Verifit2 Users Guide
Verifit2 Users Guide
Verifit2 Users Guide
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Contents
1 About Verifit 7
1.1 Product description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.3 Associated items and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.4 SAFETY WARNINGS and NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.5 Environmental safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.6 Declaration of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.7 Warranty, Trademarks, Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.8 EC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.9 Electronic User’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.10 How to Avoid Undesirable Side Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2 Getting Started 20
2.1 Office setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.2 Unpacking and connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.3 Microphone connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.4 General care instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.5 Microphone care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.6 Battery pill use and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.7 Mouse and keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.8 Monitor headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.9 External peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3 General Operation 28
3.1 Switching ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.2 Input device operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.3 Network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.4 Printer connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
3.5 Menus, lists and buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
3.6 Screen messages and Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
3.7 Software updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4 General Setup 34
4.1 Date and time setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.2 Device settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3 Saving test setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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7 Speechmap 47
7.1 Speechmap facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.2 DSL 5 in Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.3 NAL-NL1 in Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7.4 NAL-NL2 in Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7.5 Camfit in Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
7.6 Using Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
7.7 Speechmap Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.8 Screen tour - unaided screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
7.9 Screen tour - aided screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.10 On-ear or Test box mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
7.11 SII calculation in Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7.12 Using SII for patient counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
7.13 Using custom stimuli in Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
7.14 Creating WAV files for Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.15 RMSE (root mean square error) from target in Speechmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
7.16 Speechmap Comparison Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
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10 Counseling 98
10.1 Counseling tool operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
10.2 Overlays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
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20 Networking 148
20.1 Networking standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
20.2 Network setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
20.3 Hostname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
20.4 Remote Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
20.5 Changing the Remote Console settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
20.6 Teleaudiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
20.7 Noah Service Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
20.8 Changing the Noah service port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
20.9 Testing the Noah service port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
20.10 VerifitLINK automated fit-to-target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
20.11 Changing VerifitLINK settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
20.12 Changing the VerifitLINK port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
20.13 Web Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
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23 Troubleshooting 172
23.1 Self test failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
23.2 Initialize Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
23.3 Inconsistent levels in speech stimulus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
23.4 Test box high distortion or noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
23.5 Test box curves inconsistent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
23.6 Test box curves differ from specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
23.7 Test box speaker overdriven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
23.8 No test box reference mic. detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
23.9 Invalid test box calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
23.10 Unable to calibrate test box microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
23.11 No on-ear ref. mic. detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
23.12 Invalid on-ear calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
23.13 Unable to calibrate on-ear microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
23.14 Sound field speaker overdriven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
23.15 Binaural tests run twice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
23.16 Invalid binaural equalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
23.17 Invalid WRECD 0.4cc coupler measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
23.18 Invalid WRECD real ear measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
23.19 WRECD transducer approaching limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
23.20 Headphone high distortion or noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
25 Glossary 181
26 References 186
27 Appendix 1 189
27.1 Manufacturer Disclosure Statement for Medical Device Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
1 About Verifit
This section provides a listing of features new in this software release, describes the Audioscan Verifit, provides
contact, warranty and trademark information, safety warnings and notices and instructions for accessing the
electronic User’s Guide.
Note that the User’s Guide may be viewed on the Verifit at any time by pressing [Help]. (For long Help
pages, use the mouse to switch between the Help index and the Help page, and to scroll through the page).
The Verifit is a hearing instrument analyzer intended to be used by hearing care professionals such as
audiologists and earing instrument specialists to verify the electro-acoustic performance of a hearing instrument
connected to a standard earphone coupler or while worn on the ear of the end user. The Verifit is a
Programmable Electrical Medical System (PEMS). The system consists of a real-ear measurement (REM)
display unit, a hearing instrument test (HIT) acoustically-treated binaural test box, and numerous attachable
components and accessories:
Display Unit
Magnet mounts found on both sides of the display unit, approximately 8cm (3 in.) down from the top are
designed for storage of the probe dock when not in use.
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
Component Description
External power supply connected to a hospital
grade power cord (inNorth America) or a
country-specific power cord (international markets).
Electrical supply input requirement: 100 – 240 Vac 47 –
63 Hz 1.35 –0.53 A
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
Component Description
WRECD transducer used to measure the wideband
real-ear to coupler difference (WRECD) useful in
estimating the sound level produced in an individual ear
from measurements in a coupler. Transducer is
compatible with either patient’s personal earmold or
standard audiometric foam eartips.
Wireless mouse
display unit.
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Component Description
Tele-test handsetused to provide an inductive
stimulus for simulating operation with a telephone in
Speechmap and for performingANSI TMFS test.
Test Box
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Component Description
Hearing instrument test (HIT) acoustically-treated
binaural test box which houses a telecoil test loop, 3
loudspeakers and connections for:
Component Description
Test box cable to connect the test box to the display
unit. Included are 1 x 90cm (3 ft.) and 1 x 300 cm (10
ft.).
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Component Description
0.4cc wideband couplersfor Speechmap and all
binaural/wideband tests.
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Component Description
TRIC adapters(Thin-tube, Receiver In Canal)
designed for use with 0.4cc and HA-1 (ITE) 2cc couplers
1.2 Accessories
RE367-40 probe tubes for single patient use (40 per bag)
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
VA-113 External floor speaker with stand and probe dock extension cable
VA-114 External desktop speaker with stand and probe dock extension cable
VA-131 Microphone extension cable (90cm / 36 in.) for use with binaural coupler microphone
VA-134 Probe dock extension cable (375cm / 12 ft.) for use with the probe dock
VA-201 Noah® module allows a networked PC running Noah to exchange data with Audioscan analyzers
RE791 Binaural coupler microphone adapter for use with B&K 4231 or Quest QC10/20 calibrators (1 in.)
1.4 SAFETY WARNINGS and NOTICES
For purposes of IEC 60601-1, this product is Class I with Type BF applied parts. The applied
parts are:
1. Probe tube
2. Foam eartip
3. Probe microphone
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
WARNING: To avoid the risk of electrical shock, use only the power supply and power cord
supplied with the Verifit and connect it only to a grounded (protectively earthed) electrical
outlet.
WARNING: To allow electrical power to be rapidly disconnected in the event of an
emergency, position the power supply in an accessible location so that the power cord may be
quickly disconnected.
WARNING: To avoid the risk of electrical shock, any line-powered peripheral equipment
connected to this product must comply with UL/IEC 60601-1 OR comply with UL or IEC and
ISO safety standards for such equipment AND a) be operated from an isolating transformer
complying with UL/IEC 60601-1 OR b) be kept at least 1.8m (6 ft.) from the patient.
WARNING: This equipment is not suitable for use in an oxygen-rich environment or in the
presence of flammable anesthetic mixtures with air or with oxygen or nitrous oxide.
WARNING: To ensure proper operation of this product, no modification of this equipment
is permitted
WARNING: Probe tubes are for single-patient use only. Care is required when sliding the
probe tube into the ear canal. Be careful not to advance the probe tube further into the ear
canal when inserting an earmold or custom hearing instrument into the ear or when inserting
the foam tip into the ear
WARNING: Foam eartips are for single-patient use only
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
WARNING: To ensure that the operation of this product is not affected by EMC emissions
from other products, this product should not be used adjacent to or stacked on other
equipment. If this is necessary, its operation should be verified as normal in this configuration.
Portable and mobile RF communications equipment can
WARNING: To reduce the risk of contamination, hearing instruments should be clean
before putty is applied and putty should be
WARNING: The included magnet may effect some medical or electronic devices. Keep
magnet at least 5cm (2in.) from implantable
WARNING: Keep magnet out of reach of children and pets. If a magnet is swallowed seek
immediate medical attention.
WARNING: The magnet used with the tele-test handset cannot be applied for more than
one (1) minute when the telecoil test is
This symbol on the product is a WARNING that failure to follow instructions in this part of
the User’s and/or Quick Start Guides could place the operator or patient at risk.
Failure to follow the operating instructions for connecting to a network, a local printer, a
keyboard, or an external monitor could place the operator at risk
Failure to follow the operating instructions for connecting the monitor headphones, the mouse,
or the Audioscan update stick could place the operator at risk
This symbol on the product is a WARNING describing a required action
Use only an approved test box cable to connect the test box and the display unit
The test box can only be connected to the display unit
The VF2 power supply can only be connected to the mains using the supplied power cord
The probe dock can only be connected to the display unit
Only use the magnet provided with the tele-test handset or one explicitly intended for telecoil
activation
This symbol on the product means that the parts applied to the patient meet the safety
requirements of IEC 60601-1 for type BF isolated (floating) applied parts
This symbol on the device indicates a Medical device
This symbol on the product means that this product is not to be disposed of in unsorted
municipal waste because electrical and electronic waste may contain hazardous substances which
could endanger the environment and human health.
This product and its associated items must be disposed of in accordance with local disposal regulations for
electrical and electronic waste. Consult your local waste disposal authority regarding applicable regulations.
The probe tubes (used with the probe microphones) and the foam eartips (used with the WRECD transducer)
are for single patient use. After use, they may be disposed of in unsorted municipal waste or as required by
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
Medical electrical equipment needs special precautions regarding EMC and needs to be installed and put into
service according to the following information:
• The Verifit should not be used adjacent to or stacked on other equipment. If this is necessary, its
operation should be verified as normal in this configuration.
• Portable and mobile RF communications equipment can affect medical electrical equipment and may
affect the performance of the Verifit.
• Performance degradation due to electromagnetic disturbances (including electrostatic discharge) is
considered normal and acceptable.
The compliances listed in the following table are met with the supplied WRECD transducer, binaural coupler
microphone, probe microphones, reference microphones, monitor headphones, mouse, and a keyboard, all of
which are connected, and with unterminated speaker cables (2), USB cables (5), Ethernet cable, test box
cable, and HDMI display cable connected. The connection of other devices may result in increased emissions.
The Verifit is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below. The user of the Verifit
should assure that it is used in such an environment.
The Audioscan Verifit is manufactured by Etymonic Design Inc., 20 Ludwig St., Dorchester, Ontario,
Canada, N0L 1G4. Web site www.audioscan.com.
Phone: 800-265-2093 (USA only); 519-268-3313 Fax: 519-268-3256
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Failure to follow the operating instructions could place the operator at risk.
You can download the current User’s Guide directly from www.audioscan.com. A printable User’s Guide is
also provided with each new instrument and each software update. A .pdf file viewer, such as Acrobat Reader
(5.0 or higher) or Foxit Reader is required to view the User’s Guide. Except for some additional reference
material, the information in the User’s Guide is available to you on the Verifit at any time by right-clicking
and selecting .
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
A printable User’s Guide is on the Audioscan update stick supplied with the instrument. This User’s Guide
will be updated each time you download new software from www.audioscan.com to the Audioscan update
stick.
To view the User’s Guide:
1. Insert the Audioscan update stick into a USB port on your PC.
2. If your PC does not open the Audioscan update stick automatically, select My Computer, then the
Removable Disk drive (usually E or F).
3. Double click the User_Guide folder to open it.
4. Double click the English folder and copy the Verifit Users Guide.pdf file to an appropriate location on
your PC. Double click on the file to open it for viewing.
When you have finished copying the file from the Audioscan update stick, click on the safely remove icon on
your PC and remove the Audioscan update stick when you are notified that it is safe to do so.
STORE THE AUDIOSCAN UPDATE STICK IN A SAFE PLACE. YOU WILL REQUIRE IT TO INSTALL
FUTURE SOFTWARE UPDATES.
During the development of the hearing instrument analyzer, Audioscan performed a rigorous Risk Assessment
to identify any undesirable side effects that a user could be exposed to during the use of the Verifit, and
incorporated numerous risk reduction design elements into the Verifit to minimize the risk to users and
patients.
Following are the actions which a user should take to ensure that these risk control measures continue to be
effective
Loud Sounds
The Verifit is designed to produce sound pressure levels as high as 85 dB at the probe reference micro-
phone. Exposure to these levels for more than 7 hours can produce hearing damage. When such levels are
amplified by a hearing instrument, the level in the ear canal will be determined by the settings of the hearing
instrument but may reach levels that can produce hearing damage in less than 30 seconds. To avoid this
possibility,
a) Hearing instruments should be adjusted to limit sound pressure levels to safe levels
b) The maximum TM SPL setting (see Max TM SPL Setup) should be used to terminate tests if an unsafe
level is detected in the ear canal
c) Test levels should be limited to 70 dB SPL except when necessary to verify the limiting levels of the
hearing instrument, in which case, the test should not last longer than 15 seconds
d) Be aware of the test signal and patient reaction during a test and be prepared to respond to any sign
of discomfort by reducing the SPL setting, switching off the equipment or the hearing instrument, or
removing the patient from the area.
When using the equipment to measure the WRECD or RECD in small ear canals, it is possible to induce a
hearing loss if the test is allowed to continue for more than 1 hour. Since accurate results can be obtained in
less than 10 seconds, this possibility should never occur in normal practice.
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
This product contains numerous safety features to ensure that the probability of electrical shock is as low as
reasonably practicable. In order to ensure that all of the safety features work optimally you must ensure that
the power cord is plugged into a grounded outlet. Any line-powered peripherals connected to Verifit must
comply with UL/IEC 60601-1 OR comply with UL or IEC or ISO safety standards for such equipment, AND
a) be operated from an isolating transformer complying with UL/IEC 60601-1, OR b) be kept at least 1.8m
(6 ft..) from the patient.
Ear Infection
Probe tubes (used on probe microphones) or foam eartips (used on the WRECD transducer) should not be
reused on another patient. There is a possibility of transferring an ear infection to the other patient. Probe
tubes and foam eartips are for single-patient use only. Probe tubes can be wiped with alcohol wipes for re-use
with the same patient at the same appointment, but must not be stored for future use or used with multiple
patients. Do not attempt to clean or re-use the foam eartips.
To avoid cross-contamination between patients, hearing instruments should be cleaned with disinfectant
towlettes (e.g., audiowipes) prior to being puttied into a coupler, and the putty should be replaced if it
becomes soiled.
An otoscopic examination should always be performed prior to inserting a probe tube into the ear canal to
ensure that it is healthy and free of obstructions. Care is needed when inserting probe tubes into the ear
canal. Although the probe tubes are made of soft, flexible material specially designed for this application, it
is possible to scrape the ear canal or touch the eardrum causing brief discomfort. You should carefully follow
the instructions in Positioning the probe tube section of this User’s Guide.
The tele-test handset comes with a small magnet attached. This included magnet may affect some medical or
electronic devices. Keep the magnet more than 5cm (2 in.) from implantable devices and other magnetically
sensitive devices.
