RM500SL REAL-EAR HEARING AID ANALYZER USER’S GUIDE Version 2.
Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 About RM500SL .................................................................................................................6 1.1 Section overview......................................................................................................................6 1.2 New in this software release.....................................................................................................7 1.3 Electronic user’s guide .......................................
6.7 Printing to a network file .........................................................................................................30 6.8 Data storage to a network file.................................................................................................30 7 Hearing Instrument Tests Setup.....................................................................................31 7.1 Section overview.............................................................................................
10.7 Positioning the client ..............................................................................................................54 10.8 Positioning the probe tube......................................................................................................54 11 REM Screen Setup .......................................................................................................55 11.1 Section overview.................................................................................
18 Speechmap Fitting Procedures...................................................................................77 18.1 Section overview....................................................................................................................77 18.2 Assessment data entry...........................................................................................................77 18.3 Assessment data choices - 1................................................................................
The Audioscan® RM500SL User’s Guide Version 2.8 1 About RM500SL 1.1 Section overview This section provides a listing of features new in this software release, instructions for accessing the electronic User’s Guide, contact, warranty and trademark information, and notices for the European Community.
1.2 New in this software release Software 2.8 introduces the following significant additions and changes: 1) A Sensory Loss Simulator (SLS) which provides an accurate simulation of cochlear hearing loss for parents, teachers and others to experience. 2) DSL® 5, which provides targets for adults, allowances for ABR and bone conduction thresholds and speech targets for the stimulus level selected. (Note that targets do not appear until an REAR test has been started.
1.4 Warranty, Trademarks, Acknowledgements The Audioscan RM500SL is manufactured by Etymonic Design Inc., 41 Byron Ave., Dorchester, Ontario, Canada N0L 1G0. Phone: 800-265-2093 (USA only); 519-268-3313 Fax: 519-268-3256 www.audioscan.com Email: info@audioscan.com or service@audioscan.com Warranty: The RM500SL is warranted against defects for two years from date of purchase.
1.5 Notices for the European Community Authorised Audioscan representative within the European Community: PC Werth Ltd., Audiology House, 45 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8SP UK Phone: +44 (0)20 8772 2700 www.pcwerth.co.uk Electromagnetic Compatability (EMC) Medical electrical equipment needs special precautions regarding EMC and needs to be installed and put into service according to the following information: v The RM500SL should not be used adjacent to or stacked on other equipment.
2 Getting Started 2.1 Section overview This section provides help on unpacking the RM500SL and connecting various components and accessories. Note that battery pills (SL-110), the RECD transducer (SL-100), the barcode scanner (VA-120) and a microphone extension cable (VA-130) are accessories for the RM500SL and must be ordered separately. The following topics are covered in this section: 2.2: Unpacking and connecting 2.3: Microphone connection 2.4: Microphone care 2.5: Battery pill use and care 2.
2.3 Microphone connection 1) Plug the reference microphone and the coupler microphone into the connectors in the test chamber as shown. 2) Plug the probe microphone assembly into the probe connector located at the left of the test chamber as shown. NOTE: A microphone extension cable (VA-130) is available from Audioscan. Standard audio extension cables should not be used. They will substantially increase noise levels. FastFacts 2.3: Microphone connection 0611 RM500SL User’s Guide Version 2.
2.4 Microphone care Coupler microphone: 1) DO NOT twist the cable when attaching a coupler to the coupler microphone. Turn only the coupler or unplug the coupler microphone before turning it. 2) DO store the coupler microphone in its mounting clip when transporting. 3) DO make sure that the 2cc coupler is tightly screwed to the coupler microphone when performing hearing instrument tests. Coupler leakage can cause feedback and erratic response curves.
2.6 Mouse, keyboard, barcode scanner The RM500SL may be operated from the built-in keypad, a USB mouse (not included) or a standard USB computer (QWERTY) keyboard (not included), which may also be used to enter headers and comments on printouts: See 3.2 Input device operation. An optional barcode scanner may be connected to the USB port to enter threshold, UCL and RECD data directly from a RM500SL or Verifit printout.
2.7 External printer, auxiliary audio outputs An external printer may be connected to the the USB port. It may be color or black & white but it must be PCL3, PCL5 or PostScript compatible. The external printer must first be selected in Setup. See 6: Printing and Storing Results Auxiliary audio output jacks are not active with this version of software. ..
3.2 Input device operation The RM500SL may be operated by means of the built-in keypad, an external mouse (not included) or an external QWERTY keyboard (not included). These devices are used to summon on-screen menus and select items from them, to operate on-screen buttons and to input data. The scroll wheel on a mouse will scroll through long lists in list boxes and in Help. Clicking the right mouse button generates an image of the keypad which may be operated by the mouse.
3.3 Barcode data input In Speechmap and Insertion gain tests, audiometric data in barcode form on a RM500SL or Verifit printout may be entered by scanning the appropriate barcode. In Speechmap, threshold, UCL, RECD, transducer, age and ABR nHL to eHL conversion factors are encoded. In Insertion gain, threshold and transducer type are encoded. The type of data and the ear (left, right) is shown below the barcode. Only data for the displayed ear are imported.
3.4 Keypad keys Keypad Button Function Summon context-sensitive Help Screen. Summon Setup Menu containing a list of RM500SL features that can be modified. Any modifications made will be maintained after power off. Summon Test Selection Menu containing a list of the available test procedures. Summon Session Data Menu to erase or export data Used to alternate between ears or A/B Data. Print on internal or external printer or print to file.
3.5 Menus, lists and buttons Menu Setup Box List Box and are located Screen Buttons are identified by a circle within a raised block at the right hand end of a line of screen text. A screen button highlighted using the keypad or a QWERTY keyboard is surrounded by a heavy line. A screen button highlighted by the mouse pointer changes color from light to dark gray.
