v6 Manual Issue 17
v6 Manual Issue 17
ILO V6
User Manual
Issue 17
ILO V6 User Manual
Copyright Notice
0120
1 Introduction.................................................................................... 9
5 Initial setup.................................................................................. 21
15 Reviewing data............................................................................ 93
15.1 Examine/Compare data...................................................................94
16 Setup options.............................................................................. 96
16.1 OAE System Setup..........................................................................96
16.2 Stims (including setting new DPOAE high frequency range)........................97
16.3 Start/Stop/Score..............................................................................99
16.4 Environment..................................................................................100
16.5 Exports..........................................................................................102
16.6 Probes...........................................................................................103
18 Reporting................................................................................... 110
18.1 Operational statistics..................................................................... 111
21 Networking................................................................................. 126
21.1 LAN client/server installation.........................................................126
21.2 Independent single desktop installation that periodically transfers
data to an ILO V6 ‘data bank’ via the LAN.....................................127
24 Index.......................................................................................... 137
1.0.a ILO V6 Clinical OAE software opens up new windows on the cochlea. Designed
by the originators of OAE technology and based on 40 years of experience
with OAEs, V6 software is an expanding suite of carefully engineered
OAE investigational facilities with proven clinical or scientific value. It also
incorporates advanced data management services.
1.0.b To gain the most clinical insights from V6 software, you need to keep in mind
the source of OAEs. The outer haircells of the organ of Corti are responsible
for healthy ears achieving high sensitivity and good frequency selectivity at low
stimulus levels. They do this by assisting the stimulus energy to pass along the
basilar membrane without loss – so that specific frequencies reach the sensory
cells at specific places. This process is often termed the ‘cochlear amplifier’,
but it’s not a perfect amplifier. During its operation it generates some distortion
and also allows stimulus frequency energy to escape. Both reach the middle
ear as vibration and this creates secondary sounds in the ear canal. Sometimes
outer hair cell energy is released without external stimulation, giving rise to
spontaneous sound emission.
1.0.e Strong OAE responses are normally obtained from healthy ears with normal
hearing thresholds. The strength of OAE recorded depends on the stimulation
applied. Please refer to the literature on OAEs before changing stimulus
settings in ILO V6, as this could change the sensitivity of the instrument to
hearing loss. Please also note that OAEs do not provide a replacement for
the audiogram and hearing threshold cannot be reliably estimated from OAE
measurements. Auditory pathology can affect retrocochlear function and also
rarely inner hair cell sensory function. Both can result in hearing loss without
loss of OAEs.
1.0.f OAEs should therefore by viewed as one important part of the audiological
diagnostic test battery.
2.1.c RAM
1024MB minimum
2.2 ILO CD
2.2.a Prior to software installation, close all application programs running on your PC.
2.2.b Insert the ILO V6 CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD will start automatically
and a menu will appear, presenting several options. Select the options using a
left mouse click. If the CD does not auto-run, click Start > Run > Browse and
select Run.exe.
2.2.d Manuals - opens a sub menu, which gives the option to view the different ILO
software manuals. Manuals are in PDF format and require a reader to view.
2.2.f Visit Website - opens the Otodynamics web site (your PC will need to be
connected to the internet).
2.2.g Register - please register this software so that we can keep you informed of
updates from time to time.
2.3.b For further information about Networking options available, see the Networking
section later in this manual.
• You will be asked to enter a password – this will be found on the CD sleeve.
2.3.d Note:
Please refer to your Echoport Manual for instructions on connecting
your hardware and installing any necessary drivers.
3.2.2 DPOAEs
3.5 Probe
• Smart probe technology - carried calibration and usage data
• ILO probe design - proven and improved in 15 years of service
• Easy to use probe test with pre/post test comparison
Note:
Not all features listed are available for all Echoport models. Please
check with your hardware manual.
4.1.b Patency of the ear canal is essential for successful recordings. Obstruction by
wax in older patients, or by fluid or birth debris in neonates, or by collapse of
the canal in the latter, prevent OAEs from reaching the ear canal and are major
causes of OAE recording failure. Sleep and sedation have minimal effects on
OAEs.
4.3.b This does not arise with neonates, but their ear canals are extremely small and
this needs to be accommodated in the selection of probe size and stimulation
intensity.
4.4.b Sensory transmissive loss can be defined as hearing loss resulting from
dysfunction of outer sensory hair cell group. Absence of the ‘cochlear amplifier’
allows natural damping to remove most stimulus energy from the cochlear
travelling wave and lowers the resolution of the cochlear imaging mechanism.
Inefficient transmission of excitation to the inner hair cells (IHCs) causes loss of
hearing sensitivity and frequency selectivity. Since there remains a pathway for
stimulation to reach the IHCs, profound hearing loss cannot be caused by outer
hair cell (OHC) dysfunction alone. Total OHC failure is estimated to cause no
more than 60 dB hearing loss. Loss of OAEs with a normal middle ear indicates
sensory transmissive loss.
4.4.c Sensory transduction loss can be defined as hearing loss resulting from
failure of inner hair cells to respond and activate the synapsed auditory nerves.
This could give rise to any degree of hearing loss from mild to profound since
the auditory nerves themselves have no sensitivity to sound simulation. Loss of
frequency selectivity would not necessarily accompany threshold elevation in a
pure sensory transductive loss, and OAEs would be normal.
4.5.b The absence of OAEs without middle ear pathology or acoustic obstruction
strongly indicates sensory transmissive hearing loss. Depending on the type
and intensity of stimulation, OAEs can reveal threshold elevations as small as
20 dB HL and the frequency ‘resolution’ of OAEs can be as good as 1/2 octave.
The amount of threshold elevation cannot be predicted with any useful accuracy,
but if DPOAEs are present with TEOAEs absent, this suggests mild to moderate
loss only.
4.5.c OAEs are normally very stable with time and are valuable as a sensitive monitor
of changes in cochlear (and middle ear) status over time, e.g. in relation to
sudden hearing loss, Ménière’s disease or noise trauma.
4.5.d Although OAEs can differ enormously between healthy ears they are usually
quite similar in the left and right ears. Substantial left-right differences may
therefore indicate pathology.
4.6.b OAEs are pre-neural responses indicating healthy cochlear status and cannot
be used to detect sensory transductive or neural hearing losses. With neonates,
the absence of an OAE response in clear dry ears should be treated as a strong
risk factor for sensory hearing impairment. However, other risk factors need
to be considered before presence of an OAE is taken as evidence of normal
hearing. Hyperbilirubinemia or any risk of neurological damage requires that an
ABR test also be conducted.
4.6.c Auditory neuropathy is indicated by the presence of normal OAEs but the
absence of normal ABR responses. In such rare cases, the application of
hearing aids with high amplification may be counterproductive. In infants both
ABR and OAE testing should precede hearing aid selection.
4.7.b The objective nature of OAEs can be useful in the investigation and
management of inorganic hearing loss by demonstrating normal cochlear
function to the patient.
4.7.c Serious tinnitus is almost never associated with OAEs, but rather with their
absence. Spontaneous OAEs can sometimes be perceived as tinnitus and
occasionally cause unnecessary anxiety. Typically in such cases hearing
threshold is normal and the tinnitus is mild, tonal and easily maskable by noise.
Patients can be reassured by the objective demonstration of spontaneous
OAEs.
5.0.a Connect the Otodynamics OAE hardware to your PC using the cable provided.
Double-click on the ILO V6 icon created on your Windows desktop to run the
ILO V6 software. You will be required to enter a license key when running
the software for the first time. The license key can be found on the CD and/or
documentation accompanying the software. The license key may be entered
using upper or lower case letters.
5.0.c ILO V6 can be installed to run OAE tests or as a data manager for OAE data. If
you are installing a USB system set the Type field in the OAE Instrument box
to read Echoport USB OAE. If you are planning to use V6 as a data manager
then set Type to Otoport viewer.
5.0.d The User and Facility details can be entered at this point. It is important to fill
the fields listed in a bold typeface, as these are mandatory fields. The Facility
ID is a unique 3-character identifier that can be used to ensure that data
collected at different sites can be easily identified - you may choose any three
characters for this ID. The User/Operator ID is a unique 3-character identifier
field that can be used to ensure that tests performed by a particular user can be
easily identified (we suggest that the user’s initials are used, if necessary adding
a character to total three). The Global Site Name (GSN) is a unique 3-character
hardware identifier that ensures that data files collected on a particular ILO
system can be easily identified. The GSN will be found on the CD label, with
5.0.f If you are installing V6 for use with an Echoport but have not connected the
hardware with the cable provided, the error message below will be displayed. In
this event, connect the hardware and retry.
5.0.g If you see this message and you are installing V6 to manage Otoport data go
to File > Setup Options > OAE system and set OAE System type to Otoport
Viewer / Training Mode.
5.0.i New operators can be added by entering the relevant details in the User
Name, Forename and ID fields, selecting User or Advanced User privileges
and clicking on the <Add New User> button. Passwords may be entered if
required by your protocol. The User/Operator can then be selected from the
pull-down menu. Note that users do not have full access to menu options,
therefore disabling areas which include important configuration settings, which
should only be set by fully trained staff. All necessary intervention by a user
can be accessed from the main screen. There are buttons to access the probe
calibration check area and to do data downloads and transfers.
5.0.j Please remember to set the various directories to your preferred paths before
you start testing. This is especially important if you intend to create and export
records such as OZ SIMS, Hi*Track, .XML, .CSV, ASCII or GDT (option) files.
Directories can be changed from the default paths via File > Options > Export/
Import.
6.1.a The main screen is structured to present various textual, graphical and
numerical data in an organised and digestible format. The menu bar (below the
title bar) gives access to many layers of options and functions via six main drop-
down menus; these are accessed with a mouse or by pressing the Alt key whilst
holding down the underlined key in the menu bar title.
6.1.b To the left of the screen are three stacked panels with tabs labelled This
Patient, Worklist and Review data. Clicking on the required tab will reveal the
panel, giving access to further options and data.
6.1.c The Test data box sits to the left of centre-screen and details information
about the test performed on the current patient being tested or reviewed. The
patient details are displayed in the This Patient tab. The <Start Test...>, <Start
Bilateral Test...>, <Print> and <Save> buttons sit below the Test data box.