All pacemakers respond to a magnet by switching to an asynchronous pacing mode at a programmed
atrioventricular (AV) delay and a fixed magnet rate depending on the manufacturer, device model, and the
status of the battery. The programmed mode DDD switches to DOO, VVI switches to VOO, and AAI
switches to AOO. The rate response feature is switched to ‘OFF’ on magnet application in pacemakers. In
biventricular pacemakers, both the right and left ventricles continue to be paced in the above modes with
magnet application so long as the device is at or above ERI. However, from below ERI voltage, this response
is unpredictable.
In general, magnet application suspends anti-tachycardia therapy without any effect on the pacing mode.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator models from St. Jude Medical and Boston Scientific, however, have
additional programmable features to ignore the magnet or respond differently to a magnet. All biventricular
ICDs behave like any other ICDs of the corresponding manufacturer. In most cases, anti-tachycardia therapy
resumes with removal of the magnet. However, in some instances, magnet removal may or may not re-enable
anti-tachycardia therapy. Specific care should be exercised in Guidant/Boston Scientific ICDs since some
of the older models are equipped with circuitry that enables the magnet to permanently programme the
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Audioscan Verifit ® User’s Guide 4.26 © July 28, 2021
anti-tachycardia therapy to ‘OFF’. In addition, magnet application on Sorin ICDs changes the pacing rate
without altering the pacing mode. Rate response of ICDs is not influenced by magnet application.
2 Getting Started
This section provides instructions for unpacking the Verifit and connecting various components and associated
items.
1. Conventional. In the standard setup the Verifit display unit and test box are placed either side by side
or colinear (test box in front) on the same surface (note: for best REM results, the colinear positioning is not
recommended). The distance between them is only limited by the test box cable that connects them. If an
external speaker is not being used, the display unit should be positioned so that a client will be less than
60cm (2 ft.) from the REM speakers above the display (see also, Positioning the client).
2. Wall mounted. The display unit can be mounted on a wall bracket with a standard 100mm x 100mm
VESA mount. Use care to route cables appropriately to avoid accidental damage and avoid mounting the
Verifit where it will protrude into walkways or other thoroughfares. Screws supplied with the Verifit should
be kept installed when not using a wall mount. For wall mounting longer screws will be necessary. Length
will depend on thickness of mount. IMPORTANT: Please ensure that any screws used do not exceed a length
which would cause them to penetrate the Verifit rear panel to a depth greater than 16mm (5/8").
3. Remote operation. As the Verifit can be run from your PC desktop in On-top mode, more unconventional
office setups are possible as the display unit does not necessarily need to be in front of the practitioner (see
also, Networking).
WARNING: To avoid the risk of electrical shock, use only the power supply and power cord
supplied with the Verifit and connect it only to a grounded (protectively earthed) electrical outlet.
WARNING: To allow electrical power to be rapidly disconnected in the event of an emergency,
position the power supply in an accessible location so that the power cord may be quickly
disconnected.
WARNING: To ensure that the operation of this product is not affected by EMC emissions
from other products, this product should not be used adjacent to or stacked on other equipment.
If this is necessary, its operation should be verified as normal in this configuration. Portable and
mobile RF communications equipment can affect the performance of this product.
Use only an approved test box cable to connect the test box and the display unit.
The test box can only be connected to the display unit.
The VF2 power supply can only be connected to the mains using the supplied power cord.
The probe dock can only be connected to the display unit.
Failure to follow the operating instructions could place the operator at risk.
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1. Carefully unpack the two parts of the Verifit and check the contents of the shipping box against the
enclosed packing list. Note that some parts may be packed inside the test chamber.
2. Locate the included wireless mouse and turn it on using the switch on the underside. The wireless
receiver is already connected to the Verifit.
3. Connect the test box via the test chamber cable to the rear of the main display unit. The cable can
be routed under the display unit to the test chamber if the test chamber will be used in front to the
display unit. Note: all on-ear functions will operate without the test box connected to the display unit.
Text box cable provided uses HDMI connector, but is distinguished by a diamond-shaped marker at both
ends. IMPORTANT: Use only Audioscan-supplied cables for this purpose.
4. The Verifit can also be connected to an external monitor. Connect a video monitor (HDMI or DVI
with adapter) to the MONITOR connector on the rear connector panel.
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5. Open the lid of the test chamber by using your thumb to roll the rubber roller toward the front of the
Verifit. This is made easier by placing your fingers under the front lip. When sealing the chamber in its
closed position, place your fingers on top of the lid and use your thumb to roll the rubber roller toward
the rear of the Verifit.
6. Connect the Verifit power supply (included) to the power connector on the rear connector panel.
7. Connect the power cord (included) from the Verifit power supply to a GROUNDED electrical outlet.
In the USA and Canada, this outlet should be marked Hospital Grade.
NOTE: A coupler microphone extension cable (VA-131) is available from Audioscan. Standard audio
extension cables should not be used. They will substantially increase noise levels.
1. Plug the reference microphones and the binaural coupler microphone into the connectors in the test
chamber as shown. The binaural coupler microphone is positioned in the test chamber magnetically.
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2. Connect the probe microphones to the left (blue) and right (red) connectors on the bottom of the probe
dock. The probe microphone modules should be kept in the probe dock when not in use, positioned
with the reference microphone ports facing outward.
3. Link the probe microphone cables with the probe cables adjust clip as shown above.
4. Connect the 8 pin mini DIN connector of the probe dock to the rear of the main display unit.
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5. The probe dock can be attached to the main display unit via the magnet mount.
NOTE: A coupler microphone extension cable (VA-131) is available from Audioscan. Standard audio
extension cables should not be used. They will substantially increase noise levels.
The case can normally be cleaned/dusted with a damp cloth, however if it is soiled we recommend wiping
with a mild solution of water and detergent, or with alcohol-impregnated or disinfectant wipes deemed safe
for use on electronic equipment. Parts that come into contact with patients (the probe module body, cable,
probe dock, probe dock cable, and blue & red lanyards) should be regularly wiped down.
Hearing instruments should be cleaned prior to introduction to the test chamber due to the difficulty of
sanitizing the acoustic foam. Custom hearing instruments must be cleaned with disinfectant towelettes (e.g.
audiowipes) prior to placing in the test for this reason and to minimize contamination of the blue
putty used with the HA-1 and .4cc couplers. Badly soiled or worn test chamber lower foam in the
center working area (gray) can be reversed (flipped over). If both sides become worn/soiled this foam piece
should be replaced (part#4014).
Probe tubes can be wiped with alcohol wipes for re-use with the same patient at the same appointment, but
must not be stored for future use or used with multiple patients. Attempts at ultrasonic cleaning result in
cerumen becoming lodged in the lateral end which causes irreparable damage to the probe microphones.
Audioscan recommends periodic replacement of the blue putty used with the HA-1 & .4cc couplers to ensure
cleanliness. Both couplers and coupler microphone can be wiped down with alcohol wipes as needed.
Ensure that all safety and usage recommendations on cleaning product packages are followed
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3. DO make sure that the couplers are fully connected to the coupler microphone when performing hearing
instrument tests. Coupler leakage can cause feedback and erratic response curves.
4. DO make sure the tubing on the HA-2 (BTE) coupler is free from any cracks/tears.
5. DO make sure that any replacement tubing used on the BTE coupler is either obtained from Audioscan,
or is #13 heavy wall earmold tubing exactly 10 mm (.38 inches) in length.
Probe microphone:
Debris can alter the probe module reference microphone calibration and frequency response and can perma-
nently clog the probe module port.
1. DO NOT reuse probe tubes. Probe tubes can be wiped with alcohol wipes for re-use with the same
patient at the same appointment, but must not be stored for future use or used with multiple patients.
Attempts at ultrasonic cleaning usually result in cerumen becoming lodged in the lateral end which
causes irreparable damage to the probe microphones.
2. DO NOT attempt to open or repair the probe microphone. Attempting to repair the probe module
may lead to damage or alteration of the factory calibration.
3. DO keep the probe module and probe tubes in a clean area.
4. DO stow the probe module when not in use or when transporting the Verifit.
The thin connecting strip of each battery pill is fragile. When inserting pills into hearing instrument battery
compartments, take care that this strip is not pinched or bent severely as the battery door is closed.
1. Select a battery pill that is appropriately sized for the hearing instrument that you are testing.
2. Insert the pill into the hearing instrument, carefully closing the battery door over the thin connecting
strip.
3. Plug the pill’s cable into the battery pill jack inside the Verifit test box (bottom left on rear test box
speaker).
4. Turn the hearing instrument on.
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Failure to follow the operating instructions could place the operator at risk.
The Verifit may be operated from a mouse. A standard computer keyboard may be used to enter headers
and comments on printouts. A USB mouse or keyboard may be plugged directly into any of the USB ports
provided. See Input device operation.
2.8 Monitor headphones
Failure to follow the operating instructions could place the operator at risk.
You can use the supplied monitor headphones to listen to the signal from the coupler or the probe microphone.
This is useful for:
1. Listening to the hearing aid to troubleshoot sound quality complaints.
2. Listening to the wearer’s own voice to troubleshoot occlusion effect complaints
3. Verifying program settings and their notification beeps
4. Demonstrating hearing aid features to parents, teachers and significant others
5. Making simultaneous comparisons between two hearing instruments
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Use the mouse scroll wheel to control the monitor headphone. To adjust the volume, scroll the mouse wheel
forward and backward. The normal volume range is indicated in gray. Once this range is exceeded an
extended range will be shown in yellow. Use the extended range for low gain hearing
instruments. To mute the headphone output, click the mouse wheel. To unmute, click the mouse wheel again.
To connect the monitor headphones, insert the headphone plug into the stereo jack on the lower right-hand
side of the display unit.
In Dual View of most applications the monitor headphones present the left and right microphone signals to
the left and right sides of the headphones. You can optionally focus your listening attention by selecting only
the left or right microphone signals. By repeatedly clicking the mouse wheel, you rotate your selection among
the binaural, left-only, right-only and muted headphone presentation options.
In Single View or in Dual View when only L or R is selected, the monitor headphones present the same signal
to both ears, as indicated by the solid black headphone icon.
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The following table outlines the headphone presentation options and the corresponding microphone signals
for each ear.
WARNING: To avoid the risk of electrical shock, any line-powered peripheral equipment
connected to this product must comply with UL/IEC 60601-1 OR comply with UL or IEC and
ISO safety standards for such equipment AND a) be operated from an isolating transformer
complying with UL/IEC 6061-1 OR b) be kept at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the patient.
An external video monitor (HDMI or DVI with adapter) may be connected to the HDMI connector on the
rear of the main display unit. The internal display and external monitor will operate simultaneously. The
external monitor must be capable of displaying 1024 x 768 at a refresh rate of 60Hz. Ensure that the external
display is powered up and set to the correct input prior to powering on the Product.
An external printer may be connected to one of the USB ports. See Printing and Storing Results for guidance
in selecting a printer model.
Connectors for external front and back sound field speakers are provided. The VA-113 external floor speaker
with stand, or VA-114 external desktop speaker are available from Audioscan but any small, non-powered
4 - 8 ohm speaker having a smooth frequency response and good efficiency may be used. The rear external
speaker is automatically selected when required by a test but the front speaker must first be selected in Setup.
See External sound field speaker setup
3 General Operation
This section describes the use of a mouse or connected USB keyboard to control the Verifit and to enter data.
It also provides instructions for updating the Verifit operating software.
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See Getting Started for instructions on connecting the Verifit to its external power supply module, the module
to an electrical outlet and the location of the standby switch.
To start the Verifit, set the standby switch to its “ON” position. The Audioscan logo on the front of the
display unit will light and the instrument will begin its start-up sequence which will take a few seconds.
To shut down the Verifit, switch the standby switch to its “OFF” position.
Note that the Verifit receives low voltage electrical power from the external power supply module. The
standby switch on the rear of the Verifit disconnects this electrical supply but the power supply module is
always on as long as it is connected to a live electrical outlet. The green light on the power supply module
indicates that it is receiving electrical power from the outlet.
The Verifit is operated with a USB mouse (included) or a keyboard (not included) to select icons and menu
items, operate on-screen buttons and to enter audiometric data. Upon starting the Verifit presents the home
menu for accessing all tests and major functions. To see the home menu at any time, right click the mouse.
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To activate an on-screen icon or button, or to select an item from a menu, use the mouse to place the screen
pointer over the icon, button or menu item and left click. To enter a data point on a chart, such as an
audiogram, place the screen pointer over the desired point on the chart and left click. To move the data
point, place the screen pointer near the new location and left click. To delete a data point, place the screen
pointer on the data point and left click. To summon a cursor on a graph, place the screen pointer on the
graph and left click, then navigate to the point you want to identify; left click again to hide the cursor. The
scroll wheel may be used to traverse the Help contents, multiple Help pages or long menu lists. *Note that
mouse speed can be changed by clicking and [Display].
The functions of the screen icons and connected keyboard keys are explained in the following table:
Show menu of all available tests and functions (mouse right [F3]
click)
Switch between Left/Right on-ear data or switch between [F5]
A/B test box data
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Failure to follow the operating instructions could place the operator at risk.
The Verifit includes two options for connecting to a computer network, either through the built-in wireless
networking feature, or through an external wired connection. The built-in wireless networking feature requires
no additional attachments to the Verifit. The external wired connection requires inserting a standard network
cable into the network connection on the rear of the display unit, as illustrated in the figure below. You
can choose between either the wireless or wired network connection through the software user interface, as
described in the section Networking.
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Failure to follow the operating instructions could place the operator at risk.
The Verifit can use printers connected locally through USB, or remotely through a computer network.
Connecting a local printer requires inserting the printer’s USB cable into any of the five USB connections
available on the side or rear of the display unit, as illustrated in the figure below. You can choose among the
local and network-connected printers through the software user interface, as describe in the section Printing
and Storing Results.
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Buttons containing descriptive text perform an action like opening a prompt. A screen button with a down
arrow indicates that it will summon a drop-down list of options, the current selection being shown in the
window to its left. A plain button toggles between two choices; the current choice is shown in the window
to its left. A sunken text field with a gray background show the state of something that can be changed
elsewhere.
Positioning the mouse cursor over a menu button changes it from gray to white; positioning it over a window
with a screen button changes the button from dark gray to light gray. Left clicking the mouse operates the
selected button. A menu button or the window containing a screen button, selected using the arrow keys on a
connected keyboard is surrounded by a heavy line and is operated by pressing the Enter key on the numeric
keypad on the connected keyboard. This process also selects the highlighted item in a drop-down option list.
