When performing audiological testing on children, you may be met with restlessness and even some uneasiness towards the testing process. Set yourself up for success by selecting equipment that is flexible enough to accommodate these challenges. Continue reading our blog as we discuss which GSI products are best suited to achieve reliable pediatric audiology test results.
GSI Corti
When performing OAE testing on children, the GSI Corti™ is not only consistent, but quick and easy to use. This handheld TEOAE and DPOAE device has a variety of different protocols which either takes 2 or 4 seconds per stimulus, allowing for quick testing and the ability to keep a young child’s attention during the test. The Corti also has a sufficient noise reduction algorithm that allows test results to be reliable if a young patient becomes fidgety.
The Corti is equipped with 12 frequencies, allowing the audiologist to fill in the gaps for behavioral testing. The Corti can also be utilized when a follow up is needed for a failed school screenings in pre-K and school aged kids. Lastly, the Corti has the ability to bypass a probe check should your patient have tubes in their ears. These many unique abilities allow the Corti to be the ideal TEOAE and DPOAE option.
GSI AudioStar Pro
For any pediatric audiological testing, the recommended audiometer is the AudioStar Pro™. This revolutionary audiometer introduces complete flexibility in signal routing by enabling the user to select either Channel 1 or Channel 2 as the recorded stimulus channel. A few of the top benefits of the AudioStar Pro include the active microphone, Flex VRA capabilities, and the auxiliary intercom. The microphone allows the operator and assistant to communicate quick and clear coaching, should the patient need guidance. Flex VRA and Conditioned Play Innovations are accessible from the front panel of the instrument, allowing you to keep your eyes on the child and not look away while testing. Lastly, the built-in auxiliary intercom allows direct communication between the operator and assistant, which eliminates the need for an external intercom system.
GSI TympStar Pro
The key to successfully performing tympanometry tests on young patients is to get as much testing done before restlessness sets in. The TympStar Pro™ has a few features and test types that makes it the ideal equipment for this population. When conducting a screening, the TympStar Pro is fast and effective, automatically beginning as soon as the seal is obtained and automatically stopping once a peak is detected and the tracing returns to the baseline. Lastly, the TympStar Pro also has WideBand Tympanometry capabilities—capturing both 226Hz and 1000Hz simultaneously, allowing for faster testing with multiple frequencies being analyzed at the same time.
Screening and Diagnostic Pediatric Equipment
Grason-Stadler has developed accurate screening and diagnostic equipment that are fast and user-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a reliable audiometer, DPOAE and TEOAE device, or tympanometer, Grason-Stadler has premier options that ensure consistent test results, especially when testing young patients. For more information on GSI products for pediatrics, follow the link: https://www.grason-stadler.com/products.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koYIsVzZSzE&list=PLf-QVux8dOsC0Xh2pCRgdaL6Ar6-8e3Ra&index=11
https://www.grason-stadler.com/products/audiometers/gsi-audiostar-pro
https://www.grason-stadler.com/products/tympanometers/gsi-tympstar-pro
https://www.grason-stadler.com/products/oae/gsi-corti
Laura Prigge, AuD is the Manager of Clinical Education and Training at GSI. Laura received her Doctorate of Audiology degree from AT Still University, a Master's of Arts in Audiology from UCONN and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Western Illinois University. Laura’s 20+ years of experience includes providing manufacturing support for a leading hearing aid manufacturer as well as technical audiology training and support for an international audiologic equipment company. Prior to that, she managed education and training at another hearing aid manufacturer and conducted audiologic evaluations on children, adults, and geriatric patients at a retail hearing center.