with the tip of the nose cone (See
eartip"
WARNING A Welch Allyn provided Probe Tip must be used. Using the probe
without the Probe Tip could result in injury to the subject.
Before attempting to seal the entrance of the ear canal, visually inspect the
opening to make sure that the canal is free of any obstruction. If the canal is
completely plugged at the entrance or if fluid is running from the ear canal,
tympanometry should not be attempted until the condition is cleared.
Damage to the probe can result if fluid is sucked into the probe with negative
pressure.
on page 21).
"Biological Check" on page 46 for details.
Welch Allyn TM286 Auto Tymp
"Positioning the