3.6 Screen messages and Help
The Title bar (top line of the display screen) informs you of the selected Test (e.g., Speechmap).
The Message bar(bottom line of the display screen) suggests the next step in a test or informs you of the
state of the instrument or conditions that could affect your data. For example, it will inform you if the
microphones need to be calibrated.
Context-sensitive help is available by clicking on on the Home prompt or pressing F1 on a connected
keyboard. The Help index (left panel) or Help page (right panel) may be selected by left clicking the mouse
on either panel or by pressing the F5 key on a connected keyboard. The side scroll bars on each panel may
be used to scroll through the Help index or long Help pages. This may also be accomplished using scroll
wheel on the mouse or the arrows on a connected keyboard.
3.7 Software updating
The Verifit software can be updated through the Audioscan Noah module or by using a USB memory stick.
To update the Verifit through the Audioscan Noah module:
1. On your computer open Noah
2. Select a patient
3. Click Audioscan in the top ribbon to launch the Audioscan Noah module
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4 General Setup
This section covers Date and Time setup, Device settings (including display, keyboard and mouse settings)
and Saving test setup.
To set the date and time that appears on printouts and calibration screens:
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Keyboard
1. In this screen you can select the keyboard language specific layout.
Mouse
1. In this screen you can select the Mouse pointer speed button and select the response speed from the
drop-down list.
Click to exit setup.
This feature lets you retain the last-used stimulus type and level for most tests when the power is turned off
and the last-used target method and transducer type in Speechmap and Insertion Gain tests. This feature
also lets you determine how assessment parameters, test levels and stimuli are treated when , [Erase
data] is selected.
To enable/disable saving of test levels, stimuli and assessment parameters:
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Audioscan Wideband Coupler (AWC): A cylindrical coupler having a volume of 0.4 cc.
Thin-tube and Receiver In Canal (TRIC) adapter: Silicone attachment to the AWC which accepts the nozzle
of a thin-tube or RIC type hearing aid. It will also accept the nozzle of the RECD transducer, an ER-3A
insert earphone and #13 standard earmold tubing.
Wideband Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference (WRECD): The difference in SPL produced in an occluded ear
canal and in the 0.4cc coupler by a high impedance coupled sound source.
In some installations, the internal sound field speakers may not be convenient or may yield speaker overdriven
errors because of severe standing waves from nearby walls or shelves. In these cases, an external speaker
having a smooth response from 200 - 16000 Hz and an impedance of 4 ohms or greater may be connected to
the Front on-ear measure speaker connector on the rear connector panel. The VA-113 or VA-114 speaker is
available for this purpose.
The speaker should be mounted at ear height, well away from reflective surfaces. See Positioning the client.
To select this speaker:
1. Right-click to raise the home menu, then left-click [Setup], Devices and choose Speakers.
2. Toggle the Sound field speaker button between [Internal] and [External].
The probe microphone and its associated tubing does not have a flat frequency response. The on-ear calibration
process compares this response with the flat, factory-calibrated response of the on-ear reference microphone
and compensates all subsequent probe-tube measurements for this difference. It may be performed as often
as desired but will be invalidated at 12 am the following day or at 12 am the following week, depending on
the choice of daily or weekly calibration interval. After the calibration has expired, you will be prompted to
calibrate whenever you attempt a test that uses the on-ear measurement microphones.
It is suggested that a copy of the calibration curves for the probe modules when new be posted near the
Verifit for comparison with daily or weekly curves. If there is a drift in calibration with time, the module
may need replacement. See Calibration check for probe module.
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Calibration should be repeated if a probe module is replaced or if a probe-tube with different dimensions is
installed.
Switching left and right probe modules after calibration will result in the wrong calibration curve being applied.
5.3 Calibration of on-ear probe microphone
For convenience, the probe microphones can be calibrated while seated in the probe dock. Ensure the
connectors of both probe microphone assemblies are plugged into the appropriate jack on the bottom of the
probe dock. See Microphone connection and On-ear calibration facts
1. Right-click to raise the home menu and click on [Calibration] under [On-ear measures].
2. Press the enlarged end of a probe tube as far as it will go, into the recessed opening at the top of the
probe module.
NOTE: Use Audioscan probe tubes (part # RE367-40) for best results. Compatibility is not guaranteed
for third-party manufacturer tubes and some may cause failed or intermittent calibrations.
3. Position the open end of the probe tube in front of the reference microphone inlet and press it between
the posts as shown.
4. Hold the probe dock 15 - 90 cm (6 – 36 in.) away from and directly in front of the sound field loudspeaker
with the microphone to be calibrated facing the speaker.
5. Left-click calibrate. The resulting curve should be similar in shape to that shown but may be shifted
+/- 5 dB.
6. To change the calibration interval, toggle [Daily] or [Weekly].
7. To change the Weekly calibration day, right-click to raise the home menu, left-click [Setup], then
left-click [Date & Time].
Click on calibrate for the other ear and repeat the process for the other probe module.
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The calibration curve for the probe module is a comparison of the response of the probe microphone (with
tube) to the response of the on-ear reference microphone. Any change in the curve indicates a change in one
of these microphones (or the probe tube). See Calibration of on-ear probe microphone. As part of a regular
calibration schedule, or to investigate changing calibration curves, the on-ear reference microphone may be
checked against a high quality sound level meter.
1. Right-click to raise the home menu and click [Manual control] under On-ear.
2. Click [Level], then select 70 from the drop-down list.
3. Click [Frequency], then select 2000 Hz from the drop-down list.
4. Click [Start test] (which changes to [Stop test]).
5. Hold the probe module about 45cm (18 in.) in front of the sound field speaker.
6. Hold the microphone of a calibrated sound level meter next to the on-ear reference microphone as
shown. Set the sound level meter to C weighting and slow.
7. The sound level meter should read 70 ±2 dB.
8. Repeat with the frequency at 250 Hz.
9. To stop the measurement, left-click [Stop test].
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Ambient Level Check measures the ambient noise level in the room where real-ear measurement is performed.
This measurement is done using the left probe module reference microphone to measure the A-weighted
decibels (dBA) in the room. The level at which speech tests will be affected by room noise is shown. A speech
test level is considered to be affected when the ambient noise level is equal to the 30th percentile curve. The
table below specifies the dBA levels corresponding to this threshold for signal levels from 50 dB to 70 dB.
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Example of an ambient noise level that may adversely affect Soft (50) speech tests that are measured via
real-ear.
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The Max TM SPL safety feature allows you to set a limit on the SPL, measured by the probe microphone,
above which a test terminates. The MAX TM SPL limit is shown on all on-ear measurement screens. The
default limit is 120 dB.
To choose a different Max TM SPL setting:
1. Right-click the mouse to raise the home menu, then left-click , then left-click [Max TM SPL].
2. Click on the current Max TM SPL setting and select the desired Max TM SPL setting from the
drop-down list.
3. Click to exit Setup.
This Max TM SPL setting will be in effect until you change it.
If the limit is exceeded during an on-ear test, the Verifit will terminate the test and display the message
’Max TM SPL Exceeded’. You must then decide to either reduce the maximum output limit of the hearing
instrument or increase the Max TM SPL setting following the steps above.
If the Max TM SPL limit has been disabled, a notice will appear on each real-ear screen. Also, a message
reminding you that the Max TM SPL limit has been disabled will appear when you select an on-ear test.
Estimated Hearing Level (eHL): An estimate of the behavioral pure tone threshold that accounts for a
measured ABR threshold.
Normalized Hearing Level (nHL): (a) Stimulus peak-to-peak equivalent SPL (pe SPL) at ABR threshold
relative to the average stimulus pe SPL at ABR threshold of a normal-hearing jury OR (b) stimulus SPL at
ABR threshold relative to the average stimulus SPL at behavioral threshold of a normal-hearing jury for the
same stimulus. (Note that in this latter case, nHL is equivalent to eHL).
In Speechmap/DSL you have the option of entering ABR thresholds in either eHL or nHL. If eHL is selected,
the threshold is treated as if it were a behavioral pure-tone threshold. If nHL is selected, the entered data
will first be converted to eHL before SPL threshold and fitting targets are calculated. To do this, appropriate
eHL to nHL conversion factors must be applied. You can choose to apply default conversion factors or enter
new ones for each client.
This setup allows you to select the default conversion factors that are applied in Speechmap/DSL to convert
ABR nHL threshold to eHL threshold.
1. Right-click the mouse to raise the home menu, then left-click , then left-click [ABR eHL to nHL].
2. Left-click [DSL defined] or [User defined]
3. For [User defined], enter conversion factors using a mouse or a keyboard. See Assessment data entry.
Sound reflections from nearby surfaces (including the operator) can cause large measurement errors, especially
if the client moves between REUR and REAR measurements. Room noise can increase test time, cause errors
and alter the operation of the hearing instrument being evaluated.
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1. Choose a quiet location and position the client and the sound field speaker at least 1.5 m (5 feet)
away from any hard surfaces. To measure the effect room noise may have on a fitting, click on
from the home menu, then click [Self test], then click [Ambient Level Check] and follow the on-screen
instructions.
2. Position the client directly in front of, and facing, the sound field speaker at a distance of 45 to 60 cm
(18 to 24 in.) from the center of the head. For success in simultaneous binaural on-ear measurements
minimizing this distance is helpful.
3. Position the back speaker (if used) directly behind and facing the back of the client’s head so that front
and rear speakers are at the same height and are at the same distance from the center of the client’s
head.
WARNING: Probe tubes are for single-patient use only. Care is required when sliding the
probe tube into the ear canal. Be careful not to advance the probe tube further into the ear canal
when inserting an earmold or custom hearing instrument into the ear or when inserting the foam
tip into the ear.
1. Use an otoscope to ensure there is no ear canal obstruction (e.g. cerumen) and to get a sense of ear
canal length.
2. Install a new probe tube on the probe module. Set the black marker ring approximately 28 mm from
end of probe tube for adult females, approximately 30 mm from end of probe tube for adult males, and
approximately 20-25 mm from end of probe tube for children. These positions may be modified based
on the otoscopic examination.
3. Place the probe dock on the client using either the clip to attach to the client’s clothing or the neck
loop. The probe dock must be positioned so that the probe modules will easily reach the subject’s ears.
4. Hang the probe module on the ear as shown below. The reference microphone should face outwards.
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Probe dock positioned, clipped to client clothing, adjust clip holding probe microphone modules in place.
Probe tube insertion: the colored lanyard holds the tube in place and the depth marker is at the intertragal notch
5. Tighten the blue or red lanyard until the probe module is snug against the head, directly below the
earlobe (cheek level). Raise the probe cables adjust clip until the probe modules lay flat against the
patient’s cheek.
6. Position the client directly in front of and facing the sound field speaker, approximately 45 to 60 cm
(18 to 24 in.) from the center of the head (see Positioning the client).
WARNING: Probe Guide™ was developed and validated for adults presenting with normal
outer and middle ear function. Use with other patient populations is not advised.
4. Click the left button to start measuring the left ear, or click the right play button to start measuring
the right ear. A filtered noise stimulus will sound and a white indicator ball will track the location of
the probe tube.
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5. Pass the probe tube in front of the red or blue lanyard and into the ear canal while slightly pulling
back on the lanyard.
6. Slowly insert the probe tube into the ear canal using the white indicator ball on-screen to gauge the
distance to the eardrum.
7. Once the probe tube is inserted within 5mm of the eardrum, a chime will sound and a green check mark
will appear. This indicates that the probe tube is at an appropriate distance from the eardrum and
should not be inserted further.
8. Release the lanyard so that it holds the probe tube from moving out of position.
Most on-ear screens give you the option of selecting either a single, full-screen view or a dual, side by side
view. Some data may be dropped from the dual view.
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To switch between left and right test panel in single view, right-click the mouse to raise the home menu and
click the L|R button.
To switch between left and right test panel in dual view, left-click the mouse on a screen button in the inactive
test panel or right-click the mouse to raise the home prompt and click the L|R button.
• In Speechmap, WRECD and Directional tests, left-click to toggle between [Graph] and
[Table] views.
• In Insertion gain, left-click then select [Graph], [Table] or [2cc targets] from the drop-down
list.
• In [2cc targets] format, reserve gain and fitting formula may be changed. Choose and change reserve
gain or fitting formula from the drop-down list with a mouse left-click.
Hiding a curve does not erase it. To erase curves click on and select one of the Erase options.
Most other test screens offer hide/show buttons similar to those in Speechmap, described above with the
exception of the LTASS vs envelope toggle.
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7 Speechmap
Speechmap presents hearing threshold, UCL and amplified speech spectra as SPL in the ear canal. The
fitting goal is to make amplified speech audible and comfortable while avoiding discomfort for loud sounds.
Speechmap may be accessed by right clicking and selecting Speechmap under Test box or On-ear. See On-ear
or Test box mode for details.
Speechmap is only used in SPL and this guide describes only this usage.
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real-speech signals to match speech targets and when using narrow-band signals to match narrow-band
maximum output targets.
4. The term Uncomfortable Level (UCL) is used rather than Upper Limit of Comfort (ULC) in referring
to the ear canal SPL that should never be exceeded.
5. Broadband output limiting targets are not provided.
The NAL-NL1 procedure seeks to amplify speech such that all bands of speech are perceived with equal
loudness while maximizing speech intelligibility and ensuring that the wearer perceives speech to be no louder
than that which a normal hearing person would perceive. Although NAL-NL1 states its goals for speech, it
derives insertion gain targets assuming noise as a verification signal. Because it is more accurate to verify a
non-linear fitting using the signal for which the procedure was developed, Audioscan converts the NAL-NL1
insertion gain targets to LTASS targets for amplified speech in the Speechmap environment, resulting in
Speechmap/NAL-NL1. The conversions use the same adult average RECD and REUG as used in DSL. The
RESR targets are from Hearing Aids (Dillon, Thieme Publishing, 2001, p274).
An insertion gain version is available by selecting Insertion gain from the on-ear measures test menu. The
pink noise stimulus should be used.
7.4 NAL-NL2 in Speechmap
Fitting targets, default age-related RECD and REUG are provided by a software library used under license
from Hearworks Pty Ltd. which is solely responsible for their derivation.
This revision of NAL-NL1 has many more input parameters and output target formats than its predecessor.
In implementing NAL-NL2, Audioscan has made the following simplifications and clarifications:
1. NAL-NL2 targets are provided as REAR targets in Speechmap. Insertion Gain targets are not provided.
2. There is no provision to select Insert earphones + earmold as the audiometric transducer since this
invalidates the audiometer calibration and correction for this error is problematic.