The functions are greyed out when inactive.
6.1.e In TEOAE mode the Response Waveform graph shows the magnitude of the
complex TEOAE waveform with time.
6.1.f The OAE Response window displays the level of OAE and the level of
noise recorded in decibel sound pressure level against frequency. There are
several display options available for this panel, specific to TEOAE and DPOAE
recordings. Please see the OAE Response window sections under Performing
a TEOAE Test and Performing a DPOAE Test.
6.1.g To the right of the OAE Response window is the noise rejection level slider.
This is used to set the level for the rejection of noisier data samples. The
associated fields to the right display the number of samples with noise below
and above the level set by the noise rejection level slider (Nlo and Nhi) and
a figure which indicates the actual reject level. Also in this table are other
measurements specific to TEOAE and DPOAE recordings. For TEOAE data the
wave Reproducibility and stimulus Stability figures are displayed. For DPOAE
data the ratio between F1 and F2 is indicated. These features are discussed
later in the manual.
6.1.h The Numerical Data panel toward the bottom right of the screen shows
technical information regarding the test performed, including the stimulus
level used, the OAE response power and the test time. The data is specific to
TEOAE and DPOAE recordings.
6.1.i Along the bottom of the screen is the Status Bar. The protocol setting mode is
shown here, along with the instrument GSN, the user 3-character ID and the
export status. It is possible to hot swap between protocol modes and log on as
different users by clicking the mouse on the relevant area.
6.1.j Note:
When using Echoport USB systems and testing neonates, it is
important to set the protocol mode to neonatal screening or neonatal
diagnostic. This will ensure the correct stimulus intensity is delivered
to the patient. When in neonatal mode, the status bar changes to
yellow.
6.3.b A summary of menu bar options follows. Many of the menu items are explained
in full detail in later sections of this manual.
6.4.2 Print
6.4.2.a This opens a window on the <Print> button which gives various printing options
for the current patient.
6.4.4.a This is a major section, allowing you to choose your OAE system, set your own
testing criteria, register and calibrate probes and specify location of files created
within the software. There are pre-set values for stimuli, protocols etc., but you
may wish to change these when you are familiar with the software. (Please see
Setup Options for full details).
6.4.7 Exit
6.4.7.a Select this to exit.
6.5.a The Tests menu provides a list of test options and a short-cut to the stimuli
setup screen. The first item ‘Start test’ default action activates a secondary
menu where you can pre-select the test which commences when the <Start
Test> button on the main screen is pressed.
6.6.a This menu offers a number of patient report options. Reports can be filtered by
operator, instrument, facility, and date.
6.7.a The Data management menu provides facilities for data backups, archiving and
management of files from other ILO systems.
6.8.a The Help menu enables you to search for help on any topic in the V6 manual
and provides facilities for emailing your dealer or Otodynamics, registering a
new software license and viewing the Otodynamics website. The About option
provides information on the current ILO V6 software version.
7.1.a The currently selected Test Mode is shown at the bottom of the screen. The
four test modes available are Neonate Screening, Neonate Diagnostic, General
Screening and General Diagnostic. Always choose a Neonate mode when
testing a newborn or very young infant. If a neonate is tested while in one of the
General Modes, the stimulus level during Checkfit will initially be too high. We
do not recommend that you use the automatic adjust function to correct for this.
7.1.b The Test Mode can be changed in File > Options > Start/Stop/Score (shown
above) or by a left-click on the Mode= box at the bottom of the screen, and then
choosing the correct Mode. To help identify when neonatal mode has been
selected, the status bar at the bottom of the page is coloured yellow.
7.3.1.a Click <Edit the worklist> button to open the editing window. Input patient
details into the relevant fields by clicking on the Family name field then using
the tab key or mouse to move between fields. Family name and ID number are
key fields and both must be completed before the patient can be moved to the
list by clicking the <Update> button. Please note that an Automatic ID option is
not available with the worklist.
7.3.1.b Note:
The ‘Sex’ field must also be completed. It is possible to save a
patient to the worklist without this field filled in, but it will not be
possible to save the record to the database.
Brown,1234
Smith,3366
Brown,1234, Michael,James,Male
Smith,3366,Joanne,Mary,Female
7.3.4.b These files should be saved with a suitable file name, ensuring that the filename
extension is .csv. During the import you will be requested to navigate to this file
using a standard windows file selection dialogue box. Once selected, the data
will be added to the list shown in the worklist.
7.4.a Choose the type of test you wish to perform from the Tests menu - TEOAE,
DPOAE, DP Growth or Spontaneous. Please refer to the sections Advanced
DPOAE measurements - multi-level DPOAE, Spontaneous OAEs and
Binaural OAE measurements for further information on these test types.
8.0.a Connect a probe. Fit an appropriately sized probe tip and insert the probe in the
ear to be tested. Ensure that the correct Test Mode and Test Type have been
selected, as described previously in Preparing for a test.
8.0.b Transient evoked OAEs are highly individual responses which are very sensitive
to changes in cochlear status.
8.1.b Choose Quickscreen for the most rapid overview of cochlear status. This
stimulus is repeated 80 times per second, and its energy is biased towards
midfrequencies. It implements the nonlinear stimulus procedure for artifact
rejection. This stimulus is extensively used for newborn hearing screening
but is equally useful for the initial OAE test. Quickscreen should not used if
OAEs below 1kHz are of interest. Each accepted sweep (NLo) averages the
responses to sixteen stimuli (8 for the A waveform and 8 for B. Note: The A
and B waveforms are two interleaved measurements combined in a single OAE
result).
8.1.c Select Nonlinear click stimulation for clinical documentation of TEOAEs. This
uses a plain click stimulus (80 microsecond drive signal) repeated 50 times per
second - resulting in a 20ms response window. Each accepted sweep (NLo)
averages the responses to eight stimuli (4 for the A waveform and 4 for B).
8.1.d The differences in stimulus, response window, stimulus repetition rate and
adoption of the non-linear stimulus method mean that Quickscreen, Nonlinear
and Linear modes may yield different responses from the same ear. In
particular because Quickscreen records twice as many stimulus responses
within each sweep Quickscreen will show lower noise levels for the same sweep
(NLo) count.
8.1.e The Linear mode of TEOAE is not for regular clinical use. Normally NON-linear
TEOAE is used (as in Quickscreen) as this provides a much higher immunity
from stimulus artifact contamination. With Linear TEOAE some stimulus energy
is present mixed with the TEOAE especially at normal and higher stimulus
levels. It must not therefore be used for screening.
8.1.g Linear can be useful when tracing TEOAE to very low stimulus levels. Also
when looking for small changes in TEOAE. If TEOAE response ‘1’ is subtracted
from TEOAE response ‘2’ from the same ear and obtained with the same probe
fitting then the stimulus artifact will be cancelled. The differences between the
two responses will be clearly seen. This technique has been successfully used
to observe the effects of contralateral noise on OAEs (suppression).
8.1.h Warning:
Linear TEOAE must NOT be used for routine screening and
diagnostic applications.
8.1.j Select Tone pip only after performing a click TEOAE. Tone pip TEOAEs allow
maximum stimulus energy to be concentrated on a selected frequency band.
8.2.b The stimulus should have a clean, clear positive and negative deflection
followed by a flat line. A flat or poor stimulus may indicate that the tip or coupler
tubes are occluded by fluid or debris (please refer to the section detailing
probe care). Too much “ringing”, or oscillation, in the latter part of the stimulus
waveform could indicate that the tip is not properly fitted to the probe, the tip is
not providing an adequate seal in the ear canal or the probe is angled towards
the ear canal wall. In some adults, the “ringing” may be physiological and
caused by a particular ear canal geometry. Refit the probe and ensure that you
have the best fit possible. The stimulus spectrum should be a smooth, rounded
curve. A jagged stimulus response in the low frequencies or a sharp peak in
the mid-frequency range indicate a bad probe fit. In longer adult ear canals,
there may be a dip in the stimulus spectrum measured at the probe caused by
standing waves in the ear canal. A trough in the stimulus intensity at the probe
does not necessarily indicate a dip in the stimulus intensity at the eardrum.
8.2.c If the stimulus level remains very low, regardless of the position of the probe in
the ear, it is likely that the probe has become blocked. In this case, inspect the
probe coupler tubes and replace if necessary.
The figure below is from a healthy adult ear. The stimulus waveform panel
shows a short, biphasic click stimulus. The stimulus spectrum shows a smooth
distribution across the frequency range (the decrease towards 6kHz is the result
of eardrum reflection).
8.2.e If the stimulus level is outside the target range, this may be due to the ear canal
size being outside of the range used to set the optimum stimulus level. Click on
the <Auto-adjust stim> button or press A to automatically adjust the stimulus
level to the target level of 84 dB pe (this default value can be changed via File >
Options > Stims, if required). However, please note that it is not acceptable to
compensate for a bad probe fit by increasing the stimulus gain.
8.2.f Adjust the position of the noise rejection level slider to reject a percentage of the
noisier data samples (Nhi) and improve the quality of the data accepted (Nlo).
Click on the up and down arrows or use the up and down cursors to set the
noise reject level. The default noise reject level can be set in the File > Options
> Stims menu. If the reject level needs to be set much above 8mPa (52dB
SPL), it may not be possible to record any emissions unless the subject’s OAEs
are very strong. Under these circumstances, it is advisable to settle the baby,
minimise cable rub and/or reassess the test environment. Intermittent sources
of noise, such as background talking, may not prevent you from collecting data
during the quiet periods but sources of continuous noise, such as computer hum
and air-conditioning vents, will be a problem.
8.2.g Enabling the low cut filter will assist in the collection of data in noisy conditions.
8.3.b As the test progresses, data is processed and various on-screen displays and
figures are updated. The absolute OAE response (Resp dB) relates to the total
OAE energy recorded across the frequency range. The OAE response is a
characteristic of the ear and there will be no significant change throughout the
recording. The absolute noise level recorded is also displayed, but this may
reduce as the noise is averaged.
