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How Can I Save Time and Improve My Patients' Experience with Immittance Testing?

Clement Sanchez, Diane L. Sabo, PhD

January 23, 2017

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Question

Immittance testing is a standard part of my workflow, but many times, I feel like I do not have control over the test process. Can you suggest ways to help me save time and improve my patients' experience?

Answer

Diane Sabo: Even though immittance testing is a standard part of your workflow, many variables can distract you from performing the test and achieving accurate test results. Some example of the challenges that can disrupt the testing process are: squirming children, a poor seal, clogged probes or flaccid ears in older adults—all of which can lead to unexpected and costly delays. These challenges also interfere with staying focused on the patient and completing the appropriate tests.

The kind of equipment you use and how the device fits into your workflow can streamline your test process. For example, the MADSEN® Zodiac is the only immittance device in the market with a dual probe. It enables audiologists to keep the screening probe and a diagnostic probe connected at the same time. You can just grab the probe you need for a particular patient without interrupting your workflow. It also means there is a backup probe should you need it. It’s the small things like a dual probe option that when combined with other small things – such as easy cleaning and changing of probe tips – add up to real efficiency gains so you can use more of your time on the things that matter – helping your patients.

Clement Sanchez:  To Diane’s point, one of the main challenges clinicians face in immittance testing is getting and keeping a reliable seal. So here’s another tip: Look for probes that are lightweight, ergonomic and easy to use. Remote controls on the probes are also a convenient feature. Long, sturdy cables allow you to stay close to your patient without having to go back and forth to the device.

These details are important when it comes to efficiency in immittance testing – and taking back control of the testing process. Read more about the benefits of adding MADSEN Zodiac to your diagnostic workflow in our recent interview with AudiologyOnline.  Visit the Otometrics and Audiology Systems Expo Page on AudiologyOnline for the latest CE courses and other resources.


clement sanchez

Clement Sanchez

Product Manager and Audiologist, GN Otometrics

Clément Sanchez, Au.D M.Sc. is a former product manager and audiologist for hearing assessment at GN Otometrics. Throughout his education and career, Mr. Sanchez has had special focus on tinnitus and tinnitus assessment. Prior to joining Otometrics, Mr. Sanchez was a practicing audiologist and the product specialist for companies such as the Temporal Bone Foundation in Brussels, Belgium, a hearing aid dispensing chain in France, and GN ReSound. He holds a specialized degree in newborn audiology from the Medicine School of Bordeaux and a Master’s degree in audiology from the Pharmacy School of Lyon.


diane l sabo

Diane L. Sabo, PhD

Associate Professor Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh

Diane L. Sabo, Ph.D. is a Global Product Manager at Natus.  Prior to joining the company, Diane has held various managerial positions at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, including that of Coordinator of the Auditory Evoked Potentials and Newborn Hearing Screening Programs and ultimately as Director of  Audiology and Speech Pathology. Most recently she has been an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a consultant for GN Otometrics. She holds various academic appointments and has numerous publications and presentations to her credit.


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