3.6 Screen messages The Title bar (top line of the display screen) informs you of the selected Test (e.g., Multicurve). The Message bar (bottom line of the display screen) suggests the next step in a test or informs you of the state of the instrument or conditions that could affect your data. For example, it will inform you if the microphones need to be calibrated. FastFacts 3.6: Screen messages 3.
3.8 Software updating Software updates, along with a new User’s Guide, are shipped on a CD-ROM. The software must be transferred to the USB flash drive in the RM500SL in order to be used. This transfer requires a PC with a CD-ROM drive and a USB port. To update the RM500SL software: 1) Refer to 3.7: Program memory removal and replacement and remove the USB flash drive from the RM500SL. 2) Insert the software update CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive on your PC.
4.3 Display settings This feature sets the screen saver timing and the background color used on the graphic test displays. The screen saver blanks the screen after 60, 90 or 120 minutes of inactivity to prolong the life of the display. To change display settings: 1) Press , then highlight and [Display]. 2) To change the screen saver timing, highlight and the current setting 3) Highlight and the desired screen saver timing from the drop-down list.
5 Networking 5.1 Section overview The RM500SL may be connected to a network using a Cat 5, RJ-45 cable. This allows screen images to be printed on a network printer or on a shared printer on a networked PC. Images and underlying data may also be saved to a shared folder on a networked PC. See 6: Printing and Storing Results for details. The RM500SL may also be connected to a single computer using a network hub. This section covers the following topics: 5.2: Networking requirements 5.
5.3 Networking setup Check 5.2: Networking requirements and connect the RM500SL to your network. 1) Press then highlight and [Network] 2) In the Network poster, highlight and [Enable networking]. 3) If your network supports automatic address assignment (DHCP), highlight and [Obtain automatically]. Highlight and [Test connection]. 4) For manual configuration, highlight and [Obtain manually].
5.4 Single computer connection The computer must be running Windows 95 or higher, with a functioning network card connected to one port on a Ethernet network hub or switch. Connect a Cat 5, RJ-45 cable from a hub port to the RM500SL connector. To set up the PC: 1) Right click Network Neighborhood (or My Network Places) & select Properties. 2) Right click Local Area Network Connection & select Properties. 3) If Internet protocol TCP/IP is not installed, install it from your Windows disk.
6 Printing and Storing Results 6.1 Section overview Pressing will cause the current screen image to be printed on the internal printer, on an external local printer, on a network printer, on a Windows-shared printer on a networked PC, or saved to file on a USB memory stick, or a Windowsshared file on a networked PC. Date, time, barcoded audiometric data and fixed or variable headers and comments (via a connected keyboard), may be added to printouts (but not when saving to a file).
6.2 Internal printer paper loading On-screen instructions on paper replacement are provided if you try to print to the internal printer when it is out of paper or when the paper lever has been raised. To load a new roll of paper: 1 Lift the printer head using the small black lever to the left of the printer. 2 Press the key for on-screen instructions. 3 Remove the empty spool from the paper tray and any remaining paper from the printer.
6.3 Barcodes, headers and comments on printouts The date and a header, such as facility or patient name, may be added to printouts. Barcodes representing hearing threshold, UCL and RECD, where applicable, may be added to printouts of Speechmap, Insertion gain and RECD tests. Lines for hand-written notes or typed comments may also be added. 1) Connect a computer keyboard to the USB port. 2) Press , then highlight and [Printing].
6.5 Printing to a USB memory stick 1) Plug a USB memory stick into the USB port next to the product label on recessed panel. The RM500SL may be either on or off. 2) Press , then highlight and [Printing]. 3) Highlight and [Print to USB file]. 4) Highlight and [Printer details] to change the file type [Bitmap (bmp)] or [Internet GIF (gif)] and the captured area [Full screen], [Main window] (full screen without the message line or [Active window] (foreground image only).
6.6 Network printer setup To print to a network printer or to a Windows-shared printer on the network, you must first enable networking. See section 5: Networking. To print to a printer on a Windows PC connected to a network, you must also share the printer on the PC by selecting Start, Settings and Printers. Then right click on the printer you wish to share and select Sharing. Only PCL 3, PCL 5 or PostScript compatible printers are supported.
6.7 Printing to a network file To save the screen image as a file on a network PC, you must first enable networking. See 5: Networking. You must also "share" a folder in the PC root directory (e.g. c:\MyData) and ensure that Change permissions are enabled. 1) Press , then highlight and [Printing]. 2) Highlight and [Print to file]. 3) Highlight and the file type [Bitmap (bmp)] or [Internet GIF (gif)].
7 Hearing Instrument Tests Setup 7.1 Section overview For most tests, two completely separate sets of test results, labelled A and B, may be retained and displayed. The appearance of Hearing Instrument Test (HIT) screens may be changed in several ways. Most screens may be formatted to show results in graphical or tabular format. The Multicurve screen may be scaled in dB SPL or dB Gain. Individual curves may be hidden (but not erased). This section covers the following topics: 7.2: HIT A or B display 7.
7.5 Hide or Show HIT curves On screens capable of showing more than one curve, you may show or hide test curves. Hiding a curve does not erase it. To hide or show test curve(s): 1) Highlight, then Curve [Hide/Show]. 2) Highlight, then the desired test curve to toggle between Hide or Show. The curve will toggle on or off when selected. 3) Press to return to the test screen. FastFacts 7.5: Hide or Show HIT curves 7.