8.3.c When recording OAEs it is important that the data collected is of good quality.
The OAE signal should be significantly larger than the noise floor, therefore
achieving a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). SNR values can be displayed by
right-clicking the mouse on the OAE response window. In half-octave mode
the OAE response histogram shows the signal and noise in half octave bands.
The noise appears red in the colour display and the signal is blue. The signal-to-
noise ratio in each of the bands is the difference between the signal and noise
values. When a valid response exceeds the noise contamination, the signal-
to-noise ratio will be positive. A dash is shown if the noise exceeds the signal.
The signal to noise ratio can be improved by increasing the recording length,
as the noise is averaged and reduced. Minimising the noise level in the test
environment will also help. (See section OAE response window)
8.3.d During data collection, two independent collections are made using
alternate pairs of stimuli. The Response Waveform panel shows these two
superimposed OAE averaged waveforms (one in white and the other in yellow).
The reproducibility figure (Repro) is derived from the correlation between
the two overlaid waveforms. A perfect recording would have a reproducibility
of 100%. The corresponding signal-to-noise ratio would be infinitely high. A
negative reproducibility figure indicates that inversion of the two waveforms
has occurred. Noise contamination in the final result causes a reduction in
reproducibility as well as signal-to-noise ratio.
8.3.e When recording OAEs, it is important to deliver a consistent stimulus and ensure
that the probe fit remains stable. Using the ‘Checkfit’ stimulus, the probe fit and
stimulus are assessed by the operator in ‘Checkfit’ and the test is started when
the best possible fit and the desired stimulus level have been achieved. During
data collection it is important to ensure the probe does not move considerably,
therefore changing the stimulus. The stimulus stability figure (Stab) represents
any change in probe fit from the start of the test, as a percentage.
8.4.b During the test the stimulus changes to the selected type. When data is being
collected, there are two stimuli displayed in the stimulus window. The white
signal represents the stimulus at the start of the test and the green dashed
signal represents the current stimulus. Any difference in the traces shows how
the stimulus has changed throughout the test.
8.4.c The Otodynamics Linear stimulus type also contains some positive clicks that
are the same as the Non-Linear type. These positive clicks are captured and
displayed in the stimulus window. Therefore, if using the Linear or Non-Linear
stimulus types no differences are seen between the ‘Checkfit’ stimulus and the
testing stimulus. However, if using Quickscreen, the stimulus is different. This
stimulus type delivers single clicks of both positive and negative polarities and
there is a slight redistribution of the stimulus energy to the 2-3Khz region from
that of the other stimulus types. The stimulus waveform captured during test will
therefore differ from that of the ‘Checkfit’ stim.
8.4.d When the test is saved the stimulus shown in the stimulus window reverts to the
‘Checkfit’ stimulus.
8.5.b If desired, the program can be configured to automatically stop the test when
specified criteria regarding the quality of the OAE have been met. See section
Test protocols and stop logic.
8.5.c If the test is not stopped by the operator or by intervention of the stop logic, it will
terminate when the specified number of low noise sweeps have been obtained.
8.5.d If the Auto stop function is disabled, it is possible for the test length to be
increased by pressing the F8 key. This will allow the test to run beyond the
specified number of timeout sweeps. (If you wish to use this function during a
bilateral tests, you must ensure that the main V6 window is active first; you may
do this by clicking on the main window). If the auto stop function is switched on,
the test will terminate as programmed.
8.6.b Show SNR values - This option displays the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values.
The SNR is the difference between the OAE response and the noise level and is
displayed at half octave frequencies.
8.6.c Half octave display - This groups the TEOAE response and noise energy into
half octave bands and displays them in a histogram.
8.6.d Half octave display - This groups the TEOAE response and noise energy into
half octave bands and displays them in a histogram.
8.6.e Examine Spectrum Detail - This opens a separate window which displays a
high resolution spectrum of the OAE response. The spectrum produced is often
quite irregular and there is no clinical significance to the detail seen. However,
changes in the detail may relate to changes in the cochlear status.
8.6.f A cursor is available and is controlled with a mouse. Place the mouse over
the OAE spectrum window. Values of dBSPL and KHz, relative to the cursor
movement, are displayed in the boxes at the bottom of the window. Using a left
mouse click sets a reference point on the graph. Change in cursor movement
from this point is indicated at the bottom of the screen in the fields next to Delta.
8.6.g It is possible to zoom in and out using a left mouse click and drag. Left to right
zooms in and right to left zooms out. It is also possible to scale the graph up
and down using up and down arrow keys.
8.6.i View data table - This option takes you directly to a data table, which details
information about the test. Half octave data is shown.
8.7.a A right-click on the Response Waveform window reveals two further options.
8.7.b Examine waveform detail - The OAE response waveform can be examined
and manipulated by using this option. During a TEOAE test, two interleaved
recordings are made. These result in the responses A and B. The A and B
waveforms can be combined to show the A and B mean, A and B difference or
splt to show the two individal waveforms as well s the default overlaid display.
8.7.c An X-Y cursor is provided that helps to show sound pressure level at specific
latencies. Clicking and holding down the left mouse button and dragging the
selection box to the right will zoom in to display the selected area. The display
is returned to normal by clicking and holding down the left mouse button and
dragging to the left.
8.7.f Use the mouse to drag the sliders to the required frequency and then press
<OK>. The waveform will now be filtered to the frequency limits chosen. The
filtered OAE will only contain components between the frequency limits set, with
the response outside the limits heavily attenuated. The filter can greatly distort
OAE waveforms.
8.7.g The lower filter range is 50 Hz to 4000 Hz. The upper filter range is 500 Hz to
6000Hz.
8.7.i When this filter is applied the reproducibility figure is recalculated to reflect the
effect of the filter. When applied Repro is shown in italics and the repro figure
turns blue.
8.8.b Once the data has been saved, the <Print> button is enabled. Selecting this
button will pop up a small menu which gives access to the various printing
options available to TEOAE and DPOAE data.
8.8.c Note:
If the ‘Print best data’ or ‘Print selected pair’ options combine TEOAE
and DPOAE tests, they will be printed on separate pages. These
may be viewed on the print preview screen by using the browse
buttons at the top of the screen.
8.8.3.b Click on the print symbol at the top of the print preview to print the data
displayed. (Fig. 3 shows the print report format).
8.9.b Monochrome Prints – will print your reports in black and white.
8.9.c Preview printouts – a print preview is presented upon selection of print type.
8.9.d Inc. DP data table print – prints a data table for DP tests that includes all test
points measured. (See fig. 5).
8.9.e Swap Left/Right Printing – for automated 2-tests per page printouts, the
orientation of the left and right ear data is swapped.
8.9.f Print setup – displays standard windows print setup options, including printer
selection.
8.10.b The raw OAE data file is stored in the data file directory (as specified on the File
> Options > Environment settings). This contains all the waveform information
for a particular test. A file is created for every OAE test that is performed and
saved. Each patient will normally have several OAE data files. These data
files contain many detailed parameters related to the individual OAE test
measurement (including OAE waveforms etc.). The format of these data files is
fully backward compatible with previous Otodynamics’ OAE applications.
8.10.c The patient demographics and the OAE test summary data are stored in
an industry standard SQL database server. This database resides on either
the same PC as the program or can be on a separate PC over a network
connection. Its location is specified in the File > Options > Environment >
Database Setup menu. This database can contain vast amounts of data with
very minimal performance degradation and therefore can become a central
repository for data collected from many PCs. Each data record ‘belongs’ to
a user, a machine and a facility where it was created so that the data can be
filtered at a later date.
8.10.d The data files for export to other database management systems are saved
in the screening data transfer area directory as specified in File > Options >
Exports setup menu. A built-in database contains patient demographics and
OAE test results etc. During the OAE test save operation and using the re-
export facility it is optionally possible to save the test result to a co-operating
third party screening management package. There are several pre-set options
(accessed from File > Options > Exports ) which export data in the following
formats. For additional information on exporting data, see the Exports and Re-
export to: sections.
8.10.2 Hi*Track
8.10.2.a This option exports to the NCHAM Hi*Track software (both DOS and Windows
versions). The export filename is EZScreen.txt.
8.10.3 CSV
8.10.3.a This options exports to comma delimited ASCII files. This file format is a
common data exchange format which can be read by spreadsheet and database
products such as Microsoft Excel. The export filename is ILOdata.csv.
8.10.4 XML
8.10.4.a The XML export is similar to CSV and is an increasingly common way of moving
data between database applications. The export filename is Eztests.xml.
8.10.5 GDT
8.10.5.a This export option is available only in Germany and is for importing and
exporting data to and from GDT compliant applications.
8.10.6 ASCII
8.10.6.a This provides an ASCII text file export. The user can select data fields to be
included in the exported file via the <Ascii export configure> button, which
accesses the Select ascii export fields panel.
9.1.b Background external and physiological noise is always present in the cochlea
and there is a minute transient otoacoustic emission in response to all of these
sounds. When OAEs reach the middle ear, some are reflected back into the
cochlea - and become a second stimulus, which can result in a secondary OAE.
These are usually smaller than the original - but in the case of SOAEs they are
not. High internal reflectivity from the middle ear, combined with amplification
inside the cochlea, can result in the secondary emission being greater then the
first. The originating sound or noise re-circulates inside the cochlea. Potentially
this sound can grow and grow - but only if one more condition is precisely
met. Each re-emission must support or ‘be in phase’ with preceding emissions.
This can happen at only specific frequencies where the round trip time is
exactly a whole number of wave periods. At these frequencies there can be
‘feedback’ and continuous oscillation of the cochlea. The situation is analogous
to feedback howl in a public address system or a hearing aid. The internally
generated signal grows quickly and stabilises at a level at which physiological
activity can maintain.
9.4.b Remember - the recording of SOAEs has no direct clinical value. Approximately
50% of normal healthy young ears have some degree of SOAE activity and
50% have none. The purpose of performing an SOAE search is to determine
the reason for very peaky TEOAE or DPOAE results. In research SOAEs have
been used to detect minute physiological changes in cochlear function.
9.4.c Note:
Stimulus stability is not recorded during SOAE tests, so the stimulus
stability displayed on screen will always read 100%.
