A short session on using insert earphones and earmuffs in adult audiometric assessments.
Upcoming Dates
Description
The Insert Earphones Workshop is based on the innovative, flexible and cost-effective earphone option listed in the latest (2014) version of Australian Standard 1269.4: insert earphones + noise-reducing earmuffs.
As specified in Australian Standard 1269.4, a key element to obtaining accurate audiometric results is to test in quiet environment. Many busy practices realise this is easier said than done! If background noise isn’t managed effectively, complaints can arise from test subjects as well as companies engaging the audiometry service provider.
The Insert Earphones Workshop provides hands-on training in the safe and effective fitting of insert earphones and earmuffs for occupational audiometry.
When using insert earphones, the audiometric tester inserts an expanding earplug deeply into the client’s ear canal. This is an “invasive” technique and warrants formal instruction to complete the task safely. Training is particularly valuable for obtaining a “good fit” in order to achieve the high level of noise reduction specified in AS/NZS1269.4.
What are insert Earphones?
Insert earphones deliver testing tones via a tube that passes through a compressible earplug, which is positioned inside the client’s ear canal.
Insert earphones on their own provide a reasonable level of external noise reduction, however research demonstrates that much greater reduction is achieved when a pair of specific, high rated earmuffs is fitted over the top.
Benefits of using the insert earphone + earmuff combination
- High noise reduction. One of the main benefits is a very high level of attenuation (noise reduction) of external noise.
- Flexibility of testing location. Better noise reduction means Standards/legislation-compliant audiometric testing is possible in many rooms that would previously be too noisy to conduct audiometry without a booth.
- Cost effective. Compared to a booth (still the ‘gold standard’ for audiometry), the insert earphones equipment costs are significantly lower.
- Takes up the same space as a pair of standard audiometer headphones, so can be easily transported between locations.
- Enhanced perception of test quality. Many customers report that clients can question the accuracy and quality of the test when they hear external noise during a hearing test. This new equipment provides extra levels of noise reduction so many everyday sounds in the clinic are heavily muted or inaudible.
We provide one-on-one supervised practice.
We supply all practice equipment including audiometers, otoscopes, insert earphones and consumables. Students are provided with a Course Manual and other supporting material.
This a 1/2-day program that runs from 8.30am – 12.30pm.
Students attending this workshop will receive an Attendance Certificate from The Hearing Company, Australia’s leading occupational audiometry training provider.
This course provides compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS1269.4
The insert earphones + earmuff combination appears in the 2014 (current) version of the Australian Standard AS/NZS1269.4.
The Standard also describes the level of external noise that is acceptable when using this combination – much higher than other ear-level headphones equipment.
For reference, while insert earphones look somewhat unconventional, they have been in widespread use by audiologists (university-trained hearing specialists) around the world for decades.
The workshop content is developed from Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard 1269.4 (the key reference document in occupational audiometry), National Acoustic Laboratories research and practicing audiologists with over 20 years’ experience.
Course topics include
- Benefits of using insert earphones
- Basic outer ear anatomy refresher
- Effective & safe otoscopy refresher
- Safe and effective fitting and removal of insert earphones
- Identify when not to use insert earphones
- Using the background noise tables from AS/NZS1269.4
- Appropriate hygiene practices
- Conduct equipment checks and basic troubleshooting
The Insert Earphones Workshop is only available to graduates of the 5-day Audiometric Officer Course, 5-day Audiometric Surveillance Course and the 4-day Occupational Audiometry Course conducted by The Hearing Company, or other formal audiometry course which includes specific tuition on ear inspection. This ensures competence in Australian Standards audiometry and otoscopy techniques, allowing our teacher to focus on developing advanced skills during the workshop.