7.8 HIT calibration facts HIT microphone calibration establishes a correction curve for the uncalibrated HIT reference microphone by comparison with the factory calibrated coupler microphone. It may be performed as often as desired but will be invalidated at 1 am the following day or at 1 am the following Monday, depending on the choice of Daily or Weekly calibration interval. After the calibration has expired, you will be prompted to calibrate whenever you attempt a test that uses the HIT microphones.
7.9 Calibration of HIT reference microphone Remove any coupler from the coupler microphone before calibration. 1) Position the HIT reference microphone opening concentric with the coupler microphone opening and about 1 – 2 mm from as shown below. 2) Close and seal the test chamber by tightening the latch at the front of the lid. 3) Press , then highlight and [Calibrate] from the Hearing Instruments Test column. 4) Highlight, then [Daily] or [Weekly] to select the calibration interval.
7.10 Calibration check for coupler microphone Accuracy of HIT measurements depends on the calibration of the coupler microphone. This should be checked regularly using a microphone calibrator with an adapter ring. The RE780 (1 1/8”) and RE781 (1”) rings are designed for Quest CA22 and QC-10/20 respectively. To verify the coupler microphone calibration: 1) Calibrate the HIT reference microphone. See 7.
7.11 Coupling the hearing instrument The RM500SL is supplied with 2 metal couplers, a type HA-1 (ITE) and a type HA2 (BTE). Note that an ANSI standard coupler for CICs does not exist. These must be tested in the HA-1 coupler. When threading the couplers onto the coupler microphone, it is very important that they be firmly tightened to ensure a good acoustic seal. Avoid twisting the coupler microphone cable – turn the coupler not the microphone or unplug the microphone while tightening the coupler.
7.12 Positioning the hearing instrument 1) The hearing instrument should be coupled to the appropriate coupler and a battery or battery pill installed. See 7.11: Coupling the hearing instrument and 2.5: Battery pill use and care. 2) Place the instrument and coupler in the test chamber so that the microphone opening(s) of the instrument are on the crossbar >> within the test zone.
8 ANSI S3.22 Hearing Aid Tests 8.1 Section overview These Hearing Instrument Tests follow the procedures of ANSI S3.22-1996 or ANSI S3.22-2003 as selected in Setup. See 7.6: 1996 or 2003 ANSI standard : Linear: An automated test sequence for linear hearing aids per ANSI S3.22. AGC: An automated test sequence for AGC hearing aids per ANSI S3.22. Input/Output: 1 - 4 curves of coupler SPL vs input SPL at .25, .5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz.
8.3 ANSI S3.22-2003 facts ANSI S3.22-2003 has been designated a recognized standard by the FDA but is not yet mandatory. Manufacturers may use either version for reporting test data. The most significant change from the 1996 version is the requirement for the hearing aid to be set in its most linear mode for the setting of the gain control to Reference Test Setting (changed from Reference Test Position) and for all tests except attack and release and input-output (I/O) curves.
8.5 ANSI 2003 Linear and AGC tests 1) Press , then highlight and [Linear] or [AGC]. 2) Highlight and [Start test]; test setup instructions will be displayed. 3) Refer to 7.11: Coupling the hearing instrument, 7.12: Positioning the hearing instrument and 2.5: Battery pill use and care to prepare the instrument for testing. 4) Turn the instrument ON.
8.6 ANSI test results In 1996 tests: Full-on average gain j is measured at 50 dB SPL, average gain at RTP k is usually (but not always) measured at 60 dB SPL and the frequency response l is run at 60 dB SPL for linear aids or at 50 dB SPL for AGC aids. In 2003 tests: Full-on average gain is measured with a 50 dB input SPL, average gain at RTS is always measured at 60 dB input SPL and the frequency response curve is always run at 60 dB input SPL. FastFacts 8.
8.7 ANSI input-output curves An input/output curve shows the output level of a hearing instrument as a function of input level and frequency. It is a steady-state pure-tone curve and does not reflect performance with complex signals such as speech. You may run the tests at any setting of the instrument controls but ANSI S3.22 requires that certain settings be used. See 8.2: ANSI S3.22-1996 facts and 8.3: ANSI S3.22-2003 facts.
8.8 ANSI telecoil terminology The RM500SL test chamber contains an integrated telephone magnetic field simulator (TMFS) meeting the requirements of ANSI S3.22, that enable the measurement of coupler SPL produced by a hearing instrument with a telephone pickup coil. ANSI uses the following terms in telecoil testing: RTG (reference test gain) is the average gain measured with the gain control in the reference test position (1996) or reference test setting (2003). See 8.2: ANSI S3.22-1996 facts and 8.
8.9 ANSI telephone simulator (TMFS) test ANSI S3.22 requires that the gain control be set to RTP (1996) or RTS (2003) before running this test. The reference test gain (RTG) is required in order to calculate the STS (1996) or RSETS (2003). The easiest way to meet both requirements is to run a [Linear] or [AGC] test before running this test. See 8.4: ANSI 1996 Linear and AGC tests; 8.5: ANSI 2003 Linear and AGC tests 1) First, complete a [Linear] or [AGC] test, then press .
8.10 Telecoil test results See 8.8: ANSI telecoil terminology for explanation of abbreviations. Note that the 2003 standard requires that the telecoil test be performed with the AGC set for minimum effect. See 8.3: ANSI S3.22-2003 facts. The 1996 standard requires the manufacturer to specify the AGC settings used for the telecoil test. FastFacts 8.10: Telecoil test results 0611 RM500SL User’s Guide Version 2.
9 Other Hearing Instrument Tests 9.1 Section overview In addition to the tests of ANSI S3.22, the RM500SL provides the following: Distortion: Harmonic distortion at 2nd or 3rd harmonics and 2nd plus 3rd with input levels varying from 60 – 90 dB SPL. Multicurve: 1 – 4 curves of coupler SPL or coupler gain for swept tones or pink noise in 1/12th octaves at selected input SPL of 0 or 40 to 90 dB in 5 dB steps. Can be used as a 1/12th octave spectrum analyzer by setting stimulus to 0 dB.