10.0.a Connect a DPOAE probe and if it is being used for the first time, follow the
instructions under Setup Options, Probes for registering the probe. Fit an
appropriately sized probe tip.
10.0.b Ensure that the appropriate Mode is selected in File > Options > Start/Stop/
Score. Protocol modes can also be changed from the status bar at the bottom
of the main screen. Choose from Neonate screening, Neonate diagnostic,
General screening and General diagnostic. Also ensure all options are
correctly set prior to starting a test - see Setup Options section. When testing
a neonate, double-check that Neonate Mode is shown at the bottom of the
screen. If a neonate is tested while in one of the General Modes, the stimulus
level during Checkfit will initially be too high. To help identify when ILO V6 is in
neonatal mode, the status bar at the bottom of the page is coloured yellow.
10.0.c Distortion Product OAEs are complex phenomena. The response obtained is
governed by the condition of the cochlea and also by the precise configuration
of the stimulus.
10.1.b Use f2/f1 ratios near to 1.2 to obtain maximum strength of DPOAEs. The level
difference between f1 and f2 is important. f1 level should not be lower than the
f2 level. See Setup Options for further information.
10.1.c Either click on the <Start New Patient> button if this is the first test to be
performed on this patient or select the patient from the patient database through
the Review data panel if the patient has been previously tested. Input or
edit the patient details as required. Further patient details can be entered by
selecting the button next to <Start New Patient>.
10.1.e The test will automatically adopt the default stimulus - which can be examined
or changed in File > Options > Stims, or Tests > Stimuli setup, or by pressing
Ctrl+S. Full details are given in the Setup Options section of this manual.
10.1.f Fit the probe in the ear then click on <Start Test> to commence Checkfit.
10.2 Checkfit
10.2.a The Checkfit process for DPOAEs is similar to that for TEOAEs. A repeated
click is presented by the probe to the ear canal. For further details, see
Performing a TEOAE test, Checkfit.
10.2.b With DPOAE checkfit, a checkfit click stimulus is supplied at a preset level in
order to ‘sense’ the size of the ear canal and display the effect of adjusting
the probe fit. The click is not used in the DP measurement process. Any
difference in ear canal size will be automatically adjusted for before the DPOAE
measurement begins. It is therefore not essential for the click stimulus to reach
its target level in checkfit and the <Auto-adjust stim> button has been disabled
accordingly. Once you have achieved the best fit possible and are satisfied that
noise levels are suitable to begin recording (see Performing a TEOAE test,
Checkfit), press <Continue> or hit the Enter key.
10.3.b It is important to note that most probes measure the ear canal sound some
distance from the ear drum at the probe tip. This means there is always an
unavoidable and ‘unmeasured’ discrepancy between set and actual stimulation.
10.3.c In some ears, the frequency response is very undulating, due to standing
waves and acoustic resonance. The equipment will detect this by the frequency
specific notch or peak in the frequency response. If the notch or peak requires
a large adjustment in order to deliver uniform sound, the correction factor will be
withheld. A standing wave notch or peak at the probe may NOT indicate a notch
at the eardrum. In general this technique provides a more uniform ear drum
sound level.
10.3.d Therefore it is possible there will be discrepancies between the requested (set)
dB SPL stimulus values and the sound recorded by the probe. For frequencies
above 5000Hz, the target L1 and L2 levels rather than the levels recorded by
the probe will be displayed when the levels recorded by the probe microphone
are unreliable. An asterisk beside the stimulus level indicates that the target
level and not the level recorded by the microphone is shown.
10.3.e Small deviations in stimulus level are important as they can lead to a substantial
change in DPOAE sound level. The deviations are quite frequency specific so
performing higher resolution measurements (i.e. more than 3 points per octave)
can reveal the limited extent of such anomalies. Also, if the desired stimulus
levels are not achieved during standard DP gram measurements, performing
DP growth tests at specific frequencies can help ascertain the robustness of the
DPOAE. (See Advanced DPOAE measurements).
10.3.g It can be useful to view the DP data table to check for the actual DP stimulus
levels obtained during the recording. (See section OAE response window for
DPOAEs).
10.4.a During the recording of a DPgram the top right panel will show a graphic of a
moving wave. It appears when the DP stimulus is being applied to the ear. The
wave will typically show a modulated oscillatory pattern (see illustration) and this
modulation is an indication of the acoustic interaction (beats) between the two
stimulus frequencies being applied.
10.4.b The period of the waves will change corresponding to the frequencies actually
being applied to the ear and the modulation related to the frequency ratio f2/
f1 being applied at that time. The display is for indication only to serve as a
reminder of the stimulus settings which have been selected. The amplitude
of the wave shown will change with stimulus level - but does not display the
true range of intensities the machine is capable of delivering. For this see the
numerical readouts on the screen.
Right clicking on the data chart allows the data to be displayed as a bar chart,
line chart (DP Gram) or as a histogram showing averaged response and the
noise level in half-octave bands between 1kHz and 6kHz. The signal-to-noise
ratio for each band can be viewed on the histogram in the same manner as in
the TEOAE test.
10.4.d The manual test point selection buttons only become active when the minimum
number of loops has been exceeded by the test.
10.4.e Once activated, this button enables a lower frequency point to be selected.
10.4.f Once activated, this button enables a higher frequency point to be selected.
10.4.g When one of the manual buttons has been used, the <Auto mode> button
becomes active and, if selected, returns the test to the previously active
automatic sweep mode.
10.4.h Under the OAE response graph, numerical data is displayed. As the test is
running, the current level of DPOAE energy for the frequency band being
sampled is displayed. Also, the achieved level of stimulus tone is shown in the
F1 and F2 stim boxes, for the specific frequency being sampled. An asterisk
beside the stimulus level indicates that the target level and not the level
recorded by the microphone is shown (see section 10.3). On conclusion of the
test, the total DP energy is reported and the target stimulus settings are shown.
10.5.a Pressing the ‘S’ key whilst a test is running will toggle a DP spectrum graph
On and Off. A DP Spectrum is useful for observing the progress of a DPgram.
Specific sources of noise can be identified. When the test has finished, the
window can be closed or minimised in the usual manner.
10.6.a When making DPOAE recordings, it is possible to view the data in a signal-
to-noise (SNR) display. The noise level is normalized to zero dB and the dB
level is therefore displayed in dB SNR. This helps the operator to see the level
of SNR achieved at various frequency points. The normalized mode can be
particularly useful when recording DPOAEs at 8 pts/oct as it is not possible to
display the SNR figures at this resolution.
10.6.b To toggle the SNR display on and off, press the ‘N’ key.
10.7.b If desired, the program can be configured to automatically stop the test when
specified criteria regarding the quality of the OAE have been met. See section
Test protocols and stop logic.
10.8.a A right mouse click on the OAE Response window reveals various options
related to the test data. The options can be turned on and off using a left mouse
click.
10.8.b Show SNR values - This option displays the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values.
The SNR is the difference between the OAE response and the noise level and
is specified at the frequencies tested. If the area on the graph is too small to
clearly display the SNR figures, they are shown as a small dot.
10.8.c DP line chart - This changes the view of the DP gram to a line graph format.
10.8.e DP ½ oct power display - This groups the DPOAE response energy into half
octave band powers and displays them in a histogram. This option can ONLY
be applied to data following a test and is not available during recording. The
OAE response window is titled DP ½ oct power.
10.8.f Examine Spectrum Detail - This opens a separate window that shows the DP
result in line graph format.
10.8.g A cursor is available and is controlled with a mouse. Place the mouse over
the OAE spectrum window. Values of dBSPL and KHz, relative to the cursor
movement, are displayed in the boxes at the bottom of the window. Using a left
mouse click sets a reference point on the graph. Change in cursor movement
from this point is indicated at the bottom of the screen next to Delta.
10.8.h It is possible to zoom in and out using a left mouse click and drag. Left to right
zooms in and right to left zooms out. It is also possible to scale up and down
using up and down arrow keys.
10.8.i From the spectrum window, it is possible to access a table which displays data
for that test. Both the spectrum graph and the data table are printable.
11.1.b The levels of stimuli f1 and f2 , L1 and L2 respectively can be set at different
levels. Equal levels of L1 and L2 provide optimum responses when levels
of 70dB SPL and above are used. As L2 is lowered, L1 should also be
lowered but by a much smaller amount. For DPgrams sensitive to even small
abnormalities, levels of L1=65dBSPL and L2=50dBSPL are often used.
11.1.c Higher stimulus levels can be useful in that if good DPOAEs are obtained but
not at low levels of stimulation - cochlear function can be said to be present
even though not completely normal. (See Multiple level DPOAEs below,
also Gorga MP, Neely ST, Dorn PA. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions
in relation to hearing loss. In: Robinette RM, Glattke T (eds). Otoacoustic
Emissions - Clinical Applications (Second Edition). New York: Thieme, 2002;
243-72.)
11.1.d Although the frequency of f2 largely determines which part of the cochlea
DPOAEs relate to (and hence its relation to hearing), the frequency ratio f2/f1
contributes significantly to this. Frequency ratios smaller than 1.2:1 generate
reduced amplitude DPOAEs. Very small ratios (e.g. 1.05:1) lead to the
involvement of more sections of the basilar membrane around the DP (2f1-f2)
frequency place.
11.1.e Before changing DP stimulus settings the user should be referred to the
literature and select well documented stimulus settings (e.g. Boerge P, Jansen
TH, J.Acoust Soc Am 2002;111:1810-18).
11.2.b It is also known that DPgrams made with lower levels of stimulation are more
sensitive to pathology than those with high stimulus levels. When DPOAEs
are found at higher stimulus levels but not lower stimulus levels, the suspicion
of significant hearing loss is increased and the suspicion of a severe loss is
reduced.
11.2.d Healthy ears tend to show a shallow linear growth of DP decibel level with
stimulus level. Ears with threshold elevation tend to show a more steep rise.
However, isolated departures for a shallow linear rise are quite common and the
growth function should not be used as a diagnostic indicator. It is useful as a
validator of observed DPOAEs. Artifactual (instrumentation distortion) DPOAEs
appear abruptly with high level stimulation.