3. Input-output curve targets and compression threshold targets are not provided. Such steady-state
parameters are of little value in estimating amplified speech levels. Matching amplified speech to the
LTASS targets at levels from 50 to 80 dB SPL provides much better assurance that fitting goals are
being met.
4. There is no requirement to input client gender. The impact of gender on REAR targets is less than +/-
1dB.
5. There is no requirement to input hearing aid experience. An “Experienced” user is assumed.
6. There is no requirement to input the number of compression channels. This may be useful when
the signal used for verification is not the signal for which the targets were developed. It is irrelevant
when using real- speech signals to match speech targets and when using narrow-band signals to match
narrow-band maximum output targets.
7. There is no requirement to input compression speed. It has no impact on REAR targets.
8. There is no requirement to input earmold tubing type. It has no impact on REAR targets.
9. There is no requirement to input vent size or fitting depth. They have no impact on REAR targets.
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10. For sound field threshold the speaker is assumed to be at 45 degrees. For on-ear measurements, the
speaker is assumed to be at 0 degrees and the reference microphone is assumed to be on the head
surface.
11. The SII calculation is per ANSI S3.5-1997 and is the same for all fitting methods.
NAL-NL2 requires audiometric thresholds at a minimum of 500 Hz and 2000 Hz. If fitting binaurally, this
requirement extends to the opposite ear. If there is no audiometric response at 500 Hz or 2000 Hz, a maximum
HL point may be entered to force NAL-NL2 to generate targets.
Camfit is an approach to fitting hearing aids developed by Brian Moore at the University of Cambridge, UK.
It specifies the level-dependent gain required to correct abnormal loudness as modeled by his cochlear hearing
loss simulation. It provides two approaches to correcting for the hearing loss:
Camfit restoration aims to amplify sounds that are soft, comfortable and loud for a person with normal
hearing so that they are soft, comfortable and loud for a hearing aid wearer. This is the stated goal of the
IHAFF (International Hearing Aid Fitting Forum) fitting method.
Camfit equalisation aims to amplify speech to produce the same loudness in each critical band. It has been
argued that this is likely to give the highest intelligibility for a given overall loudness. This is the rationale
behind the NAL fitting methods and will generally produce similar targets.
7.6 Using Speechmap
The Speechmap fitting environment provides a number of distinctly different stimuli. Speech and noise are
analyzed in 1/3 octave bands and for most speech stimuli data are presented as 3 curves. The top curve is the
level exceeded 1% of the time (speech peaks), the lower curve is the level exceeded 70% of the time (speech
valleys) and the middle curve is the average. Clicking causes the signal to be presented continuously
- the speech signals run in a loop - and the curves are updated frequently to show any changes you make
to the hearing instrument. Clicking on restarts the speech passage and the curves are then calculated
for the entire passage, producing an accurate display of the speech region and LTASS, and an accurate
SII calculation. When using live speech, a pause button [;] captures short-term speech features. See SII
calculation in Speechmap and Speechmap Technical Details.
Before starting, please see On-Ear Measures - Setup, Speechmap Setup, Speechmap facts, On-ear or Test box
mode.
1. To access Speechmap: right click and then select Speechmap under On-ear or Test box.
2. To change screen setup: see On-Ear Measures Screen Setup, and On-ear or Test box mode.
3. To set up hearing instrument type: click on the first in the Audiometry section. For on-ear
mode choices include: RITE (receiver in the ear), BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, CIC-shallow, Body, or FM.
For test box mode select from: RITE (receiver in the ear), BTE + mold, BTE + HA-4, ITE, ITC,
CIC, CIC-shallow, Body, or FM. In test box mode this determines the RECD applied to the coupler
microphone and the MLE (microphone location effects) applied to the speaker signal.
4. To set up vent type: click on the second in the Audiometry section. For On-ear mode, choices
include Occluding or Open. Selection of Open vent will prompt for an additional equalization step.
For Test box mode, vent type will be replaced with selectors for vent simulation. See Speechmap
configuration for more information.
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9. To complete a measurement and store the result: click on while the stimulus is running.
11. To capture the current screen curves when using live speech: click on the pause button .
See, [Screen tour] and Speechmap Fitting Procedures.
Speechmap Setup allows customization of certain Speechmap settings. To access Speechmap Setup, click
and click on Speechmap in the Setup menu.
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Speechmap Setup
General
You can choose to have the envelopes of the speech test results automatically hidden (leaving only the LTASS)
when you start another test. Click the Hide speech envelopes button to toggle between automatically and
manually.
Binaural Sound Field Assist provides a guide for positioning the patient for binaural tests in Speechmap.
The guide will only be shown when the binaural sound field error is greater than +/- 3 dB. Note: Binaural
Sound Field Assist functions best when head to speaker distance is less than 60cm (24 in.). When Binaural
Sound Field Assist is disabled, binaural tests may be extended to obtain accurate results.
Short-term Speech Averaging Time adjusts the averaging time used for speech measurements before pressing
. Fast highlights the dynamics of speech. Slow may be used to perform gross gain adjustments of hearing
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Stimuli
Speechmap provides a number of different test stimuli for fitting hearing aids and testing various aspects of
their performance. Each time you run a test, you have the opportunity to select the stimulus from a list.
The available Speechmap stimuli are in two columns. The left-hand column contains the MPO stimulus and
speech stimuli that have the specific Long-Term Average Speech Spectrum (LTASS) required when matching
prescription fitting targets such as DSL, NAL-NL1 or NAL-NL2. The MPO stimulus (used to verify that the
maximum output SPL of the hearing aid does not exceed the uncomfortable level) is always selected. You
must select at least one of the defined LTASS speech stimuli. An alternative MPO stimulus (EUHA MPO) is
available.
The left-hand column includes several foreign language calibrated speech passages. These are labeled using
ISO 639 codes. For reference these are: fr-CA – Canadian French, fr – French, de – German, es – Spanish,
pt-BR – Brazilian Portuguese, cmn – Chinese Mandarin, yue – Chinese Cantonese, and ko – Korean.
1. To select a stimulus, click the box beside the stimulus you want to add to the list. A check mark will
be placed next to the selected stimulus.
2. To remove a checked stimulus from the list, click the box beside the stimulus you want to remove.
RMSE
The frequencies used to calculated the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between prescriptive targets and
measured LTASS can be customized. By default, the Four-frequency Pure-Tone Average (4PTA) frequencies
are used.
When you have finished making your selections, click to exit Setup.
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1. Max TM SPL (change this in Setup), 2. Estimated UCL, 3. Unaided long-term average speech
spectrum (LTASS), 4. Impaired threshold, 5. Normal threshold (MAP), 6. Turn on/off display of
unaided speech region, 7. Unamplified speech region, 8. LTASS +12dB, 9. LTASS -18dB
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1. Estimated UCL, 2. 90dB target (for tones), 3. Result of test 3 (MPO), 4. LTASS targets for
Test 2, 5. Long term average speech spectrum (LTASS) result of test 2, 6. Speech peaks
(99th percentile), 7. Speech valleys (30th percentile), 8. Speech intelligibility index (SII),
9. Start test, 10. Amplified speech region
The Speechmap environment provides two hearing instrument verification options: On-ear measures and Test
box measures. Using on-ear mode, the stimulus is controlled by the reference microphone positioned below
the pinna and SPL in the ear canal is measured by the probe microphone. In test box mode, levels measured
in the silver 0.4cc coupler are converted to estimated ear canal levels using the RECD or WRECD values
(age-appropriate average, entered, or measured) See Speechmap screen choices. In addition, the stimulus
delivered to the hearing instrument microphone is modified to include average microphone location effects
for the hearing instrument type indicated. The screen display for both modes is the same, showing SPL,
measured or simulated, in the ear canal.
For On-ear mode: right click and click on Speechmap from the On-ear column. Review On-Ear Measures -
Setup,
For Test box mode: right click and click on Speechmap from the Test box column. Review Calibrating
test box reference microphone, Coupling the hearing instrument, Positioning the hearing instrument.
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To switch modes: click on [Mode] to toggle between On-ear and Test box modes.
It is suggested that hearing instruments be preset in Test box mode with fine tuning done in On-ear mode.
7.11 SII calculation in Speechmap
The Verifit calculates a Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) value (in %) for unaided speech at 65 dB SPL and
for each aided test. The calculations use the 1/3 octave band method of ANSI S3.5 –1997 without the 160
Hz band and without masking effects with results expressed as a % by multiplying by 100. Level distortion
effects are included but no hearing loss desensitization is applied. An idealized speech region of LTASS +/-
15 dB is used.
The speech recognition associated with a given SII is a function of the test material and the cognitive abilities
of the listener. There is considerable individual variability in relating the SII to speech recognition, especially
amongst impaired listeners. The following shows expected nominal recognition scores vs SII for normals when
using a variety of speech stimulus conditions. (Killion and Mueller, Hearing Journal, January, 2010 pp 10-15).
When the selected target formula is DSL and the stimulus is a calibrated 55dB SPL or 65dB SPL (or 75dB
SPL for adult targets) speech signal, an SII target range representing a lower and upper normative value
range will be shown in the SII Audibar. This normative SII range is represented with two lines: the lower
range line, and the upper range line. If the client’s aided SII values fall within the two lines, then their
hearing aid fitting is considered electroacoustically acceptable for his/her PTA. SII normative ranges are
provided by the National Centre of Audiology (NCA), London, Ontario. Please refer to the UWO PedAMP
Instruction Manual for further information about SII normative ranges.
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DSL child
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The solid line in each graph indicates the average normative aided SII values for DSL 5.0. The dashed lines
indicate a 95% confidence interval around the mean (lower dashed line = 1 standard Deviation below the
mean,upper dashed line = 2 standard deviations above the mean). If the aided SII values fall within the
dashed lines, then the child’s hearing aid fitting is electroacoustically acceptable for his/her PTA.
Due to a limited amount of SII normative data in the severe to profound PTA range, SII ranges should be
used with caution when the PTA exceeds 70 dB HL.
DSL adult
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The lines in each graph indicate a 95% confidence interval around the mean (lower line = 1 standard Deviation
below the mean,upper line = 2 standard deviations above the mean). If the aided SII values fall within the
lines, then the client’s hearing aid fitting is electroacoustically acceptable for his/her PTA.
7.12 Using SII for patient counseling
It is possible to compare the patient’s unaided SII, aided SII, and a variety of speech stimulus conditions
graphically. Left click on a valid SII bar to view this data.
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All curves except the Aided SII curve can be toggled on or off. A cursor can be turned on by left clicking on
the graph. Its location is shown in the control area.
7.13 Using custom stimuli in Speechmap
Custom digital sound files can be used as stimuli in Speechmap. If you connect a USB stick with WAV files
on it to the Verifit, Speechmap will make those files available as stimulus selections. This feature provides
the freedom of using any stimulus in Speechmap with all the features that Speechmap offers. Please note
that fitting targets are not available for custom stimuli.
A USB stick is required for this feature. It is highly recommended that the USB stick is formatted for data
using the Audioscan Updater prior to using this feature. The Audioscan Updater comes with any current
Audioscan software download. Visit www.audioscan.com [http://www.audioscan.com/] to obtain software
updates.
Note: some USB sticks are bootable and may cause issues on start-up if left connected you your Verifit after
use. These should be removed during start-up of your Verifit and then re-connected after.
To use digital sound files as stimuli in Speechmap:
To use digital sound files as stimuli in Speechmap:
1. Connect a USB stick to your PC.
2. Format the USB stick for data using the Audioscan Updater.
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3. Create digital sound files that are compatible with Speechmap (see Creating WAV files for Speechmap).
4. Copy the WAV files from the PC to the top level directory (i.e. not in any folder) of the USB stick.
5. Disconnect the USB stick from the PC and connect it to the USB port on the Verifit.
6. Start a Test in Speechmap (see Using Speechmap).
7. Click [Stimulus]. Compatible WAV files will appear as selectable options in the stimulus list below the
default stimuli. You may need to scroll down to see all the stimuli.
8. Choose your custom stimulus. After a short delay, your stimulus will begin playing.
9. Use your new stimulus with all the features of Speechmap.
Example of two custom files, click.wav and 1khztone.wav, in the stimulus list.
To remove custom stimuli from Speechmap: close any Test prompts and disconnect the USB stick
from the Verifit.
Notes:
1. Files that are greater than 60 seconds in duration will be truncated to 60 seconds.
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2. Speechmap will show up to 10 compatible WAV files. If you have more than 10, we recommend that
you use multiple USB sticks or organize your files into folders, moving them into the top level directory
of the USB stick as needed.
3. Removing the USB stick while a Test poster is open may cause unexpected behavior. Close the Test
poster before removing the USB stick from the Verifit.
WAV is a commonly used format for digital audio and can be created/edited by nearly all audio editing and
recording software. A WAV file has many properties that define the format of the digital audio. When a USB
stick is connected to the Verifit, Speechmap looks for files in the top level directory that have the following
properties:
• File format: WAV
• Data format: PCM (no compression)
• Sampling Rate: 32 kHz
• Bit precision: 16 or 32 bit
• Channels: Mono
• File name: 24 characters or less, not including .wav extension
Existing WAV files can easily be converted to match these specifications using your preferred audio editing
software.
Leveling Options
By default, Speechmap will automatically level the WAV file so that the SPL matches the level selected for
the test.
The automatic leveling of the WAV file can be modified by inserting a tag in the filename. This feature allows
you to fine tune the output level of your stimulus. The tag must be added at the end of the filename but
before the extension.
Example: filename_+2.5.wav
The tag must consist of an underscore, followed by a plus or minus sign, followed by the modifier in dB. In
the example above, the tag "_+2.5" will level the file to be 2.5 dB above nominal.
There are no restrictions on the magnitude of the modifier; there is built-in protection against speaker
overdrive. Precision is limited by the character limit of the filename.
Note: in Test-box Speechmap user sound files will have the MLE applied according to the selected Instrument
type. See Speechmap Technical Details.
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Aided audibility has been found to be significantly predicted by the proximity to prescriptive targets for a
hearing aid fitting (McCreery et al., 2013). RMS error from target (RMSE) in Speechmap provides an easy
way to determine the proximity to prescriptive targets for the purpose of assessing the quality of a hearing
aid fitting. An RMSE criterion of 5dB from prescriptive targets has been the precedent in academic research,
and is attainable for most mild to severe hearing losses.
RMSE from target in Speechmap is calculated by first determining the deviation from target across the
selected frequencies. By default the frequencies of 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz are used, however
any audiometric frequencies between 250 Hz and 12.5 kHz can be configured in ‘Setup’ under ‘Speechmap’.
To arrive at a single RMSE value, the difference between the target and the measured value at each frequency
is squared, the average is determined, and the square root is taken.
