Question
Does AURICAL support pediatric fitting?
Answer
Wendy Switalski: Yes. AURICAL and OTOsuite are very intuitive, and have flexible user test designs with predefined measurement sequences that allow you to customize your coupler-based fitting process. We include the latest versions of NAL-NL2 and DSL 5.0, and give you the option of adding your own protocols to the test library.
For the real ear portion of the process, AURICAL FreeFit™ enables you to measure RECD simultaneously for both ears. In addition, you can start the measurement of the ear response without having to be near the computer – just press a button on the wireless FreeFit to start the measurement. Simple things like the ability to copy a measured RECD to the opposite ear, or easy application of previously measured RECDs to a current session can mean huge time savings.
Mona Dworsack-Dodge: For measuring the coupler response, AURICAL HIT is easy to use. The OnePosition™ method makes it simple to place the hearing instrument correctly inside the chamber. The hearing instrument test (HIT) is a separate unit independent from other AURICAL components and powered from a USB connection, so it can be placed anywhere, even in offices with limited space.
In addition, the coupler values are stored in the AURICAL FreeFit probes so that the coupler portion of the RECD doesn’t have to be measured with every patient. In fact, the coupler doesn’t need to be present during the real ear portion. RECD measurements can then be easily used in coupler-based fitting. OTOsuite software allows you to apply essentially the same workflow within the software whether a fitting is being carried out on the ear or in the coupler. It is as simple as switching between real ear and coupler mode. OTOsuite handles all conversions and compensations necessary to ensure precision and accuracy.
Conducting dynamic coupler-based fitting, even for adult patients, can facilitate accurate pre-programming for hearing instruments, so that you have more time for counseling during the fitting session.