11.3.2.b It has been observed that DPOAE growth rates tend to increase in steepness
with threshold elevation. This also means that weak stimulation will produce
little DPOAE. Research has been conducted to determine if the audiometric
threshold can be determined by finding the lowest level of stimulation for which
a DPOAE can be recognized. Results do not support the precise prediction
threshold - but there is a modest correlation between individual threshold and
the lowest level stimulation which produces a DPOAE. This supports the
reasonable hypothesis that an ear which produces strong DPOAEs for small
stimulations is a good ear with no damage to the peripheral mechanism - neither
the middle ear nor the outer hair cells in the organ of Corti - and this can form
the basis of a useful test for certain diagnostic applications.
11.3.3.c The DPOAE growth test can be performed with various step sizes. A small step
size will give greater resolution of detailed features but will take longer. During
the test the operator may manually control the time spent on each level so as
to optimize the overall quality of the recording by spending more time on the
moderate and lower levels.
11.3.3.d The V6 program will automatically draw a line through the data points of a DP
growth recording performed with formula or table based L1, L2. The purpose
of this is to provide a simple measure of the position and angle of the DPOAE
growth function for reporting purposes.
R – (R2) A measure of the quality of the fit of the best fit line to the data, i.e. how
closely the line fits the data points.. A value of R2 close to 0 indicates that the
line is a very poor fit to the data. A value close to 1 indicates that the line is a
very good fit. A low R2 value means that information depending on the fit of the
line to the data, such as DP=0 and Slope, are unreliable.
11.3.3.f Each of these parameters will be specific to the actual values of L1 and L2 set
by the operator in the table or formula. Examples of typical values can be found
in the OAE literature.
11.3.3.g dB80 relates to the strength of the OAE. SLOPE relates to the quality of the
cochlea with slopes below 1 and high dB80 being commonly found in a very good
cochlea. DP=0@L2= xx dBSPL can be considered as a threshold but is not
equivalent to the threshold of hearing and should not be used as an alternative
to audiometric threshold measurement.
11.3.4.b At the bottom of the parameters window, check the box for Use formula mode.
L1 = (A * L2) + B dB SPL.
A is a variable factor between 0 and 2
B is a variable value between -50 and 80 in dB SPL.
11.3.4.d Either type in the chosen parameters or use the up/down arrows provided.
11.3.4.f If customised table based entry is desired, the stimulus levels set can be
programmed under 1 of 5 test paradigms. To save a specific set of stimulus
levels, select a paradigm, edit the table as desired and click <Save paradigm>.
To load a test paradigm, select the one desired and click <Load paradigm>.
11.3.4.g Stimulus levels entered that are not whole numbers will be rounded to the
nearest integer.
11.3.4.i When the desired parameters have been set, (see Choosing DPOAE growth
parameters above) press <OK>. The test sequence will begin with the
‘Checkfit’ procedure as standard. (See Performing a DPOAE test for more
details) When the probe fit is satisfactory press <Continue> to begin the test.
11.3.4.j The DP tones will be delivered and reduced in accordance with the levels of L1
and L2 stipulated by the formula or table. A best fit trend line is drawn when
sufficient DPOAE data points have been collected. The trend line represents the
fall in DPOAE response with decrease in stimulation, showing the DP growth
function. A weighting factor is incorporated depending on the signal-to-noise
level at each level tested.
11.3.4.k To represent the data as clearly as possible, the graph will automatically re-scale
on the ‘Y’ axis - either from 0-50 microPascals or from 0-100 microPascals.
11.3.4.l When you are satisfied with the data collected, press <End> to terminate the
recording.
11.3.5.b To print the data select the <Print> button and choose <Print this data>.
11.3.5.c Note:
Only the single page test report is suitable for DPOAE growth tests.
12.0.a In large part, our ears operate independently. For example, you can follow quiet
speech with one ear while loud noise is being played in the other. For very high
intensity sound can cross over the head and mask sounds in the other ear
directly - but physiologically there is very little ‘cross talk’. This means OAEs
can be recorded simultaneously in left and right ears which can save time.
12.0.b Binaural hearing is very important - not only for knowing the direction of a
sound, but also for attending to specific sounds in a background of noise. This
is called the cocktail party effect and it demonstrates that there is a powerful
neural processor comparing the signals from each ear. It helps build up a
three-dimensional image of our sound environment so we can attend to just the
sounds we want to.
12.0.c In 1991, Collet discovered that this binaural integration has a very small effect
on OAEs. Contralateral noise suppresses TEOAEs by one or two dB - not
enough to alter a screening result - but enough to show that the neural circuitry
was active. Other contralateral suppressors were tried, but it seems that
irregular sounds are most effective. There is also an ipsilateral effect, where the
neural signals generated by an ear begin to affect its OAE response.
12.0.d The study of binaural interactions with OAEs is still evolving and readers are
referred to the literature for the latest facts.
13.0.a The ILO292 USB-II accommodates two probes and can record from left and
right ears simultaneously.
13.0.c Alternatively from the Tests menu, select Bilateral tests and either Start a
bilateral TE test or Start a bilateral DP test.
13.0.d Notes:
1 TE tests set to Stim Type Spontaneous should not be used for
bilateral recording.
2 If bilateral results recorded in V6 are opened for viewing in
EZ•Screen, the stop reasons listed may not be valid.
13.0.f The binaural and monaural OAE responses of an ear can be compared using
the Examine/Compare data panel. In particular the difference function
(<-Diff> button) will reveal if the response has changed as a result of binaural
stimulation. The effects of contralateral stimulation are best revealed by
using Linear TEOAE recording - although this mode is not suitable for regular
screening or diagnostic use.
14.0.a Research enabled ILO292 USB-II systems can perform additional tests of
specialist and research interest.
14.0.c The OAE recorded from an ear can be influenced by sound presented to the
opposite ear. This effect is known as contralateral suppression or the cochlea
reflex and it is believed to be controlled by the nerve pathway which runs from
the inner hair cells of the cochlea via the cochlear nucleus to the outer hair cells
which are responsible for OAEs.
14.1.a This mode operates by making two separate OAE recordings: one of the OAE
recorded when a suppressor (masker) is presented to the opposite ear (test
1), and one recorded with no suppressor (test 2). The recording of each test
is switched regularly so the effect of any slow changes in recording conditions
(for example changes in probe fit) can be minimized as such changes will have
equal influence on both of the tests.
14.1.b Differences between the two results can then be ascribed to the masker. The
suppression effect is small so the OAE must be measured as accurately as
possible in order to record it. Good recording conditions and longer test times
(more sweeps included in each test – see Timeout(sweeps) below) will aid
accurate measurement.
14.1.2.b The masker level can be set so that a consistent level is achieved in all ears
(Absolute Level – dBpe SPL), or set relative to the hearing threshold of the
contralateral ear (Sensation Level – dBSL).
14.1.2.c If <Set absolute level masker> is selected then the masker presented will
be at a fixed level for all subjects.
14.1.2.d Set the level required in the Masker Level (dB peSPL) box.
14.1.2.e If <Set sensation level masker> is selected then masker presented will be
relative to the hearing threshold of the subject.
14.1.2.f Set the level above threshold at which you wish to present the masker in the
Masker level (dB) box.
14.1.2.h Before the test starts you will be required to find the hearing threshold for
your patient. Find the subject’s threshold by adjusting the sound level with
the up and down buttons then presenting the sound using <Present masker
now> or by pressing the space bar. The standard procedure used to find
hearing threshold in pure tone audiometery is recommended (for example
see: www.thebsa.org.uk/docs/RecPro/PTA.pdf). When threshold has been
found select <OK>. The masker level presented will be set relative to the
threshold that was found.
14.1.2.i Masker type sets the type of sound presented to the contralateral ear. Options
are broadband noise, narrowband noise of 1, ½ or ¼ octave or a tone. If
narrowband or tone suppressors are chosen then the (centre) frequency must
also be set. Broadband (white) noise is generally more effective a suppressor
than narrowband noise or a tone.
14.1.2.j Masker centre frequency sets the frequency of the sound presented to
the contralateral ear within the range 500-4000Hz. If Broadband (white) is
selected then the Masker Centre Frequency is greyed out as there is no need
to select a frequency for broadband noise.
14.1.2.l During testing, data collection switches between the Masker On and Masker
Off conditions. Use the radio buttons to select the required switching
method.
14.1.2.m If Masker On/Off time (sec) is selected then data is collected in each
condition for a fixed period of time before switching to the other condition
regardless of the number of sweeps accepted. For example, Set to 15s
might mean that that 55 sweeps (NLo) are collected in 15 seconds with the
14.1.2.n If Masker On/Off time NLo count is selected then a fixed number of
sweeps are collected in each condition before switching to the other
condition regardless of the time this takes. For example, Set to 60 might
mean that 60 sweeps (NLo) are collected in 18 seconds with the masker and
then 60 sweeps are collected in 15 seconds without the masker (because
fewer sweeps were rejected and so less time was required to reach 60
accepted sweeps). If this method is selected then the NLo count in each
of the final test results will be equal, but the time on in each test may be
different.
14.1.2.o Stimulus Level dBpe sets the stimulus presentation level in the test ear.
Lower stimulus levels have been found to be more effective in demonstrating
suppression. If this method is selected, the NLo count in each of the final test
results will be equal, but the time on in each test may be different.
14.1.2.p Stimulus Type sets the stimulus presented to the test ear and the time window
used to record the response. The options available (Quickscreen, Nonlinear,
Linear and Tone Pip) are described in full in Performing a TEOAE test.
14.1.2.q The Linear TEOAE is not suitable for regular screening or diagnostic use
because it can contain stimulus artefacts. Stimulus artefacts are not influenced
by cochlear changes so will be equal in the ‘with’ and ‘without’ noise conditions.
Therefore such artefacts should not influence comparisons between these
conditions and this recording mode may be more sensitive to contralateral
suppression.
14.1.2.r Timeout (sweeps) sets the number of good quality low noise sweeps (NLo)
which must be recorded before the test stops.