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Speechmap allows each test to have an associated comparison test. Comparison tests can be helpful when a
client is transitioning from one set of hearing instruments to another, and the goal is to match the output of
the previous devices.
1. Click to open the associated test menu for any of test 1 to test 4.
2. Click Set Test (#) as comparison to transform the current test into a comparison test. Comparison
tests are shown on the graph in a lighter shade of color and use dashed lines for the LTASS and the
envelope borders. Comparison test SII or RMSE is also displayed in the Audibar alongside the current
test’s SII or RMSE. When there is a comparison test, its SII data is available in the Quick-Access SII
Counseling graph.
3. Click [Clear comparison Test (#)] to clear a comparison test
4. Click [Clear current Test (#)] to erase the current test
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Speechmap screen choices are made by clicking on the relevant buttons for [On ear or Test box], [Graph or
Table], [Dual view or Single view], [L or R or L+R], [Audiometry], [RITE, BTE + HA-4, BTE + mold, ITE,
ITC, CIC, CIC-shallow, Body, FM, CROS, or BAHD], and [Occluding or Open]. Clicking on [Audiometry]
will cause a related selection poster to be presented.
Changes made on this poster are applied and the poster closed by clicking on . The poster may be closed
without applying the changes by clicking .
Defaults are the last-used choices if test setup memory has been turned on. See Saving test setup.
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1. Targets: Fitting rule. Select from DSL Adult, DSL Child, NAL-NL1, NAL-NL2, Camfit restoration,
Camfit equalisation, DSL Adult -noise, DSL child -noise, or None. The target selection also defines
audiometric transforms for calculating SPL thresholds. If None is selected, audiometric data is
transformed to SPL up to 12.5kHz if possible. Where high frequency data does not exist, audiometric
data will be transformed as per DSL Adult.
2. HL Transducer: Sound source is used to obtain the audiogram. Select from [Headphone, Insert +
foam, Insert + mold (DSL only), LS 0, LS 45, LS 90 (sound field) or ABR (DSL only). If Headphone is
selected, the appropriate real-ear to dial difference (REDD) is used to convert entered HL values to ear
canal SPL. If Insert + foam is selected the appropriate real-ear to coupler difference (RECD) is used to
convert entered HL values to ear canal SPL values. If Insert + mold is selected, the audiometer is no
longer calibrated and a measurement protocol is provided for accurate conversion of entered HL values
to ear canal SPL. If Measure is not selected, entered HL values are converted to ear canal SPL as if a
foam tip had been used to obtain the audiogram. If LS 0, 45, or 90 is selected appropriate real-ear
unaided gain (REUG) values @ 0, 45, and 90 degrees azimuth respectively, will be used to convert HL
values to ear canal SPL values.
3. RECD: Real-ear to coupler difference. Unless otherwise indicated, RECD is the difference between the
SPL in an occluded ear and the SPL in the HA-1 2cc coupler produced by the same high (acoustic)
impedance sound source with the same acoustic coupling. Because of standing waves in the 2cc coupler,
the traditional RECD is not useful above 8 kHz. The Verifit has adopted a 0.4cc coupler to extend the
capabilities of Speechmap Test box to the 1/3 octave band at 12.5 kHz. The term Wideband real-ear
to coupler difference (WRECD) has been coined to denote an RECD based on a 0.4cc coupler rather
than the HA-1 coupler. The WRECD is the difference between the SPL in an occluded ear and the
SPL in the 0.4cc coupler produced by the same high (acoustic) impedance sound source with the same
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acoustic coupling.
The WRECD is used to convert 0.4cc coupler SPL measured in the test box to estimated ear canal
SPL. The WRECD is used to convert entered HL data (thresholds and UCL’s) to ear canal SPL when
Insert+Foam or Insert+Mold is selected as Transducer. Below 8 kHz, the Verifit converts between
RECD and WRECD as necessary.
Except for Camfit targets, RECD choices are Average, Enter, or Measure.
If Average is selected and DSL child or NAL-NL2 is the target rule, age-appropriate average RECDs
will be applied. However, these target rules provide different average values which will result in differing
SPL thresholds. Average RECDs for frequencies above 6 kHz are set equal to the 6 kHz value for
purposes of converting HL thresholds and 0.4cc coupler SPL to ear canal SPL.
If Enter is selected, after threshold entry has been completed, a selection must be made between HA-2
RECD, HA-1 RECD and 0.4cc WRECD. Once a choice has been made, an 8 kHz RECD entry screen
or a 12.5 kHz WRECD entry screen becomes available.
If Measure is selected, the Measure WRECD screen is provided after threshold entry is completed. See
WRECD measurement.
4. RECD Coupling: Select from [Earmold, Foam tip]. Specifies the coupling between the RECD
transducer and ear.
5. Age: Select from Adult, 6 – 10 years, or 1 – 60 months when DSLchild is the selected rationale, or
from Adult, 6 - 15 years, or 1 - 60 months when using NAL-NL2. This changes the RECD applied
if DSL Average or NL2 Average has been selected when using these target rules. For NAL-NL2, the
selection of an age other than Adult also invokes NL2 pediatric targets.
6. ABR nHL to eHL: Normalized HL to estimated HL conversion factors. Permitted only if [Transducer]
= ABR (nHL). Select from [Default, Enter]. If [Enter] is selected, an entry screen will be provided after
threshold data have been entered. Otherwise default factors will be used. These may be set to DSL
values or to values that you have entered in Setup. Note that, in some facilities, nHL is defined in such
a way that it is effectively eHL; in these cases, ABR (eHL) should be selected and no conversion factors
will be applied. See ABR nHL to eHL setup.
7. Binaural: Select from [Yes, No]. Determines if fitting targets will be adjusted for binaural summation
effects.
8. REDD: Real-ear-to-Dial Difference. REDD choices are Average, Enter, or Measure. REDD is used to
transform dB HL audiometry to dB SPL when the HL Transducer is Headphone. If Average is selected,
the adult average REDD will be used. If Enter is selected, you will be prompted to enter REDD values
after threshold entry. If Measure is selected, the Measure REDD screen is provided after threshold
entry is completed. See REDD Measurement.
9. Language: Select from [Non tonal, Tonal]. Determines if NAL-NL2 fitting targets will be adjusted for
tonal language.
Type of instrument or fitting to be verified: In On-ear mode, select from RITE (receiver in the ear),
BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, CIC-shallow, Body, FM, or CROS. In Test box mode, select from RITE (receiver in
the ear), BTE + HA-4, BTE + mold, ITE, ITC, CIC, CIC-shallow, Body, FM, and BAHD.
In On-ear Speechmap, the selection of FM or CROS determines the test protocol used. In Test box mode, the
fitting selection determines the microphone location effects applied to the stimulus during measurement and
the applied WRECD coupler reference as applicable. In the case of CIC in Test box mode, a deep insertion
factor is applied to the estimated ear canal SPL.
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See Speechmap Technical Details for more information on instrument and vent modeling.
Vent selection for sound field equalization: In On-ear mode, select from Occluding or Open. When
Occluding is selected, the sound field equalization is concurrent (occurs repeatedly between each loop of the
test stimulus). When Open is selected, the user is prompted to equalize manually once with the hearing
instrument muted. For more information see [Open fittings] in Speechmap.
Vent simulation: In test box mode, the vent type selection determines the vent modeling effects applied
during measurement. For custom hearing instruments and molds select Mold/Custom from the first menu
then select the appropriate vent size from None, Occluded, Small (0.5 - 1.5mm), Medium (1.6 - 2.5mm),
Large (2.6 - 4.5mm), or Open. For instant eartips select Dome/Sleeve and then the closest description from
None, Power/Double, Closed, Semi-open, or Open.
See Open fittings in Speechmap and Speechmap Technical Details for more information on vent modeling.
Counseling: The counseling button brings up a separate tool in which a simplified Speechmap view is shown
along with various optional overlays to aid in patient counseling. The counseling tool also includes a hearing
loss simulator. See Counseling and Sensory Loss Simulator.
Threshold data and other audiometric parameters may be entered manually using a mouse or an external
keyboard. See Input device operation.
To enter audiometric data manually:
1. On the Threshold, BCT and UCL entry prompt, enter each data point using a mouse or an external
keyboard. Left click the mouse to enter a point. Click again to delete the point. On the keyboard, the
arrow keys change frequency and level and the ENTER key on the numeric keypad enters or deletes a
point. The keyboard’s numeric keypad can also be used to type in data. Switch sides by moving mouse
cursor over to other side. Switch between Threshold entry, BCT entry or UCL entry by clicking the
appropriate button.
2. Use the X button to erase the curve next to it.
3. Use the Copy button at the bottom of the entry screen to copy points on either side to the other side if
there is data on one side and no data on the other.
4. RECD entry works in a similar manner as Threshold, BCT and UCL entry prompt.
5. Click to save the data and exit the entry screen. Click to exit the entry screen without saving
the data.
2. Click in the “1” area to start the first test . Once the test is started, click the [Stimulus] list button
to select the stimulus type. Click the [Level] list button and select a stimulus level of 50 dB.
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3. While the passage is being presented, adjust the hearing instrument’s frequency shaping and gain
for soft sounds so that the middle curve (the LTASS) falls within the target range, shown by the
symbols, especially between 500 - 4000 Hz. These target symbols are automatically adjusted for the
stimulus level you select.
1. Audiometry entry, 2. Start test, 3. Aided envelope, 4. Aided SII, 5. Unaided predicted SII
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After completion of a test, the chosen stimulus type and level will become the default. To change this
behavior, see Saving test setup.
2. Click in the “2” area to start the second test. Once the test is started, click the [Stimulus] list
button to select the stimulus type. Click the [Level] list button and select a stimulus level of 65 dB.
The upper bar in this area shows the SII for the unaided stimulus at 65 dB SPL (the Unaided Audibar).
When you start a new test, the speech envelope of the previous test may be automatically hidden. See
Speechmap Setup to change this behavior. To change the default stimulus type and level see Saving
test setup.
3. While the passage is being presented, adjust the hearing instrument’s frequency shaping and gain for
average sounds so that the middle curve (the LTASS) falls within the target range, shown by the
symbols, especially between 500 - 4000 Hz. These target symbols are automatically adjusted for the
stimulus level you select.
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Upon completion of a test recording, a colored Aided Audibar shows the SII for the aided average speech
signal. The difference between the unaided and aided SII score (and the associated length of their respective
‘Audibars’) visually quantifies the speech intelligibility improvement for soft speech likely provided by the
hearing instrument being fit. To further demonstrate the improvement, the unaided speech ‘banana’ may be
displayed by clicking beside the Unaided Audibar.
1. Click in the 3 area to start the third test. Once the test is started, click the [Stimulus] list button to
select the stimulus type as MPO. When you start a new test, the speech envelope of the previous test
may be automatically hidden. See Speechmap Setup to change this behaviour. To change the default
stimulus type and level see Saving test setup.
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2. In Test box mode, while the 90 dB sweep is being presented, adjust the hearing instrument’s high-level
gain and/or output limiting (e.g. MPO, PC) so that the curve matches the + REAR90 targets (DSL)
or approaches but does not exceed the UCL estimates (*) at all frequencies.
1. DSL REAR90 target, 2. Estimated UCL, 3. Measured MPO, 4. LTASS 65, 5. LTASS 50, 6. SPL
Threshold
In Speechmap, there are no special real-ear SPL targets for open and vented fittings – it doesn’t matter how
the sound reaches the TM, the audibility is the same. A vented fitting allows sound to enter and escape the
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ear canal. For open fittings, the sound escaping the ear-canal from the hearing instrument may be detected
by the on-ear reference microphone, interfering with the sound field equalization. For this reason, the hearing
instrument must be muted during sound field equalization.
1. With Speechmap in the [On-ear] mode, click the Instrument pull-down menu and select the appropriate
instrument type.
2. Click the Vent classification selector and choose Open.
3. Position the client and probe tube and enter audiometric data. See On-Ear Measures - Setup, Speechmap,
and Fitting to targets for soft speech and Fitting to targets for average speech and Adjusting the
Maximum Output Level.
4. Place the open-fit hearing instrument on the ear with the probe tube in place, making sure to mute the
hearing instrument.
5. Access Test 1, 2, 3 or 4. If this is the first test since selecting Open, you will be prompted to mute or
turn off the hearing instrument and click the Equalize button on the setup poster. After equalization,
unmute or turn the instrument on and follow the fitting procedures presented previously in this section.
It is necessary to repeat the Equalize procedure whenever the client or nearby objects are moved.
In Test box Speechmap, the vent effects are simulated according to the selected vent type to produce simulated
real-ear measurements. For more details on the vent effect modeling, see Speechmap Technical Details.
Below is a brief description of each vent type:
None: Models an ideal occluded fitting by disabling the simulation of vent effects. This selection assumes
no sound is able to leak into or out of the fitting. This will produce results equivalent to earlier versions of
software without vent simulation.
Occluded: A fully occluded custom product, or a custom product with functionally no vent (i.e., vent
diameter smaller than 0.5mm).
Small (0.5-1.5mm): A custom product with a small vent, ranging between 0.5 to 1.5mm in diameter.
Medium (1.6-2.5mm): A custom product with a medium vent, ranging between 1.6 to 2.5mm in diameter.
Large (2.6-4.5mm): A custom product with a large vent, ranging between 2.6 to 4.5mm in diameter.
Open: Open assumes a fully open coupling to the ear, with minimal material occluding the ear canal. This
includes open instant fit products and earmolds/custom products advertised as fully open.
Semi-open: An instant fit product with vents, slits, or is otherwise not closed.
Closed: An instant fit product without vents or slits but is not specially designed for power products.
Power/Double: An instant fit product with multiple flanges or otherwise designed for power products.
When Speechmap is set to Dual view, it is possible to analyze both left and right hearing instruments
simultaneously.
1. Follow the instructions in Speechmap configuration to enter audiometric data and select the fitting rule.
2. Click binaural link between the L and R selections. Both the L and R buttons will highlight when
binaural operation is active.
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3. Click in any of the test areas to start a test. The output from both hearing instruments will be
display simultaneously.
4. Once the test is started, click the [Stimulus] list button to select the stimulus type. Click the [Level]
list button and select a stimulus level.. When you start a new test, the speech envelopes of the previous
test may be automatically hidden. See Speechmap Setup to change this behaviour. To change the
default stimulus type and level see Saving test setup.
5. While the passage is being presented, adjust the hearing instrument’s frequency shaping and gain for
average sounds so that the middle curve (the LTASS) falls within the target range, shown by the
symbols, especially between 500 - 4000 Hz. These target symbols are automatically adjusted for the
stimulus level you select.
