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Quality checks
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Quality checks
17.3 Cavity test
Due to mechanical or electrical failure or a faulty probe, the system may
itself produce signals during a test that have similar characteristics to an
OAE response. The test cavity will not produce any OAE signal so any
signal produced in the cavity is the result of a fault.
By performing an OAE test in a cavity rather than an ear it is possible
to determine whether signal responses recorded in the ear are being
generated by a fault.
Follow the instructions in Probe test for inserting the probe into the test
cavity. Start a test on the Otoport as you would for an ordinary ear (see
chapter 7 OAE test selection).
Follow the Checkt and Test screen sequences until the test stops. In a
cavity the Checkt screen should indicate a large cavity volume.
If the result Stopped Too Soon, Too Noisy or Poor Probe Fit is achieved,
retest checking that the probe ear piece is rmly inserted into the test cavity
and that the noise conditions within the room are acceptable for a test to be
conducted. Continue to retest until a No Valid OAE result is given.
At the end of the test:
1. Use the arrow keys to view the data table and check that the noise
values are below -5 in all bands.
2. Use the arrows again to view the Circles screen and check that none of
the circles contains a tick.
If either of these conditions is not met, save and retest. Make sure the
earpiece has been rmly pressed into the test cavity.
Condition 1 will only be achieved with low environmental noise levels. If
this is not achieved, containue to repeat the test in a quiet environment.
Electromagnetic interference is an ‘invisible’ source of noise, so if there are
persistent problems and other hardware issues have been eliminated, try to
move to another location to perform the tests.
If condition 2 is NOT met during a repeat measurement, then check the
top of the test cavity ensure that it is securely attached to the clear plastic
part of the test cavity. If the resources are available repeat the test with
a dierent test cavity and then with a dierent probe. This will identify
which component is responsible for the problem. Contact your dealer or
Otodynamics for further advice.