Add Tympanometer Reading

The AFHCAN cart includes a tympanometer for adding a tympanometer reading.  Note that you do not have to identify a patient before adding a tympanometer reading.  The Earscan device is used both for tympanometer and audiometer readings.

To add a tympanometer reading:

Step 1:  From the Add to Case screen, click on the Tympanometer button.  The Tympanometer screen opens, with a display of the Earscan device.

The display on the Tympanometer screen shows four possible buttons to press on the Earscan device, of which three are relevant to the tympanometry function:  The IMP button for a normal tympanogram, the CAL button to start a calibration, and the SPEC button for a shorter version of the tympanogram that is recommended for young children.

It is recommended to do one calibration each day that the tympanometer is used, to compensate for changes in atmospheric conditions.  To do so, simply press the CAL button, place the calibration tool on the probe (without an earcuff), and wait until the calibration completes and the Earscan device says to remove the probe.

Step 2:  Depending on the age of the patient, press either the IMP or SPEC button on the Earscan device.

Step 3:  With an earcuff attached, place the probe into the patient’s ear, ensuring that there is a tight seal.  If the seal is not tight enough, the Earscan device will specify that there is an air leak.

The tympanometer has two parts to the test.  First, the probe generates a small amount of air pressure in the ear canal to measure the volume of the ear canal.  The second part of the test generates two loud tones, testing the acoustic reflex of the ear.  When both parts of the test are complete, the Earscan device will display instructions to remove the probe.

Step 4:  Once Remove Probe is displayed on the Earscan device, remove the probe from the patient’s ear.  Once the scan is complete, the results will display on the screen.

The reading is automatically labeled with the time of the reading.  You can click on either the Left or Right button to append the wording to keep track of which ear was scanned.  You can edit the label to add more detail, if needed.

Step 5:  Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the other ear, if needed.

You can designate which readings are to be added to a case.  All readings by default have a green check mark next to them.  If there is a particular reading you do not want to add to a case, click on the green check mark to deselect it.

Step 6:  Once all readings to be saved have a green check mark next to them, click on the Save button.  The readings are added to the case, and you are at the Case screen.

For more information on the tympanometer and the Earscan device, see the manufacturer’s user manual for the tympanometer.