9.3 Multicurve procedure Multicurve generates 1 to 4 output or gain response curves using either pink noise or swept pure tones at input levels ranging from 40 – 90 dB SPL and 0 dB (off). 1) Press , then highlight and [Multicurve]. 2) Refer to 7.11: Coupling the hearing instrument, 7.12: Positioning the hearing instrument and 2.5: Battery pill use and care to prepare the instrument for testing. Turn the instrument ON. 3) Highlight and button 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the Test column.
9.5 Spectral analysis in Multicurve Selecting a stimulus level of 0 dB (off) in [Multicurve] presents a spectral analysis of the coupler microphone signal (Scale = dB SPL) or the difference between the coupler and reference microphone spectra (Scale = dB Gain). If the stimulus type is [Pink noise], the analysis is performed in 1/12th octave bands and displayed in real time. Pressing captures the displayed spectrum.
9.7 Manual control procedure Manual control displays the reference microphone SPL, the coupler microphone SPL, their difference in dB (gain) and coupler microphone signal distortion at any selected 1/12th octave frequency and at a selected input level from 40 to 90 dB (in 5 dB steps) and at 0 dB (off). 1) Press , then highlight and [Manual control]. 2) Highlight and the Level window, then highlight and the desired stimulus level from the dropdown list.
10 Real-Ear Measurement Setup 10.1 Section overview For safe and effective operation, the Real-Ear Measurement (REM) system must be properly set up and calibrated, the client must be properly positioned and the probe tube must be properly positioned in the ear canal. Note that the REM speaker is in the lid of the test chamber which must be open to a near-vertical position for all real-ear measurements. Real-Ear Unaided Response (REUR): SPL, or band SPL, in the open (unaided) ear canal for a given stimulus.
10.3 Calibration of REM probe microphone Ensure the probe microphone assembly to be calibrated is plugged into the appropriate jack. See 2.3: Microphone connection and 10.2: REM calibration facts 1) Open the test chamber and elevate the speaker to its vertical position. 2) Press , then highlight & [Calibration] from the REM column. 3) Press the enlarged end of a probe tube as far as it will go, into the recessed opening at the top of the probe module.
10.4 Calibration check for probe module The calibration curve for the probe module is a comparison of the response of the probe microphone (with tube) to the response of the REM reference microphone. Any change in the curve indicates a change in one of these microphones (or the probe tube). See 10.3: Calibration of REM probe microphone.
10.5 Max TM SPL setup The Max TM SPL safety feature allows you to set a limit on the SPL, measured by the probe microphone, above which a test terminates. The MAX TM SPL limit is shown on all REM screens. The default limit is 120 dB. To choose a different Max TM SPL setting: 1) Press , then highlight and [Max TM SPL]. 2) Highlight and the current Max TM SPL setting. 3) Highlight and the desired Max TM SPL setting from the drop-down list. 4) Press to exit Setup.
10.7 Positioning the client Sound reflections from nearby surfaces (including the operator) can cause large measurement errors. Room noise can increase test time, cause errors and alter the operation of the hearing instrument being evaluated. 1) Choose a quiet location and position the client and the real-ear speaker at least 1.5 m (5 feet) away from any hard surfaces. 2) The speaker mounted in the lid of the test chamber is used for real-ear measurements.
11 REM Screen Setup 11.1 Section overview To accommodate your working preferences, the appearance of REM screens may be changed in several ways. This section covers the following topics: 11.2: REM right or left ear display 11.4: SPL or HL scale 11.3: Graph, table or 2cc target format 11.5: Hide or show REM curves FastFacts 11.1: REM screen setup 11.2 REM right or left ear display The RM500SL can retain and display REM test results for two ears.
11.4 SPL or HL scale In Speechmap and Insertion gain tests you may view results in either dB HL or dB SPL. Insertion gain tests view the hearing aid as improving the sound-field threshold. In Insertion gain, the HL scale presents aided results as improved sound-field thresholds while the speech region remains fixed. Speechmap tests view the hearing aid as increasing the ear canal SPL. Speech gets louder but the threshold remains fixed.
12.2 Manual control measurements 1) Refer to 10: Real-Ear Measurement Setup to prepare the system for use and for proper positioning of the client and the probe tube. 2) Press , then highlight and [Manual control]. 3) Highlight and the Level window, then highlight and the desired stimulus level from the dropdown list. 4) Highlight and the Frequency window, then highlight and the desired frequency from the drop-down list.
13 Sensory Loss Simulator 13.1 Sensory loss simulator description A pure conductive loss attenuates loud and soft sounds equally, and is easily simulated by just turning down the volume or inserting an earplug. Losses of a sensory nature are more complex and more difficult to simulate. The most common sensory loss is caused by outer hair cell damage and results in loss of audibility for soft sounds but near-normal loudness for loud sounds.
14 Occlusion Effect Test 14.1 Occlussion effect measurement 1) Refer to 10: Real-Ear Measurement Setup to prepare the system for use and for proper positioning of the client and the probe tube. 2) Insert the earmold or custom hearing instrument into the ear, being careful not to advance the probe tube further into the ear canal. A lubricant applied to the earmold or custom instrument shell in the vicinity of the probe tube will make insertion easier and prevent slit leaks around the tube.