14.1.3.b The TE stimulus delivered to the test ear (Probe 1) is displayed on the main
screen and the masking stimulus delivered to the contralateral ear (Probe 2) is
displayed on the smaller OAE response with masker window.
14.1.3.d The TEOAE response in both windows is recorded from the test ear (Probe 1).
The main window displays the TEOAE response without the masker and the
small window displays the TEOAE response from the same ear with the masker
on.
14.1.3.e The test can be manually terminated by pressing <End>; otherwise it will
automatically stop once the specified number of data sweeps have been
collected. The results must be saved before they can be reviewed for evidence
of suppression.
14.1.4.b To print contralateral suppression data, select the <Print> button. Using
the <Print Bilateral pair> option is recommended. The masked and un-
masked results are displayed together on a single page. The suppressed
result is identified by the masking stimulus, which is detailed at the top of the
page. A representation of the masker waveform can be seen under ‘Checkfit
stimulus’.
14.1.5.b To load a patient previously tested, again select the Review tab. The Filters
at the bottom can be used to narrow the patient search and then select
Browse. Select the patient required. All the results for the patient can be
observed using the Browse these tests arrows.
14.1.5.c The suppressed result is identified by the masking stimulus displayed in the
Stimulus window. The masker parameters used are also displayed.The Stim
level displayed on in the Numerical Data on the suppressed result refers to
the Masker level, not the stimulus evoking the OAE in the test ear.
Stimulus display for the unsuppressed result. The stimulus evoking the OAE is
displayed.
14.1.5.d Note:
Echoport firmware version 1.0.0.4 or later is required to run this
test. If you are running an earlier version, contact Otodynamics for
information on updating.
14.1.6.b Select File > Examine/Compare data from the menu. Maximise the window.
14.1.6.d Alternatively, manually browse through the results using the <Select next> and
<Select previous> buttons. The live panel is denoted by the red highlight line.
Choose the live panel using the <Left panel> and <Right panel> buttons.
14.1.6.e With a contralateral pair of results in view, observe the OAE response value
(Resp) and any change in the OAE waveform. In the half octave OAE response
panel, the right-hand panel half octave level is displayed as a series of asterisks
on the left-hand panel. Any difference can then clearly be seen.
14.1.6.f Press the <Diff> button to subtract the stimulus and OAE waveform on the
right panel from the stimulus and OAE waveform on the left panel. The FFT
calculation is then performed on the difference waveform, showing any change
in OAE level on a frequency spectrum. This can also be observed in the half
octave display mode. Using the difference function will help establish if any
suppression of the OAE has occurred and at what frequencies. Observe the
OAE waveform generated and the OAE response panel. Also observe the
difference in response, calculated in dB SPL (Resp).
14.1.6.g To analyse the waveform in greater detail, right click on the Response
Waveform panel and select Examine waveform detail. Maximise the window.
14.1.6.i An X-Y cursor is provided to identify sound pressure levels at specific latencies.
Clicking and holding down the left mouse button and dragging the selection box
to the right will zoom in and display the selected area. The display is returned to
normal by clicking and holding down the left mouse button and dragging to the
left.
14.1.6.j Methods of normalising the difference response to the OAE response size
have been published in the literature. Users are strongly advised to consult the
literature before commencing contralateral suppression experiments.
15.1.a This item is available when a test result is displayed on the main screen. Initiate
the feature from File > Examine/Compare data or press Ctrl+E.
15.1.b Examine/Compare data provides a method of displaying two tests for a patient,
side by side on the screen. It is possible to view all the tests conducted on the
selected patient in either panel. To select a panel, use the <Left panel> and
<Right panel> buttons at the bottom of the window. The live panel is denoted
by the red highlight line. Use the <Select next> and <Select previous>
buttons to scroll through the tests. The arrow keys on the keyboard may be
used instead of the buttons on the window. The OAE data levels on the right
panel are overlaid on the left panel as a series of asterisks. For TEOAE tests
the data can either be overlaid at half octave frequencies or on a high resolution
spectrum and for DPOAE tests, asterisks are displayed at all frequencies tested.
15.1.1.b As a bilateral result is loaded into the Examine/Compare window, the <load
pair> button becomes live. If activated, the other recording from that pair will be
loaded automatically into the adjacent window.
15.1.1.c A printout of the Examine/Compare data window can be obtained by using the
Print icon button. For further information on analysis of data, see sections OAE
response window and OAE waveform window in Performing a TEOAE test
and also see the OAE Response window section in Performing a DPOAE
test.
16.0.a All options should be correctly set prior to running a test. Click on File >
Options to display the Setup Options window. A summary of all the pages
within the Setup Options window are described below. Images showing all
default settings are also shown.
16.1.a This page of the options dialogue permits ILO V6 to be configured for use
with USB hardware or as a data manager or OAE demonstrator for training
purposes.
16.1.b This page also includes an option to allow the data files on this PC to be shared
by other network connections.
16.2.a Use this page for TEOAE and DPOAE stimulus and frequency range setup.
The Noise reject level is common to both DP and TE tests and sets the level of
noise at which sweeps are rejected. Range is 0 to 50 mPa.
16.2.2.c Cyclic up: The test starts at the lowest frequency and progresses through to
the higher frequencies. When the test has completed, the minimum number
of loops (Setup options > Start/Stop/Score), the manual selection buttons
become active.
16.2.2.d Cyclic down: The test starts at the highest frequency and descends through
to the lower frequencies. When the test has completed the minimum number
of loops (Setup options > Start/Stop/Score), the manual selection buttons
become active.
16.2.2.e Intelligent: The test starts and runs through the minimum number of loops and
then chooses test tones where the response is lowest and attempts to improve
the response by receptively testing.
16.2.2.f Note:
Hardware must be present to change some of these settings.
16.4.a The Environment panel is used to configure a variety of sections of ILO V6.
16.4.b A Local Area Network (LAN) data file server is setup here. See Data transfer/
import functions in the Data management options section.
16.4.c The primary and secondary data file directories can be set. The primary
directory is the location were ILO V6 reads and writes data files. These files
store the necessary data in order to create an OAE profile for a patient. The
secondary file is a read-only directory. This is useful if another data source is
available that you want to review in ILO V6. For example, data that is collected
in the earlier ILO-V5 software.
16.4.d In the top left-hand side are settings about the display of ILO V6 graphics, which
can be activated or deactivated by checking or un-checking the box respectively:
16.4.e Show No OAE icon - this is a cross symbol that can be activated and displayed
if no OAE is found.
16.4.f Half octave spectra - this is a setting for a TEOAE test. This activates a
display of a half octave spectrograph for the OAE response. If unchecked a
high resolution spectrograph is shown. This setting can be changed using a
right mouse click on the OAE response window.
16.4.g DP line graph - This changes the view of the DP gram to a line graph format.
16.4.h DP Bar Graph – This changes the view of the DP gram to a bar graph format.
16.4.j All the DP graph options settings can also be changed using a right click on the
OAE response window.
16.4.k Hesitation Hints - These are prompts that appear when the mouse is hovered
over a particular function button to indicate how that functions works.
16.4.l Below these features are several colours schemes that can be applied.
16.4.m V6 can be run in different languages, which can be selected in this section.
Inc. DP data table print – for DP results an additional data table will be
printed.
Swap Left/Right Printing - for automated two-tests per page printouts, the
orientation of the left and right ear data is swapped.
16.4.o End of test sound – If selected, sounds will be played at the end of the test
- a single beep for an OAE ‘pass’ result and a double beep for all other test
outcomes. Note: Test sounds are not available for bilateral tests.
16.4.p Patient ID input mask - This allows configuration for different ID number
formats, associated with each patient record. ILO V6 then enforces the input
of ID codes to the specified program format. The NHS input mask can be
overridden if necessary.
16.4.q Database setup - This feature allows the configuration and setup of the
database. The database can be run locally on the PC being used or can be
set up to and run from a server PC on a local area network (LAN). This can be
advantageous if there are several PCs running ILO V6 and you want the data to
be stored in a single location.
16.4.r If you select to run the database on a server, then the server PC name must be
added and the connection can then be confirmed. The directory path for the
database can also be set for either the local or server PC.
16.4.s Printer setup - The printer setup options can be configured here. The options
available are standard Windows settings which are applicable to whatever
printer is set as the default Windows printer on that PC.
16.5.a In this section the directories and configuration settings for any export or import
files are set.
16.5.b It is possible to set-up V6 to export test results in different formats. Data can
be saved to Hi*Track (EZScreen.txt), OZ (OzData.bin), CSV (ILOdata.csv), XML
(EZtests.xml) or Ascii (ILOAsciiExport.txt) formats. See the section Formats of
data stored under Performing a TEOAE test for more information. If an export
type is selected the appropriate file is written after each test is completed and
the test is saved. That file is then updated with new data after each subsequent
save.
16.5.c It is also possible to create export files for various sets of data using the
Re-Export tests feature. See Re-Export to: in the Data Management section
16.5.d The directory to which the export files are written can be configured in this tab.
It may be useful to export the files directly to floppy disk for transfer to another
system.
16.5.e The Ascii export configuration is setup in this area. See Formats of data stored
for more information.
16.5.f There are two additional user settings for export files. The first is to only
capitalise the first letter of the patient name when it is exported. V6 holds all
patient names within its database in capital letters. This feature therefore allows
users to export data with names in a more conventional format.
16.5.g It is possible to write different OZ export files for each user, making it easy to
identify and associate each file to various individuals. If selected the file name
written is userIDOZData.bin.
16.6.a Probe performance is critical to OAE test results. Otodynamics probes store a
unique ID number and a set of calibration results so that probe performance can
be monitored. Before using a new probe it should be registered with your PC
and a calibration check should be run and saved. Calibration tests should be
run on all probes at regular intervals (weekly is recommended).
16.6.b Before using a new or different probe for testing, probes should be read,
registered and a calibrated check performed.
16.6.c There are three different ways in which the probe registration and calibration
facility can be entered.
By pressing the small probe button on the main screen next to the Save
button.
16.6.1.c The probe ID number will appear in the Unique ID box. If the probe was
connected after the probe registration and calibration window was opened then
click on the <Read probe ID> button.