6. Click to measure and store the long-term signal-averaged result. IF the input level at each ear is
significantly different, the signal may be repeated twice for accurate results.
Frequency lowering is used when it is not possible to amplify the high frequency components of speech
sufficiently to raise them above threshold. In this case, the high frequency components may be shifted to a
lower frequency with a better hearing threshold where the available gain will render them audible.
Four modified versions of the Speech-std (1) test stimulus (Speech3150, Speech4000, Speech 5000 and
Speech6300) are provided in Speechmap to assist in verifying and adjusting frequency lowering devices. In
each of these modified test stimuli, the 1/3 octave band levels above 1000Hz are reduced by 30dB, except for
an isolated 1/3 octave band centered at the frequency indicated in the selected test stimulus’ name. With
these reduced band levels, the resulting LTASS produces a distinct ‘cavity’ between 1000Hz and the selected
high frequency band.
While these signals can be used to demonstrate frequency lowering function, the phonemic-like stimuli based
on the /s/ and /sh/ extracted from the ISTS signal (Scollie et al., 2016) are recommended for the adjustment
of adaptive frequency lowering systems. These stimuli can help provide rapid evaluation of the aided levels
and spectral shape of the phonemes /s/ and /sh/ and also may support phonemic analysis of hearing aid
responses.
8.9 Using the MAOF-Highlighter with the ‘S’ and ‘SH’ Stimuli
When using the /s/ stimulus to adjust frequency lowering, the goal is to add the least amount of frequency
lowering required to put the upper shoulder of the /s/ response into the MAOF, or Maximum Audible Output
Frequency range (Scollie et al., 2016).
This is identified as the region between the point where the SPL threshold crosses the LTASS of 65dB speech
and where it crosses the peak line of the same test. The Verifit2 MAOF highlighter provides a colored target
range which indicates the MAOF region to make the adjustment process easier.
To test frequency-lowering:
1. Right click to show the home menu and choose Speechmap from either the On-ear or Test box columns.
2. Program the hearing instrument so that the frequency-lowering feature is inactive.
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5. Click to measure and store the long-term signal-averaged result. If the isolated band does not
appear in the Test 1 curve, it may indicate that the hearing aid has no gain at the selected band
frequency. This does not mean that the hearing aid will be unable to transpose the band to a lower
frequency when frequency lowering is enabled.
6. Program the hearing instrument to activate the frequency-lowering feature.
7. Click to start another test and select the “S” stimulus. Note that only the LTASS is shown for
these stimuli and targets (if selected) have been suppressed.
8. Once “S” has been selected from the Stimulus pull-down menu, the MAOF selection tool will be active.
Click “Show MAOF” selector and choose the test performed in step 3 above.
9. Adjust the frequency lowering function in the hearing instrument to move the upper shoulder of “S”
into the MAOF target region indicated on screen.
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3. Click in test 1 area to start test and record a response using [Pink noise] at Soft (55). It should be
like a normal REUR. If not, the ear may not be fully open.
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6. Click in test 2 to start test and obtain a response using [Pink noise] at Soft (55). Adjust the
response to match that obtained in step 3.Position the speaker directly in front of the client. Click
in test 3 area to start test and use [Pink noise] at Soft (55) to check for a smooth response. Repeat with
Instrument set to [BTE]. An irregular response may be the result of reflections from nearby objects
(including the operator) or it may indicate phasing problems in the aids.
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2. Right click and select Speechmap from the Test box menu.
3. Select the hearing instrument type that is being measured (typically BTE).
4. Click in test 1 area, then choose one of the calibrated speech stimuli at a Level of 65 dB. Click
to run and record the speech passage.
5. Attach the FM receiver to the hearing aid and set the FM receiver to the default setting. The FM
transmitter should be ON and set to MUTE. Repeat step 2 but use Test 2 instead of Test 1. If the
results of Test 1 & Test 2 are not similar, the presence of the FM receiver has changed the intended
performance of the hearing aid. Where possible, make programming adjustments to compensate -being
careful not to make adjustments that will change Test 1 results.
6. Move the hearing aid, attached to the coupler and microphone, outside the test box at least 30 cm (12
in.) from the FM transmitter*. Put the FM transmitter microphone, set to Omni, within 2mm of the
test box reference microphone corresponding to the coupler used in step 1. Close the lid of the box.
7. With the FM transmitter unmuted, repeat step 2. Note that the hearing aid is outside the test box
during this test - Quiet please! The results should be within +/- 2 dB of the results from step 3. If not,
change FM settings and repeat.
A coupler mic. extension cable is available. See Microphone connection.
On-ear method:
1. Before attaching the FM receiver, setup the client for real-ear measurement (see On-ear Measures –
Setup).
2. Right click and select Speechmap from the On-ear menu.
3. Select the hearing instrument type that is being measured (typically BTE).
4. Select the hearing instrument coupling as occluding or open to determine whether a concurrent or
stored sound field equalization will be used.
5. Click in test 1 area, then choose one of the calibrated speech stimuli at a Level of 65 dB. Click
to run and record the speech passage.
6. Change the hearing instrument type to FM. This will result in speech stimuli playing through the test
box speaker, while the probe microphones measure the the output on-ear.
7. Attach the FM receiver to the hearing aid and set the FM receiver to the default setting.
8. Position the FM transmitter microphone, set to Omni, within 2mm of the FM transmitter microphones.
The FM transmitter should be ON and set to MUTE. Repeat step 2 but use Test 2 instead of Test
1. If the result of Test 1 & Test 2 are not similar, the presence of the FM receiver has changed the
intended performance of the hearing aid. Where possible, make programming adjustments to compe
being careful not to make adjustments that will change Test1 results.
9. UNMUTE the FM transmitter. With the hearing aid positioned in the ear and the FM transmitter still
positioned in the test box, repeat step 2 with the transmitter unmuted. The results should be within
+/- 2 dB of the results of the 65 dB test performed in step 4. If not, change FM settings and repeat.
This test allows the T-Loop response of the hearing instrument to be measured so that it can be compared
against acoustic responses.
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4. Select a speech stimuli and level from the Stimulus and Level picklists.
5. Click to measure and store the long-term averaged result. The result can be directly compared
against an acoustic response at the same level, as shown below.
Note: The T-Loop produces a magnetic field strength equivalent to the IEC specification (70dB SPL = 100
mA/m) and the ANSI specification (60 dB SPL = 31.6 mA/m) for a linearly operating hearing aid.
WARNING: The included magnet may effect some medical or electronic devices. Keep magnet
at least 5cm (2in.) from implantable devices and other magnetically sensitive devices.
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WARNING: Keep magnet out of reach of children and pets. If a magnet is swallowed seek
immediate medical attention.
WARNING: The magnet used with the tele-test handset cannot be applied for more than one
(1) minute when the telecoil test is conducted with the hearing instrument on the client’s head.
Only use the magnet provided with the tele-test handset or one explicitly intended for telecoil
activation.
This test allows the telecoil response of the hearing instrument to be measured so that it can be compared
against acoustic responses. In addition, auto-coil, binaural coordination and binaural streaming features can
be verified. The tele-test handset comes with a small magnet attached that may affect implantable devices.
See How to Avoid Undesirable Side Effects.
The tele-test handset can be used in both Test-box and On-ear Speechmap modes. For tests in the test box
the lid must remain open while the handset is positioned near the hearing instrument; output is measured
with the coupler microphone. For on-ear tests the handset is positioned near the hearing instrument while on
the client’s ear; output is measured with the probe microphone.
1. Set the instrument to ‘T’ (Telecoil input) or enable the auto-coil feature.
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produce an inductive signal approximating an equivalent acoustic stimulus when positioned close to the
hearing instrument.
6. If using an auto-coil feature, a magnet will be required to activate the T-coil function. Move the
Audioscan switching magnet from the storage position near the base of the handset to one of the three
indicated positions. Ideal positioning will vary with hearing instrument type. Alternatively, a switching
magnet provided with the hearing instrument may also be used.
7. Position the Tele-test handset within 1 cm of the hearing instrument such that the front face of the
Tele-test handset is parallel to the height of the hearing instrument (e.g. like holding a telephone handset
or cellphone).
8. Activity on the graph indicates that the hearing instrument is receiving the inductive stimulus.
9. Click to measure and store the long-term averaged result. The result can be directly compared
against an acoustic response at the same level.
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Bone anchored hearing devices (BAHD) can be verified in Speechmap with the use of the optional Verifit Skull
Simulator (part # VA-300). This accessory allows verification of fit using DSL-BCD adult and DSL-BCD
child formulas for percutaneous bone-anchored devices. There currently no correction for soft-band devices in
the formula.
Connecting Skull Simulator.
1. Disconnect binaural coupler microphone in Verifit2 test box.
2. Connect the Verifit Skull Simulator to the jack marked CPLR
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3. Position the Verifit Skull Simulator with the black dots over the black crossbar in the test chamber
floor, perpendicular to the main speaker.
4. If testing a left BAHD device, ensure the abutment is facing towards the left side of the test box. If
testing a right BAHD device, face the abutment towards the right side of the test box. A blue (left)
or red (right) marking on the Verifit Skull Simulator will be visible when testing to confirm proper
orientation.
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1. The artificial abutment on the skull simulator is designed to accept connection of both Ponto- and BAHA-
style devices. Couple the device to the abutment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. For directional devices, ensure the axis of maximum sensitivity is facing the front speaker.
3. Position the appropriate reference microphone 1-3 mm from the front microphone opening.
Speechmap testing
1. Right-click to open main menu. Select Speechmap from Test box tests menu.
2. Select BAHD from the instrument type list. This will clear any previous Speechmap measurements
made on air conduction devices.
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3. Select “Audiometry”
4. Targets: Select fitting rule from DSL-BCD adult, DSL-BCD child, or none.
5. Device: Select the type of device to be verified from the drop-down device list. In the DSL-BCD
formula the fitting targets are specific to the BAHD model.
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6. Binaural: Select from [Yes, No]. Determines if fitting targets will be adjusted for binaural summation
effects. This option is not available for [DSL-BCD child] targets.
7. Select to continue.
8. Enter DL (dial level) thresholds and DL UCL if measured See Assessment data entry
Note: threshold and UCL values must be BAHD-generated (direct dial level). There is currently no
support for traditional BC audiometric data.
9. Select to close Audiometry entry window. Patient DL thresholds and UCLs if entered will be
plotted on the Speechmap screen. Rather than the familiar SPL, the graph area will follow a force level
(FL) scale.
10. Speechmap verification follows the same procedure as with air conduction instruments in test box mode.
FL LTASS targets will be displayed for calibrated speech stimuli at each selected presentation level as
well as FL REAR90 targets for the MPO stimulus.
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Note: dual view is selectable to show both left and right curves at once, however simultaneous binaural
testing is not possible with the Verifit Skull Simulator.
DL (dial level) hearing level thresholds
DL (dial level) hearing level thresholds, also referred to as in-situ hearing level thresholds, are used for
Speechmap verification of BAHDs using DSL-BCD adult and child formulas.
DL hearing level thresholds are measured using the patient’s own device attached on-head via an abutment and
the manufacturer’s device-specific programming software. This results in hearing thresholds that incorporate
how the device responds on the head of the individual patient.
DL thresholds are then entered in [Audiometry] in Speechmap. These thresholds are then converted by the
DSL-BCD prescriptive formula from dial levels to force levels on the abutment.
DL (dial level) audiometry data and the Audioscan Noah Module
DL (dial level) audiometry data, including the DL hearing level thresholds and DL UCLs can be transferred
between the Audioscan Noah module and Speechmap. Noah cannot read DL audiometry data; therefore this
data is stored privately in the Audioscan Noah module and cannot be read as a public audiogram by other
Noah modules.
Test box calibration
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A valid test box microphone calibration is required when using the Verifit Skull Simulator. Though the
binaural coupler microphone is unplugged and removed from the test box when performing measurements
with the Verifit Skull Simulator, the right and left reference microphones are still used, and thus require
calibration. Test box microphone calibration establishes a correction curve for each uncalibrated test box
reference microphone by comparison with the factory calibrated coupler microphone.
Calibration check for the Verifit Skull Simulator
Accuracy of Verifit Skull Simulator measurements depends on it being calibrated. This should be checked
annually using a PCB Piezotronics model #394C06 Handheld Shaker. Use of other brands/models of calibrator
is not approved by Audioscan. A calibrator stand & abutment adapter are available from Audioscan, part
#RE300. In addition, a coupler microphone extension cable is available from Audioscan, part #VA-131.
Note: calibrator must have its own valid annual calibration. To verify the coupler microphone calibration:
1. Ensure test box has up-to-date user calibration (i.e. reference microphone calibrated to coupler micro-
phone).
2. Disconnect coupler microphone and connect VSS to coupler jack using extension cable.
3. Screw abutment adapter into threaded hole in VSS abutment and connect to shaker as shown in Figure
2.
4. Select [Manual control] from the main menu under test box
5. Set Level to 0 dB, filter to C-weighted and select [Start test] (on Verifit2 use only Left side).
6. Activate shaker and check measured Coupler microphone output on Verifit/Verifit2 screen.
7. Output needs to be 114 dB (+/-0.5 dB), if VSS is not within calibration specification, follow steps 8 –
11.
8. Remove round rubber cover from calibration adjustment hole on rear-right of VSS.
9. Adjust trim-pot as necessary; Figure 3 shows location of pot and direction to turn to increase or decrease
level.
10. Replace rubber cover (in case of damage or loss, rubber cover is Audioscan part #4223).
11. Stop the measurement by selecting [Stop test].
The noise floor stimulus in Speechmap measures the circuit noise of the hearing instrument.
Selecting Noise floor from the stimulus list in Speechmap allows a test of the internal noise produced by the
hearing instrument. Environmental sounds should be kept as low as possible during the test; however, this
test is designed to automatically exclude ambient impulse sounds where possible.
If HL thresholds have been entered in Speechmap, the resulting curve allows comparison between the hearing
instrument internal noise level and the SPL thresholds to determine audibility of the circuit noise. The 1/3rd
octave noise curve becomes audible where it exceeds the SPL threshold and typically becomes objectionable
at 5-12dB above this level (Agnew, 1998).
8.16 Automatic test sequencing
Speechmap allows tests to be played automatically in sequence. Tests will play the level and stimulus that
has previously been setup for each test.
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1. Click Test sequence button to Play all tests. All tests will play in order starting at one with the
stimulus and level previously selected.