15 RECD (real-ear to coupler difference) 15.1 Section overview The RECD measurement procedure may be accessed by selecting RECD from the REM tests list or from the Audiometry poster within Speechmap. An optional RECD transducer is required for RECD measurements. This section covers the following topics: 15.2: RECD facts 15.3: RECD coupler response 15.4: RECD real-ear response 15.5: RECD results FastFacts 15.1: RECD (real-ear to coupler difference) 15.
15.3 RECD coupler response Prepare the system for HIT tests. See 2.3: Microphone connection, 7.9: Calibration of HIT reference microphone. Connect the optional RECD transducer to the RECD jack to the left of the test chamber. 1) Press then highlight and [RECD] from the REM tests list. 2) If a valid coupler response exists, go to 15.4:RECD real-ear response. 3) If no coupler response exists or the measurement interval has been exceeded, connect the RECD transducer to the BTE coupler.
15.4 RECD real-ear response Connect the RECD transducer to the RECD jack to the left of the test chamber. Prepare the system for REM tests. See 10.3: Calibration of REM probe microphone. 2) Press then highlight and [RECD] from the REM tests list. 3) If no coupler response exists or the measurement interval has been exceeded, go to 15.3:RECD coupler response. 4) If a valid coupler response exists, highlight and [Measure real ear]. 5) Refer to 10.
15.5 RECD results The RECD measurement screen shows the response of the RECD transducer in the real ear (pink) and in the 2cc coupler (green). The difference between these curves is the RECD (cyan). An age-appropriate average RECD is shown for reference (dotted). A negative RECD below about 1 kHz may indicate a poor seal between the foam tip and the ear canal. A negative RECD above about 3 kHz may indicate the foam tip is blocking the probe tube. See 15.2: RECD facts, 15.3: RECD coupler response, 15.
16 Insertion Gain 16.1 Section overview Insertion gain is the difference between aided and unaided ear canal SPL (REIG = REAG - REUG). It inherently assumes a sound-field audiogram. For non-linear hearing aids, REIG is stimulus-dependent and the dependency is specific to each hearing aid. Insertion gain fitting methods ignore these facts. Speechmap is recommended for fitting all non-linear hearing instruments.
16.3 Insertion gain in HL See 10: Real-Ear Measurement Setup and 11: REM Screen Setup 1) Press , then highlight & [Insertion gain] from the REM tests list. 2) Highlight and [Instrument] to chose from BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, Body. This changes the CORFIG used for 2cc targets. 3) Highlight and fitting method to chose from FIG6, NAL-NL1, NAL-R, POGO II, BERGER, LIBBY, USER, NONE.
16.4 Audiometric data entry Threshold data and parameters may be entered by scanning a barcode on a previous RM500SL or Verifit printout or manually using a mouse, the keypad or the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. See 2.6: Mouse, keyboard, barcode scanner, and 3.2: Input device operation. To enter data from a barcode see 3.3: Barcode data input and: 1) Press the barcode trigger and center the red line on the barcode from a distance of 6 - 8”. The scanner will beep and the Barcode Entry poster opens.
16.5 REUR measurement procedure Performing a REUR test erases all existing REAR and REIG data for the current test ear. REUR should be measured only if Transducer = Soundfield. Otherwise it is more accurate to use average. See 16.4: Audiometric data entry. 1) Press , then highlight and [Insertion gain] from the REM list. 2) Referring to 10: Real-Ear Measurement Setup and 11: REM Screen Setup, prepare the system, position the patient and insert the probe tube.
16.6 REAR measurement procedure 1) Press , then highlight and [Insertion gain] from the REM list 2) Referring to 10: Real-Ear Measurement Setup and 11: REM Screen Setup, prepare the system, position the patient and insert the probe tube. (For tightfitting hearing aids or earmolds, the probe tube may be inserted through a vent.) 3) Without disturbing the probe tube, insert the hearing instrument or earmold. 4) Referring to 16.4: Audiometric data entry, enter threshold data.
16.7 SII calculation in Insertion gain The RM500SL calculates a Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) value (in %) for unaided speech at 70 dB SPL (REUR), the target REIG and for each aided test. The calculations use the 1/3 octave band method of ANSI S3.5 –1997 without the 160 Hz band and without masking effects. Level distortion effects are included but no hearing loss desensitization is applied. An idealized speech region of LTASS +/- 15 dB is used.
17 Speechmap ® 17.1 Section overview Speechmap presents hearing threshold, UCL and amplified speech spectra as SPL in the ear canal. The fitting goal is to make amplified speech audible and comfortable while avoiding discomfort for loud sounds. Speechmap is normally used in SPL and this guide describes only this usage. See 11.4: SPL or HL scale. This section covers the following topics: 17.2: Speechmap facts 17.7: Screen tour – unaided screen 17.3: DSL 5.0 in Speechmap 17.
17.3 DSL 5.0 in Speechmap The Desired Sensation Level (DSL) method is a systematic eardrum sound pressure level (SPLogram) approach to hearing instrument fitting that seeks to ensure amplified speech will be audible and comfortable while loud sounds will not be uncomfortable. It takes into account individual acoustic factors in audiometric and electroacoustic data. DSL was developed by the National Centre for Audiology (NCA), London, Ontario.
17.4 DSL 5.0 changes The Audioscan version of DSL 5.0 includes provision for bone conduction and ABR threshold, binaural targets, targets for speech levels from 50 to 75 dB SPL, new targets for children, targets for adults and new RECD default values for children (1 month to 10 years) and adults. The UWO child’s spectrum has been removed and an “own voice” spectrum has been added.
17.6 Using Speechmap The Speechmap fitting environment provides a number of distinctly different stimuli. Speech and noise are analyzed in 1/3 octave bands and (except for pink noise) data are presented as 3 curves. The top curve is the level exceeded 1% of the time (speech peaks), the lower curve is the level exceeded 70% of the time (speech valleys) and the middle curve is the average.