16.6.1.d Type a name into the User assigned probe name box. The probe serial number
(printed on the white sleeve on the probe cable) is frequently used.
16.6.2.b Check that the probe is connected to the OAE system. If your equipment has
two probe sockets, connect your probe to the socket marked 1 (it is not possible
to run probe calibration tests in socket 2. If you are running bilateral tests you
will need to remove the probe connected to socket 2 and re-connect it to socket
1 in order to run the calibration test).
P O
16.6.2.d Select the <Run calibration test> button in the <Probes> area (via File >
Options > Probes or click on the blue probe symbol on the main test screen).
16.6.2.d The probe response at 1, 2 and 4kHz will be measured (for dual channel UGD
probes the response will be measured for both channel A and channel B. UGS
probes (used for TEOAE testing only) have just a Channel A and no Channel B.
For these probes the Channel B area will be blank)
5.6.2.f Results will be shown in red if they are different from the saved value by more
than the set tolerance limits. Default limits are +/- 2dB at 1kHz, +/- 2dB at 2kHz
and +/- 3dB at 4kHz. You can set your own limits for the calibration test using
the <Set limits…> button beneath the probe response data.
16.6.2.h Check that the new calibration values are within the range:
16.6.2.i If no results are shown in red and all results are within the absolute limits the
probe has passed the calibration check.
16.6.2.k If the values of the calibration results show 36dB or lower at all frequencies
then there is a problem with the test. This may be due to the probe not being
connected correctly or to internal wire breakage. Check the probe connection.
16.6.2.l If the results remain outside the relative limits, but within the absolute limits
listed above, this indicates there have been changes in the probe but that these
changes are not large enough to invalidate testing.
16.6.2.m If calibration results at any frequency remain outside the Absolute limits
the probe should not be used for testing. Please contact Otodynamics’
support department. It may be possible for the probe calibration to be adjusted
if the probe is returned to Otodynamics.
16.6.2.n Statistics on the currently selected probe can be viewed on the left-hand side
of the panel. The <View cal history> button brings up a graphical display of
the saved results associated with the selected probe’s calibration checks. It is
possible to print this graph if you wish.
17.0.a If desired the test termination decision can be automated. The software will end
the test when specified criteria have been achieved. (File > Options > Start/
Stop/Score) Check the box Enable Auto stop and see below for more details.
17.0.b Further automation is also configurable in this section. The Enable Auto Start
feature will begin the test if the minimum number of good ‘Checkfit’ sweeps
has been completed and if the stimulus level is correct. The test save box will
automatically appear following a test, if the Enable auto save box is checked.
Also the patient can be automatically scored if the Enable Auto scoring box is
checked.
17.0.d The Start/Stop/Score menu includes many flexible options that can be
configured to ensure a consistent minimum quality of OAE recording. The
software will not end the recording until the criteria have been met, or the
number of timeout sweeps has been reached.
17.0.f The default number of bands for a pass is three in the screening modes
and four in the diagnostic modes. It is possible to specify which bands are
mandatory bands in the pass criteria. The low frequency bands are dominated
by physiological and background noise, especially in newborns whose ear canal
walls and skulls are very thin relative to those of an adult. Therefore, to ensure
that high frequency losses are not missed, you may decide to make the 4kHz
band a mandatory band. A default signal-to-noise ratio of 6dB has been used
in all but the 1kHz band which is often dominated by noise. A 6dB threshold is
generally employed in a number of screening programs; a threshold of 3-6dB
may also be statistically valid under certain circumstances.
17.0.h You can save different stop criteria for all four modes (Neonate Screening,
Neonate Diagnostic, General Screening and General Diagnostic). The specified
stop criteria are mainly applicable to both TEOAE and DPOAE recordings. The
minimum reproducibility is applicable to TEOAE tests only and the minimum
number of DP loops for DPOAE test only. The protocol can also be changed by
clicking on the left-hand mouse button on Mode on the status bar at the bottom
of the main screen and selecting the relevant mode from the pop-up menu. The
mode cannot be changed if a test is currently running.
17.0.i Editing and saving of the pass/refer criteria and the automation options are
password protected. The software installation password is required.
18.0.a Reports are accessed from the menu bar. There are the options to print all
Patients tested or just those that have been referred, passed, to retest,
unscored and incomplete. The Start and End dates can be specified and will
affect the number of patients shown on the list. The list can also be sorted by
family name, date of birth, or ID number. The patient records can be filtered by
operator, system or facility. The <Refresh data> button will update the list with
patients currently being tested. Various reports can be printed either directly by
clicking on the print button or indirectly via <Preview> button. Each report can
be exported into XML or CSV data formats.
18.1.a This section delivers information about various operational statistics within
the program. Details on the Database, the Operators and the Probes stored
are accessed. Analysis of the database may help determine when a back up
or archive is required. The Operator section gives an overview of the tests
completed and performance of the tester. The Probe section details the probes
stored and the intensity of use for each probe.
19.1.a The backup process creates a compressed archive of the entire patients’
demographics and results database to a specified file name. The backup can be
invoked from the data management menu. However, ILO V6 performs backups
as an automatic process so that in normal use it would not be required for the
user to explicitly perform a backup. The automatic backups are performed
whenever more than 200 patients have been added since the last backup, or
if one month has passed since the last backup. The automatic backups are
invoked as ILO V6 starts. The actual backup process is performed from within
a separate ‘program’ and can continue without interrupting normal ILO V6
operation (this backup program is visible as a tray icon on the task bar).
19.2.a Archiving is the process of creating a copy of the current data in a secondary
location. Once the archive is complete it is then possible to remove this data
from the primary data store if it is no longer required. Furthermore, it is possible
to re-import data that has been archived and removed from the primary data
store if it is desirable to re-examine the data at a later date.
19.2.1.a To archive data click on Data management > Archive functions > Archive
data.... Select the required filters from the various field drop-down menus in
order to specify the group of patients to archive. Click on the <Check number
matching criteria> button to ensure the correct group has been selected.
Click to check/tick the Enable database archive and/or the Enable raw data
archive field which will activate the <Archive the files> button. Note that the
<check number matching criteria> button also has to be selected to activate
the <Archive the files> button. Click this button to archive the files. The <Purge
archived files> button is now activated. Click on this to purge all archived files.
19.2.2.a Archived data can be re-imported by selecting Data Management > Archive
functions > Re-import from an archive. The archive log is displayed. Highlight
the archive file you wish to re-import and click on <Import selected archive>.
19.2.3.a The archive history can be viewed by selecting Data management > Archive
functions > View archive log which brings up the View archive history
window. This window will have a vertical scroll when there are more archives
than can be shown at one time. Each item in the list shows the details of the
archive that was performed on that occasion. Colour highlighting is used to
indicate whether that particular archived data file is available for re-import back
in to the master database.
19.3.1.b First, on the ILO V6 server, ‘data file sharing’ needs to be enabled on the first
page of the options dialog. This starts an ‘ILO data file service’.
19.3.1.c The transfer is initiated from the data collection ILO V6. First ensure that there
is a working LAN connection to the destination ILO V6 server. Invoke the
‘transfer database/data files’ window using either the small button at the bottom
of the main screen (next to the save button), or using the Data management
> Data transfer/import functions > Transfer ILOV6/EZ data to server menu
selection.
19.3.1.e Next type the name of the ILO V6 server. Then press the <Check server is
ready for data> button. If the server is present and ready to receive data then
the <Transfer Now!> button will be enabled. Please note that both the <Check
number matching criteria> and the <Check server is ready for data> buttons
have to be pressed before the <Transfer Now!> button is enabled.
19.3.1.f During the transfer the progress of the database and the raw data files is
displayed at the top of the window.
19.3.1.g Once the transfer is complete, the data is no longer present on the local PC.
The data is now safely on the ILO V6 server and can be accessed there or
via an ILO V6 client which is connected to the same LAN. It is now safe to
disconnect this ILO V6 from the LAN and to collect some more OAE data. If you
experience any difficulties, please check that the ‘Full local path to database file’
has the correct path and filename (oaedata.fb).
19.4.a It is possible to import some data files from ILOV5 software into the ILOV6
database for storage, review and analysis.
19.4.b Prior to importing data files, copy the required files to the V6 primary data file
folder, using Windows Explorer. This is specified in V6 under File > Options >
Environment > Primary data file and the default location is C:\Program Files\
Otodynamics\ILO4win\DtaFiles.
19.4.c Click on Data management > Import ILO V5 data… This will open the V6
primary data file folder. Select the files to import and click <Open>. Now the
data can now be viewed in ILOV6 in the usual way.
19.4.d Note:
If ILOV6 is configured to export information to an alternative patient data
management system, an option is given prior to the import process to
allow the new data to be automatically added to the export file.
TEOAE Quickscreen
TEOAE Non-Linear
TEOAE Tone-pip
DPOAE
19.4.f Note:
The ILOV5 data files do not contain a patient gender or protocol
mode information. On import to V6, the gender default is male and
the protocol mode is neonatal screening. It is possible to change the
gender by editing the additional patient details.
19.5.a Echochecks can store up to 96 tests in their internal non-volatile memory. This
data contains the test outcome and various conditions of the test, and can be
downloaded to ILO V6 using the supplied serial lead.
19.5.1.b The data downloaded shows the test result and all the statistics collected. It is
necessary to manually enter the patient name, ID number, gender details and
date of birth in order to complete the record, prior to importing the test to the ILO
V6 database.
19.5.1.d Data can also be saved in Hi*Track, OZ , CSV, XML, ASCII or GDT format,
provided the export option is selected prior to data transfer in File > Options >
Exports/Imports. This is indicated at the bottom left of the Echocheck data
download window. When all of the data has the required patient information,
the test data can be imported into ILO V6 by clicking on the <Import data>
button.
19.5.1.e The data is now incorporated within the ILO V6 database and can be reviewed
in the same manner as other results, via the review panel. (See the Reviewing
data section). The ‘stop reason’ in the Test Data panel indicates the result of
the test. There is no OAE waveform data collected with the Echocheck.