2. If less than all tests should be played, click on Test sequencing button to bring up the menu.
3. Select tests to play.
4. Click Play selected.
5. The selected tests will play in order with the stimulus and level previously selected.
The availability of hearing instruments claiming to provide amplification above 8 kHz, and the reported
benefit of those wider bandwidths for young children has motivated Audioscan to extend the bandwidth of
the Verifit to 16 kHz which encompasses the 12.5 kHz third octave band. This necessitated several significant
advances:
1. Microphones with a flat response to 16 kHz and a low noise floor and development of production
calibration processes.
2. A 0.4cc coupler to overcome standing wave problems in the 2cc coupler and increase the signal level.
3. Digitized speech stimuli with measurable energy to 16 kHz.
4. A Wideband RECD (WRECD) measurement protocol based on the 0.4cc coupler and improved to
reduce errors associated with the effects of earmold and coupler tubing.
5. Provisions for threshold and WRECD entry to 12.5 kHz.
6. Conversion of entered and normative RECD values to WRECD values for frequencies below 8 kHz.
7. Derivation of Microphone Location Effects (MLE) to 12.5 kHz.
Speechmap provides a variety of stimuli for the testing of non-linear hearing aids with a range of digital
processing features.
The Speechmap fitting environment provides a number of well-controlled, distinctly different stimuli for both
On-ear and Test box measurement modes. Several different digitized speech passages are provided as well as
the International Speech Test Signal (ISTS) and the single-talker International Collegium of Rehabilitative
Audiology (ICRA) distorted speech signal. Two speech passages have been filtered to provide the same
long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS) as the ISTS for average vocal effort. In addition, one of these
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passages has been filtered to suppress the 1/3 octave bands above 1 kHz by 30 dB with the exception of a
1/3 octave band at 3.15 kHz (Speech 3150), a band at 4 kHz (Speech4000), a band at 5kHz (Speech5000)
and a band at 6.3 kHz (Speech6300). These latter signals may be used to determine the amount of frequency
shift provided by frequency-lowering hearing aids and the sensation level of the lowered components of the
speech signal. Pink noise at levels of 50 to 80 dB SPL in 5 dB steps and a tone burst at 85 or 90 dB SPL are
also available. The ICRA noise, female and child speech signals are presented as recorded with no spectral
shaping.
The ISTS consists of 500 ms segments from recordings of 6 female talkers reading the same passage in
American English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German and Spanish. These segments have been spliced together
with appropriate pauses and filtered to match the average female spectrum from Byrne et al, An international
comparison of long-term average speech spectra. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 96 (1994), 2108-2120. The 15 second
version of this signal has been provided.
Live speech may also be used.
The noise floor stimulus provides no acoustic excitation signal and uses a unique measurement algorithm
to reject impulsive noise sources and extract the long term minimum value in the standard Speechmap 1/3
octave measurement bands. This measurement is representative of the noise floor of the hearing aid when
tested in a quiet environment.
The speech, ISTS and ICRA signals are presented unfiltered for levels from 50 to 70 dB SPL. At 75 and 80
dB SPL, the spectrum is filtered to represent a ‘loud’ vocal effort. An ‘own voice’ filter is also available at
the 75 dB SPL level. This is intended to produce a spectrum and level at a BTE microphone location similar
to that produced by the voice of an average wearer.
A tone burst (MPO) stimulus provides 128 ms bursts with 128 ms gaps at 1/3 octaves with a level of 90 dB
SPL in the test box and 85 dB SPL for on-ear mode.
A EUHA standardized MPO stimulus begins with 5 seconds of ISTS at 55 db SPL, followed by five tones at
90 db SPL (test box), separated by a 250 ms gap. The tones have a duration of 300 ms each, including a 25
ms slope in and out, at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 kHz. The total duration of the stimulus is 7.75 seconds (including the
250 ms pause after the 4 kHz tone). The tones have a level of 85 dB SPL for on-ear mode.
In test box mode, all signals are filtered to include BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, CIC-shallow, Body microphone
location effects. The selected overall rms level is established prior to filtering.
For fitting FM systems, the stimuli may be modified to represent the level (84 dB SPL) and spectrum at a
chest microphone location and the level (93 dB SPL) and spectrum at a boom microphone location. These
are presented in the test box in both on-ear and test box modes.
The overall SPL, 1/3rd octave band SPL, vocal effort and microphone location effects are given in the
following tables for the various broad-band signals available.
9.3 Stimulus spectra
Speech signals calibrated for matching to targets have the same LTASS as the ISTS. Modification for Loud
spectrum is from ANSI S3.5-1997. Modification for Own voice spectrum is from Cornelisse et al (1991)
adjusted to a 1 m reference.
The LTASS of the ISTS is the average female spectrum from Byrne et al (1994), which differs less than 2 dB
from the universal LTASS (or International LTASS) suggested in this paper and less than 2 dB from the
LTASS of Cox & Moore (1988). For all practical purposes, they are equivalent.
For telephone bandwidth simulation, a bandpass filter with cutoffs at 300 Hz and 3300 Hz is applied.
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Microphone location effects (MLE) for RITE, BTE, ITE, ITC and CIC aids were measured in an anechoic
chamber on a KEMAR manikin relative to a microphone location on the cheek below the earlobe. The MLEs
in the following table are added to the stimulus after the overall rms level has been set.
9.5 Deep insertion compensation
The deep insertion of a hearing aid or ear-mold causes the ear canal SPL to be higher than would be estimated
by adding and RECD or WRECD to the coupler SPL measured in the test box. This most commonly occurs
with Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids. When this hearing aid type is selected in Speechmap Test box,
a deep insertion factor is automatically added to the estimated ear canal SPL. The factor in the following
table is from DSL 5.0 and has been interpolated to 1/3 octave frequencies and extrapolated for frequencies
above 6 kHz.
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The T-Loop produces a magnetic field strength equivalent to the IEC specification (70 dB SPL = 100 mA/m)
and the ANSI specification (60 dB SPL= 31.6 mA/m) for a linearly operating hearing aid.
One of the most-used measures of a speech signal is the long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS). This is
a 1/3 octave spectrum averaged over a sufficiently long portion of the speech material to provide a stable
curve. In practice a 10 second average meets this requirement and, for this reason, all Verifit passages are at
least 10 seconds long.
The dynamic nature of speech is often characterized by the distribution of short-term levels in each 1/3
octave band. These levels are determined by calculating a spectrum for each of a series of short time periods
within the passage. Historically, time periods of 120, 125 or 128 ms have been used. The Verifit uses a
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128 ms time period, resulting in 100 levels (or samples) in each 1/3 octave band for a 12.8 second passage.
The level in each band that is exceeded by 1% of the samples (called L1 or 99th percentile) has historically
been referred to as the speech peak for that band. The curve of the 99th percentile is approximately 12
dB above the LTASS. The level in each band that is exceeded by 70% of the samples (called L70, or 30th
percentile) has historically been called the valley of speech for that band. The curve of the 30th percentiles is
approximately 18 dB below the LTASS. The region between these two curves is often called the speech region,
speech envelope or speech ‘banana’. The speech envelope, when derived in this way, has significance in terms
of both speech detection and speech understanding. Generally, speech will be detectable if the 99th percentile
is at or near threshold. The Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) is maximized when the entire speech envelope
(idealized as a 30 dB range) is above (masked) threshold. This will not be an SII of 100% (or 1) because of
loudness distortion factors, but higher SII values will not produce significantly higher scores on most test
material. The speech-reception threshold (SRT) is attained when the LTASS is at threshold (approximately -
depending on test material and the individual).
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In Test box Speechmap, the effects of a vented fitting are applied according
to the coupling and venting of the selected hearing instrument. The vent
modeling comprises two parts: the effect of sound leakage through the vent
from the hearing instrument, and the effect of sound entering the ear canal
through the vent (bypassing the hearing instrument) from the sound source.
The sound modelled from these two components are added together to
provide a simulation of the SPL at the TM.
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10 Counseling
The Speechmap counseling tool offers a simplified graph environment from which to counsel patients or their
family members. The individual hearing loss can be shown in conjunction with a variety of educational
overlays to aid the hearing care practitioner with explaining the hearing loss and the possible impact on
audibility of various sounds and speech and to provide relevant comparisons to normal hearing levels. The
predicted unaided speech can be displayed and where previous test data exists in Speechmap, the aided
envelopes and prescriptive targets can also be shown for counseling purposes.
1. From the Speechmap screen in either the Test box or On-ear mode, select Counseling to open the
counseling screen.
2. The counseling screen is single view only. Use Ear selected to select either Left or Right ear.
3. Scale selects between SPL and HL view. Note that predicted unaided envelopes, aided envelopes,
and prescriptive targets cannot be displayed in HL view, so the Hearing aid overlays group will be
un-selectable while HL view is active.
4. Clicking the [Loss simulator] button will open the Sensory Loss Simulator See 13 Sensory loss simulator
5. Clicking the Speechmap button will close the counseling tool and return to the Speechmap test screen.
6. The Overlay controls are divided into three groups: Hearing test, Hearing range, and Hearing aid. Only
one overlay group can be active on the screen at a time. Clicking on one of the overlay group controls
will give amenu where screen items can be selected for display. Clicking on one of the other two overlay
groups will turn off the current group, but will not reset the items selected so switching between the
overlay groups can happen at will without interrupting the counseling flow.
10.2 Overlays
1. Hearing test
• The hearing test overlay group focuses on showing the patient’s audiogram and its position with
respect to the severity of loss ranges.
• Your hearing - displays the audiometric thresholds that were previously entered in a test screen
such as Speechmap. If no thresholds were entered for the selected ear this will be disabled. Click
the Speechmap button to return to Speechmap where HL threshold data can be entered.
• Speech sounds (average) - displays an approximate representation where various consonant
and vowel sounds in spoken language may have a concentration of energy, assuming an average
speech level. Speech sounds typically contain energy in more frequencies and at more levels than
displayed but these symbols can be helpful in describing the unavailability of some sounds based
on hearing loss. (Northern & Downs, 2014)
• Sounds of life - shows pictorial representations of some familiar sounds, with similar purpose
and limitations as the speech sounds above.
• Labels - When hearing thresholds are displayed, this selection will toggle on and off on-screen
descriptive labels to aid in patient understanding of the graph elements.
2. Hearing range
• The Hearing range overlay group provides tools to educate on the patient’s dynamic range (residual
auditory area) vs. an idealized normal hearing dynamic range.
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• Normal hearing range - displays a gray, shaded area bordered by MAP (minimum audible
pressure) at the bottom and predicted SPL UCL of normal hearing at the top. This is intended to
represent, for demonstration purposes the typical dynamic range of normal hearing. In HL mode,
the range will be between 0 dBHL at the top and predicted HL UCL of normal hearing at the
bottom.
• Your hearing range - displays a shaded (blue for left ear, red for right) area bordered by the
individual SPL thresholds at the bottom and SPL UCL (average, or entered if available) at the
top. This is intended to represent the patient’s residual dynamic range.
• Speech sounds (average) - displays an approximate representation where various consonant
and vowel sounds in spoken language may have a concentration of energy, assuming an average
speech level. Speech sounds typically contain energy in more frequencies and at more levels than
displayed but these symbols can be helpful in describing the unavailability of some sounds based
on hearing loss.
• Sounds of life - shows pictorial representations of some familiar sounds, with similar purpose
and limitations as the speech sounds above.
• Labels - When normal hearing range display is selected, this will toggle on and off an on-screen
label aiding in the patient’s understanding of the function of the MAP curve.
3. Hearing aid
• The hearing aid overlay group offers screen elements to help demonstrate the impact of the
prescribed amplification. Where Speechmap tests have been previously completed aided envelopes
and prescriptive targets are also options for display.
• Normal hearing - displays the MAP line, representing the SPL threshold of normal hearing.
• Your hearing - displays the patient’s SPL thresholds and SPL UCLs (average, or entered if
available).
• Speech sounds (average) - displays an approximate representation where various consonant
and vowel sounds in spoken language may have a concentration of energy, assuming an average
speech level. Speech sounds typically contain energy in more frequencies and at more levels than
displayed but these symbols can be helpful in describing the unavailability of some sounds based
on hearing loss.
• Sounds of life - shows pictorial representations of some familiar sounds, with similar purpose
and limitations as the speech sounds above.
• Speech level/test stimulus dropdown selector - for the display of unaided or aided spectra,
or prescriptive targets, this menu provides the ability to select the test level. The predicted unaided
spectrum for soft, average, or loud speech will always be available for display. The aided spectrum
and prescriptive targets are selectable based on what test data exists in Speechmap. Soft speech
will select any speech test run at 50, 55, or 60 dB. If more than one exists it will select the first.
Average speech will select any speech test run at 65 or 70dB and Loud speech will select any speech
test run at 75dB or 80dB. Loud tones will display an MPO test and Live speech will display a test
run with Speech-live selected, i.e. using external sounds as a stimulus in Speechmap.
• Without hearing aid - shows the predicted unaided spectrum of the selected speech test level.
If Loud tones or Live speech is selected, this will not be available.
• With hearing aid - shows the aided spectrum i.e. the amplified speech banana of the corresponding
speech test level. This will only be available for tests that have existing data in Speechmap. If
Loud tones (MPO) is selected, this will be a single aided curve rather than an aided spectrum.
• Prescription - displays the prescriptive targets for the selected test and level. This will be based
on the rationale selected in Speechmap. No targets will be shown for Live speech or if a stimulus
was used which was not calibrated. If Loud tones is selected, targets will only be shown if selected
rationale is DSL.
• Labels - When Normal hearing and/or Your hearing is selected for display, this will toggle on and
off on-screen descriptive labels to aid in patient understanding of these graph elements.
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The Verifit directional test measures directional performance in real-time and displays simultaneous curves
representing stimulus delivered to the front and back of the hearing instrument. It is compatible with all
forms of hearing aid processing, including frequency lowering, feedback compensation, and other non-linear
algorithms. Speech is added as a conditioning signal to ensure automatic, speech-activated directional
programs become active.
Test levels are selectable in 5 dB steps. When speech is active it is presented from the front speaker and
noise is presented from the back speaker(s) at a selectable signal-to-noise ratio. At periodic intervals, the
level of the speech and noise is momentarily reduced and an additional noise burst is played from either the
front or back speaker to measure the response from that direction. This burst is extremely fast and will not
influence the behavior of the hearing aid. The measured SPL is analyzed into two curves labeled F (front)
and B (back) to indicate which speaker generated the curve. The real-time nature of the test allows the
operation of adaptive directional systems to be readily visualized.
Optionally, speech may be disabled which will cause the directional test to alternate noise bursts from the
front and back speaker. This test may not produce a directional response in all hearing aids.
Once directional performance is observed, the test may be terminated.