17.7 Screen tour – unaided screen FastFacts 17.7: Screen tour – unaided screen 17.8 Screen tour - aided screen FastFacts 17.8: Screen tour - aided screen 0611 RM500SL User’s Guide Version 2.
17.9 REM or S-REM mode The Speechmap environment provides two hearing instrument verification options: REM (real-ear measurement) and S-REM (simulated REM). In REM mode, the stimulus is controlled by the REM reference microphone below the ear and SPL in the ear canal is measured by the probe microphone. In S-REM mode, levels measured in the 2cc coupler are converted to estimated ear canal levels using the RECD values (age-appropriate average, entered, or measured).
17.10 SII calculation in Speechmap The RM500SL calculates a Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) value (in %) for unaided speech at 70 dB SPL and for each aided test. The calculations use the 1/3 octave band method of ANSI S3.5 –1997 without the 160 Hz band and without masking effects. Level distortion effects are included but no hearing loss desensitization is applied. An idealized speech region of LTASS +/- 15 dB is used.
18 Speechmap Fitting Procedures 18.1 Section overview The procedures in this section assume a familiarity with 10: Real-Ear Measurement Setup, 11: REM Screen Setup and 17: Speechmap ®. This section covers the following topics: 18.2: Assessment data entry 18.7: Fitting to targets for mid-level speech 18.3: Assessment data choices 18.8: Open fittings in Speechmap 18.4:Assessment data choices - 2 18.9: FM fitting and verification 18.
18.3 Assessment data choices - 1 The following audiometric assessment parameters can be specified in the Speechmap Audiometry setup box. Defaults are the last-used choices if test setup memory has been turned on. See 4.4: Saving test setup. 1) Target: Select fitting targets from [DSL adult, DSL child, NAL-NL1, None]. DSL 5 and NAL-NL1 differ in the derivation of amplified LTASS and RESR targets. Selecting [None] eliminates the LTASS targets; UCL estimates are from DSL.
18.4 Assessment data choices - 2 Continued from: 18.3: Assessment data choices - 1 5) UCL: Uncomfortable Level. Select from [Enter, Average]. If measured UCL values are entered, these values will be converted to real-ear SPL and used as real-ear saturation response (RESR) targets. Note that DSL 5.0 has changed this term to Upper Limit of Comfort (ULC). Regardless of the acronym, it is a narrow-band SPL that should never be exceeded. 6) RECD: Select from [Measure, Enter, Average].
18.5 Fitting to targets for soft speech See 17.9: REM or S-REM mode, 17.6: Using Speechmap and 18.2: Assessment data entry for setup and audiometric data entry. 1) Select [Audiometry] to choose the target method and enter audiometric data. 2) Select REAR 1 and set stimulus to [Speech-std(1)] or [Speech-std(2)] and level to 50. Elongated + symbols show the target range for 50 dB speech LTASS.
18.6 Fitting to targets for loud sounds 4) Select REAR 2 & set stimulus to [MPO]. In S-REM mode, a 90 dB tone sweeps continuously. In REM mode, the tone sweeps when you press . 5) In S-REM mode, adjust high-level gain and/or output limiting (e.g.,MPO, PC) so the curve matches the + REAR90 targets (DSL) or approaches but doesn’t exceed the ∗ RESR targets (NAL-NL1) at all frequencies. Press to record the MPO curve.
18.7 Fitting to targets for mid-level speech 6) Select REAR 3 and set stimulus to [Speech-std(1)] or [Speech-std(2)] and level to 70. Elongated + symbols show the target range for 70 dB speech LTASS. 7) Adjust gain for mid-level sounds so that the middle curve (the LTASS) falls within the target range. Press to run the complete passage. Repeat as necessary. Achieving this goal may require adjusting gain for soft speech, which will reduce its audibility.
18.9 FM fitting and verification FM fitting is complex and strategies are varied and fluid. These instructions are intended to provide the general principles involved, not a detailed and proven method. They assume familiarity with the use of Speechmap in fitting hearing aids. 1) Set up the hearing aid or receiver/earpiece as if to fit a hearing aid in REM or SREM mode. Set it for environmental microphone (EM) only operation. Set Instrument to [BTE] or [Body] to indicate the location of the EM.
19 Speechmap Technical Details 19.1 Section overview Speechmap provides a variety of stimuli for the testing of non-linear hearing aids with a range of digital processing features. This section covers the following topics: 19.2: Speechmap stimuli 19.4: Microphone location effects 19.3: Stimulus levels 19.5: Speech signal analysis For additional information see 24: Appendix 1: AudioNote 2.1 VERIFIT and RM500SL Test Signals and Analysis FastFacts 19.1: Speechmap technical details 19.
19.3 Stimulus levels Hz 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3150 4000 5000 6300 8000 1/3 octave band SPL Speech Standard Female Child 56.8 54.9 32.3 56.0 53.1 51.5 53.0 48.4 57.3 57.0 55.8 54.1 58.0 57.3 53.2 55.0 58.1 61.2 52.5 54.6 56.5 51.0 52.0 52.7 50.5 51.0 45.4 48.0 51.1 41.1 45.0 51.2 39.7 44.0 49.3 35.5 42.5 46.0 28.8 42.0 40.0 31.2 40.0 36.1 30.6 41.5 43.5 32.6 41.5 39.9 35.2 Add to band SPL for ICRA Pink Own FM FM Loud Noise Noise Voice Chest Boom 52.9 55.9 56.9 57.5 57.8 54.