19.5.1.f Please note that versions of Echochecks earlier than March 2000 (serial
numbers before EC2003000) will not have the Autostart facility. If you are not
sure, click on the <Download data> button and if the Echocheck does not start
up within the first two seconds, switch the Echocheck ON manually. If there
is more than a ten second delay, a communication with the Echocheck…
message will be displayed.
19.5.3.a A history log is available showing all the downloaded and imported data.
19.5.3.b It is possible to filter the data shown by date, using the start and end drop down
calenders. The data can also be sorted by Date of test, Family name, Operator
ID and Echocheck ID. The table can be printed and a print preview feature is
provided. To convert the table to a different format to view in other programs,
select Export to XML or Export to CSV. If the results are shown in red it
indicates that they have not been imported into the main EZ•Screen database.
(To import data go to Data management > Echocheck functions > Continue
editing downloaded Echocheck data...). To erase the Echocheck log, select
<Purge Echocheck log>.
19.6.4.a The need for passwords is disabled at installation and is only activated when it
is required. If password protection is not required then there is no further action
necessary to be able to access all functions of both ILO V6 and EZ•Screen
software.
19.6.4.b The first user will be assigned full administrative rights as an Advanced User.
Additional Users or Advanced Users may be added to the Operator Login list,
with or without passwords.
19.7.b Select Export data to: ‘data format type’, under Setup options and Exports/
Imports. See sections Setup options, Exports and Formats of data stored
for more details.
19.7.c Select Re-Export to:- ‘data format type’ under Data Management. Note that
the type of export file needs to be set in the Setup Options > Exports/Imports
tab.
19.7.d When using the first method, ILO V6 writes and updates an export file after each
test that is saved. The Re-export feature allows the user to export various sets
of files at any time from the database.
19.7.e Note:
Records which have been archived will not be included in the Re-
export file. Archived records will automatically be removed from the
export file if the Re-export function is used.
19.7.f The ‘Export type’ and ‘Export location’ are set in the ‘Exports/Imports’ section
of ‘Setup Options’. You are given the flexibility to choose between which dates
files are exported and under which operator the tests were performed.
19.7.g After performing the filtering, the relevant number of tests is displayed. You are
now ready to export the files by pressing <Do Export Now!>.
19.7.h The export file has now been written to the specified export location.
20.0.a Clicking on the Help Contents or Search for Help On ... functions will open the
V6 manual.
20.3 About
20.3.a This contains information relating to the current version of the software.
21.1.a The easiest way to configure a LAN installation is to setup the ILO V6 server
installation first. The procedure for this is identical to the single desktop
installation discussed earlier in the manual.
21.1.b To configure one or more client ILO V6s, run the ILOv6Setup installation
from the Otodynamics CD. During the setup select the ‘Network client only
installation’. When ILO V6 is run for the first time the same dialog for initial setup
appears. This time, in addition to the user and machine details it is important to
set the server name for the ILO V6 server. When the name has been entered
into the dialog there is a button that will test the connection to this server.
21.1.c Once this setup is complete the patient demographics and test result summaries
are stored on the ILO V6 server. The client PC performs the test and passes
all of the patient information to the server PC. Therefore the responsibility for
database backup and archiving now belongs to the server. If ILO V6 is run on
the server, then auto backups of the database will take place at either monthly
intervals or whenever 200 patients have been added to the database (whichever
is sooner). If ILO V6 is never or rarely run on the server then someone must
make a point of running ILO V6 so that a database backup can occur.
21.1.d At the end of each test, a data file is also saved. The ‘raw’ data file contains
the details of the test (as opposed to a summary which is stored in the patient
database). These raw data files are stored in the ‘c:\program files\otodynamics
\ilo4win\dtafiles’ folder on the local PC by default. If you wish these files to
also be stored on the ILO V6 server then the following two settings need to be
changed:
21.1.e First, on the ILO V6 server, ‘data file sharing’ needs to be enabled on the first
page of the options dialog. This starts an ‘ILO data file service’.
21.1.g Now all of the patient demographics and the raw data files will be stored on the
ILO V6 server. This data is now accessible from the ILO V6 server, or other
ILO V6 clients that are also connected to the server. A typical use for this kind
of configuration is to have the OAE screener collecting data using an ILO V6
client. All of the data is stored on the departmental server which has had ILO V6
installed (so as to provide the database and data file service). The audiologist
also has an ILO V6 client (or sits at the ILO V6 server) so that they can review
the OAE tests. With this kind of deployment it is possible to have multiple ILO
V6 clients collecting and storing data on the same ILO V6 server - simply repeat
the client configuration described above.
21.2.b The principle of operation is that the screener collects a series of tests on their
standalone ILO V6 PC. This data is held on their PC for immediate review if
required. However, periodically the data is transferred or moved via the LAN to
a more secure version of ILO V6 (typically running on the departmental server).
When the data has been transferred it is no longer present on the screener’s
PC BUT it can be reviewed from the ILO V6 server PC or any ILO V6 clients
that are connected to this server. This departmental ILO V6 server is setup as
described above.
21.2.c The process of transferring the data from the screener’s ILO V6 to the
departmental server is described in the section Transfer EZ-screen data to
server under Data Management.
TEOAE Tests
Parameter Description
Stimulus Idle
80µs positive broadband square wave pulse with an intensity of
intensity of 84dB pe (peak equivalent) in a 1cc cavity (64dBpe in 1cc
if neonate mode is set).
Adjusted
80μs positive broadband square wave.
Test
300μs biphasic broadband triangular pulse (Quickscreen)
80μs alternating broadband square wave (Linear and
Non-Linear)
2ms cosine filtered sine wave of selected frequency (Tone pip)
Stimulus pattern
Non-Linear and Tone pip
Each sweep presents 4 stimuli for each to the two response buffers
(8 stimuli in total). The stimulus presentation pattern is:
XXXY
Where: Y = -3X
Quickscreen
Each sweep presents 8 stimuli for each to the two response buffers
(16 stimuli in total). The stimulus presentation pattern is:
X X X X X X -Y -Y
Where: Y = -3X
Linear
Each sweep presents 4 stimuli for each to the two response buffers
(8 stimuli in total). The stimulus presentation pattern is:
XXXX
Spontaneous
Each sweep presents 1 stimulus for each to the two response buffers
(2 stimuli in total).
Response window
Quickscreen: 2.5-12.5 ms
Linear, Non-Linear: 2.5-20ms
Spontaneous: 21-81.9
Tone pip < 2kHz: 4-20ms
Tone pip > 2kHz: 3-20ms
Cosine filtered with rise (after start of stimulus) and fall time of 2ms.
Checkfit stimulus
80μs positive broadband square wave pulse with an intensity of
84dB pe (peak equivalent) in a 1cc cavity (64dBpe in 1cc if neonate
mode is set).
DP Noise calculation
DP noise from the five spectral points above and the five points
below the DP frequency. In the ‘Rapid’ noise mode, the mean of
these points gives the noise level. In the ‘Standard’ noise mode the
mean of these points plus two standard deviations gives the noise
level.
Frequency ratio
F2 = 1.22 F1
DP signal reported
The distortion product 2f1-f2 is reported at the nominal
frequency f2.
OAE response detection is based on the Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) at each
test frequency (for DPOAE tests) or across a specific frequency range (for
TEOAE tests). Dependent upon the statistical nature of the noise, even with
the probe in a cavity, there is a finite probability that data at the measurement
frequency appears above the noise and will be considered as a ‘signal’ (i.e. a
positive SNR). For both test types the larger the SNR the greater the confidence
that the signal detected is not a noise artefact.
The number of required frequencies for a screening pass influences the SNR
required for a given level of confidence. Once the level of confidence and
number of frequencies is decided the necessary SNR can be computed.
By running many repeat cavity tests the occurrence rates of different SNR
levels in these tests were used to generate the confidence levels shown in the
tables reported below. These confidence levels can then be used to determine
positive predictive value and the negative predictive value (NPV or false pass
rate) which gives an essential measure of the chances of missing an ear with a
significant hearing impairment.
In addition to the selected Noise Mode and the SNR, the number of pass
frequencies required and the number of frequencies tested are needed to
determine the confidence level achieved. The four tables below detail this data
for the two types of noise mode and for 4 and 6 point test paradigms.
However, in some screening protocols the 1kHz band is not used (for example
in the UK newborn hearing screening programme). The table below shows the
data for this situation where only 4 bands are analysed.
Note:
All of the above data were derived empirically from laboratory studies
using Otodynamics equipment in the presence of noise recorded from
real clinics.
* www.asha.org/public/hearing/Prevalence-and-Incidence-of-Hearing-Loss-in-Children/
** Fortnum et al BMJ 2001;323:536
The incidence rate of OAEs being falsely detected for those tested in a
population with the stated prevalence rates (assuming all ears with significant
hearing loss have absent OAEs) is estimated below:
A D
ABR 20 Database maintenance 121
Absolute limit check 105 Database server 56
Analysis 89 Database setup 101
Archive data... 113 Database validation... 121
Archive log 114 Data collection 39,65
Archiving 113 Data file directory 56
ASCII 57 Data management 112,113
Ascii export configure 57 Data transfer/import functions... 115
Auditory neuropathy 20 dB80 76
Automatic backups 112 Debris 38
Automatic ID 32 Defragment and re-tune... 122
Auto stop 42,107 Diff 90,95
A and B difference 46,91 DP ½ octave power 70
A and B mean 46,91 DP Bar graph 70
A and B waveforms 46,91 DPgram 65
DPOAEs 62
B DPOAE growth rate 74
DPOAE measurements 17
Backup database... 112 DPOAE screening 63
Bilateral tests 81 DP ½ octave power 101
Binaural integration 80 DP Bar Graph 100
DP Growth functions 74
C DP Growth test 73,77
Checkfit 38,41,63 DP line chart 69
Click 38 DP line graph 100
Cochlear status 20 DPOAE stimulus and frequency range
Cocktail party effect 80 setup 97
Configure Hi*Track Users 123 DP Spectrum 67
Contralateral noise stimulation 20 DP spectrum graph 67
Contralateral recording 84
Contralateral stimulation 82
Contralateral suppression parameters 84
Contralateral TE suppression 83
CSV 23,57,120
Cyclic down 98
Cyclic up 98