19.4 Microphone location effects Microphone Location Effects Add to all stimuli in S-REM mode Hearing instrument type Frequency BTE ITE ITC CIC BODY 200 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.9 3.0 250 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.8 3.0 315 0.8 0.8 0.3 0.7 3.0 400 1.1 1.0 0.7 0.5 3.0 500 1.2 1.8 0.0 0.4 4.0 630 1.1 2.0 0.1 0.4 3.0 800 0.9 2.0 0.4 0.4 2.0 1000 0.3 1.5 1.2 0.6 0.0 1250 0.6 0.3 -1.6 1.1 0.0 1600 2.5 -0.3 -1.9 2.0 -4.0 2000 4.1 3.8 2.1 3.3 -4.0 2500 3.5 5.0 4.8 5.0 -3.0 3150 2.8 3.3 3.5 6.9 -2.0 4000 3.7 4.3 6.4 8.3 0.0 5000 -1.2 4.
19.5 Speech signal analysis One of the most-used measures of a speech signal is the long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS). This is a 1/3 octave spectrum averaged over a sufficiently long portion of the speech material to provide a stable curve. In practice a 10 second average meets this requirement and, for this reason, all RM500SL passages are at least 10 seconds long. The dynamic nature of speech is often characterized by the distribution of shortterm levels in each 1/3 octave band.
20 Troubleshooting 20.1 Section overview This section covers common problems encountered when using the RM500SL. If you require further assistance, note your model and serial number (located on the recessed panel) and contact your local distributor, or Audioscan at 519-268-3313 800-265-2093 (USA only), 519-268-3256 (fax) or service@audioscan.com PLEASE DO NOT SHIP YOUR UNIT BACK TO THE FACTORY. In most cases we can courier you a part that you can quickly and easily replace yourself.
20.3 HIT high distortion or noise High distortion and/or noise numbers in an ANSI test v There may be a leak between the hearing instrument under test and the coupler it is connected to. For BTE type instruments, check the integrity of the #13 tubing at the end of the coupler where it joins with the ear hook. Look for cracks. ITE type instruments need to have a good seal between the hearing instrument and the coupler.
20.5 HIT curves differ from specifications The OSPL90 and response curves don’t look like the manufacturer’s. v Check that all controls or program settings are the same as those used by the manufacturer. v Check that vents on earmolds or ITE instruments are plugged at the faceplate. v Check that ITE instruments are well sealed to the coupler. v When puttying a hearing instrument into the ITE coupler, be sure to keep the canal portion of the instrument flush with the inside of the 2cc volume.
20.8 Invalid HIT calibration Invalid HIT Calibration! This message may be displayed during the HIT calibration procedure. It indicates that the calibration curve is significantly different from what is expected. It may be accompanied by a missing HIT reference microphone error. v Check that the there is no coupler on the coupler microphone and that the microphones are correctly positioned for HIT calibration. v Check that the coupler microphone is securely plugged into the correct socket.
20.11 REM speaker overdriven REM speaker overdriven! This message indicates that the REM speaker is unable to produce the SPL required for a test. This is usually the result of a standing wave null at the REM reference microphone caused by reverberation in the environment. It warns of a situation that could cause significant measurement errors. v Move the RM500SL and client away from walls and hard objects. Avoid placing the RM500SL under an overhanging shelf or cabinet.
21 Technical Specifications Storage & Transportation Temperature ....................................................- 20°C to +60°C Relative humidity (non-condensing)........................5% to 95% Atmospheric pressure...................................... 500 - 1060 hPa General Overall dimensions .....................................15.5”x12.75”x4.25” Weight .................................................................................15lb Display type .............................
22 Glossary AGC, Automatic Gain Control, the means by which gain is automatically controlled by the level of the signal being amplified. (ANSI S3.22) AGC-I, input-controlled AGC (see "input compression"). AGC-O, output controlled AGC (see "output compression"). AGRAM, Abbreviation for audiogram. ANSI, American National Standards Institute. Attack Time, the time required for HA output to reach +/- 3dB of its steady state level in response to an input step from 55 to 90dB SPL. (ANSI S3.
FOG, Full On Gain, gain for a 50 dB input SPL with the gain control set to maximum ANSI S3.22) Gain (in dB), output sound pressure relative to input sound pressure, expressed in decibels; gain = 20log10 (output sound pressure / input sound pressure); also, gain = (output SPL) - (input SPL). Gain control, a manually or electronically operated control for the adjustment of overall gain (ANSI S3.22). HA-1 Coupler, a coupler having a volume of 2 cubic centimetres with direct access to the cavity.
MAP, minimal audible pressure, SPL of a tone, measured or inferred at the tympanic membrane, at the threshold of audibility. MPO, Maximum Power Output, the maximum SPL that a hearing aid can deliver in response to a steady narrow band input. The stimulus may be pulsed (a tone burst) to avoid discomfort and to obtain a worstcase maximum output. Modulation, the process of varying a characteristic of one signal with another.
REUG, Real-Ear Unaided Gain , difference, in dB as a function of frequency, between the SPL (or BSPL) at a specified measurement point in the ear canal and the SPL (or BSPL) at a field reference point, for a specified sound field, with the ear unoccluded (ANSI S3.46). REUR, Real-Ear Unaided Response, SPL (or BSPL), as a function of frequency, at a specified measurement point in the ear canal, for a specified sound field, with the ear canal unoccluded (ANSI S3.46).
VGA, video graphics adapter. VC, Volume Control, a user-operated gain control. Warble Tone, a frequency-modulated sine wave. The modulating signal is often a low frequency triangle wave. 1. Valente, M: Strategies for Selecting and Verifying Hearing Aid Fittings. New York:Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.,1994. ANSI S3.5, Methods for Calculation of the Speech Intelligibility Index, 1997 ANSI S3.6, Specification for Audiometers, 1996 ANSI S3.22, Specification of Hearing Aid Characteristics, revised 2003.
Cox, R.M. & Moore, J.N. (1988). Composite speech spectrum for hearing aid gain prescriptions. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 31:102-107. Dunn, H. K., & White, D. S. (1940). Statistical measurements on conversational speech. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 11:278-288. Feigin, J.A., Kopun, J.G., Stelmachowicz, P.G. & Gorga, M.P. (1989). Probe-tube microphone measures of ear-canal sound pressure levels in infants and children. Ear and Hearing, 10(4), 254-258. Fikret-Pasa, S. & Revit, L.
Scollie, S., Seewald, R., Cornelisse. L., Moodie, S. T., Bagatto, M., Laurnagaray, D., Beaulac, S. & Pumford, J. (2005). The Desired Sensation Level Multistage Input/Output Algorithm. Trends in Amplification, 9-4, 159-197. Seewald, R.C. (1994a). Current issues in hearing aid fitting. In J-P Gagne and N. Tye-Murray (Eds.), Research in Audiological Rehabilitation: Current Trends and Future Directions. Journal of the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology Monograph, XXVII. Seewald, R.C. (1994b).
24 Appendix 1: AudioNote 2.1 VERIFIT and RM500SL Test Signals and Analysis For additional details of the signals and their analysis, see the appended AudioNote. Within the European Community: EU Authorised representative: PC Werth Ltd. Audiology House 45 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8SP UK Council Directive 93/42/EEC for Medical Devices. 0088 0611 RM500SL User’s Guide Version 2.
VERIFIT and RM500SL Test Signals and Analysis 1 Introduction Bill Cole BASc, PEng Some useful facts about broad-band signals The Verifit and RM500SL are full-duplex Ø Overall SPL is the SPL in a band containing all significant frequency components of the signal. dual-channel audio measurement systems Ø Spectrum level is the SPL in a band 1 Hz wide. designed for the testing and fitting of all Ø Band SPL is the SPL in a restricted frequency range.
microphone. 2.2 Broad-band signals 2.2.1 Pink Noise signal The pink noise signal is available for Multicurve 2 cm3 coupler gain and output frequency response measurements and for Insertion gain and Speechmap real-ear measurements. It is a pseudo-random signal composed of 1024 simultaneous tones summed to provide a crest factor of 12 dB.
digitized speech passages and the single-talker ICRA distorted speech are provided. Each has a duration of 10 – 15 seconds and may be presented as a single passage or in a continuous loop. In order to provide a repeatable speech signal to the device under test, the signal path must be equalized prior to the presentation of the speech signal.
Figure 3: Microphone location effects in dB re nominal band SPL. Nominal band levels are band levels for an overall rms level of 65 dB SPL and average vocal effort in a free sound field. 3 Analysis of broad-band signals Broad-band signals contain energy at many frequencies simultaneously. Such signals are usually analyzed in a series of narrow frequency bands to produce a spectrum.
Analysis Bandwidth Used by Various Analyzers To Analyze Complex Signals 35 Verifit / RM500SL - Speechmap 1/24th Octave Analyzers The Normal Ear - Critical Bands 100 Hz band analyzers 10 Log Analysis Bandwidth (Hz) 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3150 4000 5000 6300 Band Center Frequency (Hz) Figure 4: Analysis bandwidths of some real-ear analyzers and critical bands for a normal ear.
Figure 6: A real-ear directional test on an adaptive instrument with active compression and noise reduction. (Directional test not available in RM500SL) 3.2 Real-speech signal analysis One of the most-used measures of a speech signal is the long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS). This is a 1/3 octave spectrum averaged over a sufficiently long portion of the speech material to provide a stable curve.
128 ms analysis time period as an approximation because it also has considerable historic support. Because the spectrum of a speech signal varies with time, it is necessary to average measurements over several seconds to obtain a stable, repeatable result. However, the effects of adjustments to hearing aid parameters need to be seen quickly in order to be useful for optimization.
Figure 8: Speech is detectable but not understandable if the 1st percentile is at threshold Figure 9: When LTASS is at threshold, SII ≈ 33% which corresponds approximately to SRT 07/05/06 © Etymonic Design Incorporated, 41 Byron Ave., Dorchester, ON, Canada N0L 1G0 USA 800-265-2093 519-268-3313 FAX 519-268-3256 www.audioscan.
Figure 10: The highest SII is obtained when the entire speech envelope is above threshold Long-Term Average 1/3 Octave Spectra (LTASS) for Speech Signals @ Average Effort re overall SPL for entire passage; Hanning window; 128 ms average 0.00 -5.00 BAND SPL (dB re overall SPL) -10.00 -15.00 -20.00 -25.00 -30.00 LTASS re overall SPL - STANDARD -35.00 LTASS re overall SPL - FEMALE LTASS re overall SPL - CHILD LTASS re overall SPL - ICRA -40.
1st Percentile of 1/3 Octave Band SPLs for Speech Signals @ Average Effort] re LTASS for entire passage; Hanning window; 128 ms average 14.00 12.00 BAND SPL (dB re LTASS) 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00 1% LEVEL re LTASS - STANDARD 2.00 1% LEVEL re LTASS - FEMALE 1% LEVEL re LTASS - CHILD 1% LEVEL re LTASS - ICRA 0.
Dynamic Range for Speech Signals @ Average Effort] re LTASS for entire passage; Hanning window; 128 ms average 40.00 35.00 DYNAMIC RANGE (dB) 30.00 25.00 20.00 15.00 10.00 DYNAMIC RANGE - STANDARD 5.00 DYNAMIC RANGE - FEMALE DYNAMIC RANGE - CHILD DYNAMIC RANGE - ICRA 0.