Because this measurement is carried out in a real room, results are not expected to agree with data taken in
large anechoic chambers. Due to strong reflected signals, measurements made in small, reverberant rooms
will show less separation between front and back response curves, just as the benefits of directional technology
will become less apparent in similar situations. When performed in a sound booth or relatively anechoic
space, this test can be used to demonstrate and verify directional benefit and to provide assurance that the
directional microphone array has been correctly assembled and programmed and has not deteriorated due to
element drift or clogged ports.
Best results are obtained using external front and back sound field speakers positioned well away from
reflective surfaces. See External sound field speaker setup. Refer to On-Ear Measures - Setup to prepare the
system for use and for proper positioning of the client and the probe tube.
1. Insert the earmold or custom hearing instrument into the ear, being careful not to advance the probe
tube further into the ear canal. A lubricant applied in the vicinity of the probe tube will ease insertion
and prevent slit leaks.
2. Right-click the mouse to raise the Home prompt and select [Directional] under On-ear.
3. Select which ear to test, or select the binaural link to test both ears (Dual view only).
4. Select Test 1, 2, 3 or 4 by pressing . Two real-time curves will appear on the screen for each ear
under test – the thick curve is the response from the front speaker and the thin curve the response
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to the back speaker signal. For a non-directional instrument, the two curves will be nearly identical.
Setting the instrument for directional operation should produce a separation of the curves.
5. On the Test control poster, select a level from the [Level] drop-down list. For an adaptive directional
instrument, a stimulus level between 60 and 70 dB should cause the separation to change over a 15 to 45
second period. For a noise-reducing instrument, both curves may change with time and stimulus SPL.
6. Select a signal to noise ratio from the [Speech S/N] drop-down list. A S/N ratio between 0 and 6 dB will
usually induce directional performance after 15 to 45 seconds. Optionally, select [Speech SN] and select
Off. This setting presents only noise alternating between the front and back speaker. Speech-adaptive
directional instruments may appear to be non-directional if [Speech S/N] is set to Off.
This test shows the LTASS (upper graph) and the power concentration ratio (PCR) (lower graph) for a
speech signal. The PCR measures the degree to which a large amount of power is concentrated at a small
number of frequencies in the hearing aid output (see Freed & Soli in References). In the Verifit, the PCR is
the ratio of the average power of the dominant frequency components in a 1/12 octave band to the power in
the entire band, expressed in dB. Because the gain of a compression hearing aid varies with the signal it is
processing, the PCR is calculated in real time while a speech signal is presented to the hearing aid. The
upper graph shows the LTASS for the speech signal while the lower graph shows the PCR relative to the PCR
for speech without feedback. Feedback results in a peak in the speech spectrum and in the PCR. Incipient
feedback results in a peak in the PCR curve.
Refer to On-Ear Measures - Setup to prepare the system for use and for proper positioning of the client and
the probe tube.
1. Insert the earmold/tip or custom hearing instrument into the ear, being careful not to advance the
probe tube further into the ear canal. A lubricant applied in the vicinity of the probe tube will ease
insertion and prevent slit leaks.
2. Set the instrument as it will be used, with feedback suppression enabled and initialized.
3. Right-click the mouse to raise the Home prompt and select [Feedback] under On-ear.
4. Left-click Test 1 and set the Stimulus to Speech-std(F) and the level to 50 or 60 dB SPL. As the speech
passage plays, observe the feedback bar and the lower graph. A yellow Feedback bar and peaks with
yellow markers in the lower curve indicate incipient feedback which may impact sound quality. A red
Feedback bar and peaks with red markers in the lower curve indicate feedback that may be audible
and should be mitigated. Click to run the full speech passage and capture average results for the
passage.
5. Repeat for Test 2, 3 and 4 as needed. These tests may be used to explore the effects of jaw movement
and the presence of hands, hats and telephone handsets.
The noise reduction test measures the ability of a hearing instrument to suppress broadband, steady-state
noise. When the test starts, noise is presented to the hearing instrument at the selected level. The response
of the hearing instrument is captured before the noise reduction activates and is shown as a thick curve on
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the graph. A comparison curve shows the hearing instrument reacting to the noise in real-time. The overall
RMS noise reduction value in dB from the captured curve to the current curve is reported. A timer shows
the duration of the test. This timer can be used to determine how long the noise reduction took to activate
and for repeated comparisons.
Noise reduction may be run binaurally. In binaural mode, the responses from two hearing instruments can be
observed simultaneously. Select the binaural link before starting a test to enable binaural mode.
The initial curve captured when the test is started actually reflects the output of the hearing instrument
two seconds from the first presentation of the noise signal. For most hearing instruments this represents the
amplification before the noise reduction activates. Some models of hearing aid, however, have fast acting noise
reduction circuits in which gain may drop prior to the capture of this initial curve. To test these accurately,
use the pink noise stimulus. When pink noise is selected as a stimulus the test becomes adaptive and the
initial curve will capture the peak level produced by the hearing instrument regardless of the speed of NR
onset.
To access the On-ear noise reduction test, right-click the mouse to raise the Home prompt and select Noise
reduction under On-ear.
1. Refer to [On-ear Measures – Setup] to prepare the system for use and for proper positioning of the
client and the probe tube.
6. Click to capture the comparison curve once the noise reduction function has responded.
7. At any point click to stop the test without recording any data.
Noise reduction offers the following stimuli for evaluating the noise reduction performance of a hearing
instrument.
Air conditioner is an example of the noise created by a household air conditioner.
Vacuum is a sample of noise from the operation of a vacuum cleaner on a carpeted floor.
Multi-talker Babble is the combination of ten different adult talkers; seven of the talkers are female and
three are male. Eight of the talkers are speaking English, one is speaking French, and the last one is speaking
German. All talkers were normalized to the same overall output level before being positioned at random
positions around the listener. Loudness smoothing was performed on the babble in 1/3ˆrd octave bands to
reduce the magnitude of short-term peaks and valleys.
Pink noise is an internally generated steady state stimulus with a flat frequency spectrum. This stimulus is
capable of measuring hearing aids with fast acting noise reduction using a custom algorithm that can extract
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1. Refer to On-Ear Measures - Setup to prepare the system for use and for proper positioning of the client
and the probe tube.
2. Right-click the mouse to raise the Home prompt and select [Manual control] under On-ear.
3. To switch ears, move mouse cursor to the appropriate side.
4. Use [Mode] to toggle between On-ear or Test box modes.
5. Click the Level window, then select the desired stimulus level from the drop-down list.
6. Click the Frequency window, then select the desired frequency from the drop-down list. (Distortion
measurement data is available only from 200-4000 Hz.)
7. Click [Start test] to start the test. [Start test] changes to [Stop Test]. To stop the measurement, click
[Stop test]. You may change Level and Frequency without stopping the test.
The manual control feature enables the Verifit to be used as a sound level meter to perform C-weighted,
A-weighted or 1/12th octave analysis of sound as measured by the probe and reference microphones. A and
C-weighted measurements are limited to frequencies above 100 Hz and the averaging time and update rate
are 384 ms.
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1. Refer to On-Ear Measures - Setup to prepare the system for use and for proper positioning of the client
and the probe tube.
2. Right-click the mouse to raise the Home prompt and select [Manual control] under On-ear.
3. Click the Level window, then select 0 dB stimulus level from the drop-down list.
4. Click the Filter window, then select 1/12ˆth octave, A-weighted, or C-weighted from the drop-down list.
5. For 1/12ˆth octave filter, click the Frequency window, then select the desired frequency from the
drop-down list.
6. Click [Start test] to start the test. [Start test] changes to [Stop Test]. To stop the measurement, click
[Stop test]. You may change Level and Frequency without stopping the test.
12 WRECD measurement
The WRECD (Wideband Real-Ear to Coupler Difference) may be individually measured to improve the
accuracy of hearing aid fittings. The measurement procedure may be accessed by selecting WRECD from the
On-ear tests list on the home menu or from the Audiometry poster within Speechmap.
WARNING: The WRECD transducer may be adversely affected if it comes in contact with a
magnet. Do not store where it may come in contact with any permanent magnet. If contact with
a magnet is suspected, transducer re-calibration is recommended prior to any patient
measurements.
WRECD values are stored and expressed as referenced to the 0.4 cc wideband coupler. A coupler measurement
is required at a minimum of weekly.
1. Connect the WRECD transducer to the WRECD jack on the Probe Dock. Prepare the system for test
box tests. See Microphone connection, Calibrating test box reference microphone.
2. Choose WRECD from the On-ear list on the home menu.
3. Select the RECD coupling method that will be used on the ear. Audioscan software supports both
foam eartips and personal earmold, however this choice must be made prior to measurement.
4. Attach the TRIC adapter to the 0.4cc coupler and attach this to the blue coupler microphone.
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5. Insert the nozzle of the WRECD transducer all the way into the opening of the TRIC.
6. Click . This causes a broadband signal to be applied to the WRECD transducer and the 0.4cc
coupler SPL to be recorded and displayed.
7. Select Interval to toggle the measurement interval for the coupler response between daily and weekly.
8. To change the Weekly calibration day, right-click to raise the Home menu, left-click [Setup], then
left-click [Date & Time].
Connect the RECD transducer to the RECD jack on the Probe Dock. See [WRECD coupler response].
Prepare the system for on-ear tests. See Calibration of on-ear probe microphone.
1. Select [WRECD] on the home menu.
2. Select the WRECD coupling method that will be used on the ear. Audioscan software supports both
foam eartips and personal earmolds, however this choice must be made prior to measurement.
3. If no coupler measurement exists or the measurement interval has been exceeded, go to 15.3: Measure
coupler. If a valid coupler measurement exists, select [Measure real ear].
4. Couple a standard insert earphone foam eartip to the nozzle of the WRECD transducer. If using an
earmold, seal any vent at its medial end.
5. Refer to Positioning the probe tube and insert the probe tube into the ear canal to within 2 - 5 mm of
the eardrum.
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6. Insert the foam tip or earmold into the ear, being careful not to advance the probe tube further into
the ear canal. Insertion depth should be as used with insert phones. Allow the foam tip to fully expand
in the ear. Insertion depth should be as used with insert phones.
7. Select to generate the real-ear response curve (magenta) and the WRECD curve (blue). If the
WRECD curve is negative and unstable in the low frequencies, check the seal of the foam tip. Increase
the tip size and/or apply a lubricant to the foam tip to improve the seal. If the WRECD curve deviates
more than 10 dB from the average in the 4 - 6 kHz region, check for proper probe placement and
possible blockage of the tube by the foam tip or cerumen.
8. When these curves are stable, select to save them.
9. Use the Copy button to copy from either side to the other. The button is disabled if both sides are
empty or both sides contain measured WRECD data.
10. The Delete button can be used to erase measured WRECD data.
11. An equivalent HA-1 RECD converted from the measured WRECD may be shown on the graph using the
hide/show button. HA-1 RECD may be used for troubleshooting measurement issues For comparison
purposes, the age-related average WRECD is shown as a dotted curve on the screen. If you have
accessed WRECD from the main menu, you may click the Age box to change the age for this reference
curve.
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For comparison purposes, the age-related average WRECD is shown as a dotted curve on the screen. If you
have accessed WRECD from the main menu, you may click the Age box to change the age for this reference
curve.
Since WRECD uses the 0.4cc coupler rather than 2cc, it is normal to see negative numbers since the volume
of the wideband coupler more closely matches that of an ear. A WRECD with large negative slope in the low
frequencies may indicate a poor seal between the foam tip and the ear canal, or an open vent in an earmold.
A negative WRECD above 1 kHz often indicates a blocked or pinched probe tube. See WRECD facts.
1. 0.4cc coupler measurement, 2. Ear canal measurement, 3. 0.4cc WRECD, 4. Average 0.4cc WRECD
To facilitate wideband Test box Speechmap, the Verifit 2 requires a WRECD. For threshold corrections in
the HL-to-SPL transform, the 0.4cc WRECD is converted to an HA-1 RECD or an HA-2 RECD including
tubing effects, based on whether the stated HL transducer is Insert+foam or Insert+mold respectively. If the
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RECD was measured with an earmold, these tubing effects will be specific to the client’s earmold; if it is
measured with a foam tip, they will be based on average earmold tubing.
For Test box Speechmap involving BTE instruments the earmold tubing must be considered. If the BTE is
coupled to the 0.4cc coupler using the personal earmold, the tubing effects will be part of the measurement.
If the TRIC adapter with HA-4 tubing (earmold substitute) is used, the 0.4cc wideband coupler WRECD
will be converted to an HA-4 0.4cc WRECD. As with the threshold correction above, the use of the earmold
in RECD will include the effects specific to the client’s earmold, otherwise an average earmold is assumed.
The following describes acceptable RECD measurement protocols and Test-box Speechmap coupling combi-
nations for BTE instruments and the implications of each in the test box simulation.
ANSI S3.46 method:
WRECD On-ear measurement: Audioscan WRECD transducer + foam eartip
Test-box Speechmap coupling: client’s personal earmold + 0.4cc wideband coupler
With this method, WRECD is a property of the ear only, and not dependent on the transducer or sound
source coupling. The earmold effects will be part of the measurement in the test box. Measured WRECD is
appropriate for coupler simulation and error is minimized.
Alternate method #1:
RECD On-ear measurement: Audioscan WRECD transducer + client’s personal earmold
Test-box Speechmap coupling: HA-4 tubing (earmold substitute), TRIC adapter, and 0.4cc coupler
This method utilizes the client’s personal earmold for the on-ear RECD measurement. The 0.4cc WRECD is
converted to HA-4 reference with earmold effects retained and is applied in Testbox Speechmap.The error
introduced is the difference between the earmold effects when connected to the hearing instrument receiver
and earmold effects when connected to the WRECD transducer.
If the total earmold tubing length is less than 35mm, it is recommended that Foam tip be selected in the
WRECD Coupling field. This will bypass the correction and increase accuracy for small earmolds.
Alternate method #2:
RECD On-ear measurement: Audioscan WRECD transducer + foam eartip
Test-box Speechmap coupling: HA-4 tubing (earmold substitute), TRIC adapter, and 0.4cc coupler.
Since the RECD here is measured with a foam eartip, an average earmold is added to obtain an HA-4 RECD
with earmold effects. The error involved will be the difference between the actual earmold and the average
used.
Alternate method #3:
RECD On-ear measurement: Audioscan WRECD transducer + client’s personal earmold
Test-box Speechmap coupling: client’s personal earmold + 0.4cc wideband coupler.
An average earmold will be subtracted from the measured RECD to obtain a 0.4cc coupler WRECD without
earmold effects. The actual earmold will be introduced during test box simulation, but error will exist equal
to the difference between the earmold measured on the RECD transducer and the average earmold that was
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subtracted.
12.5 WRECD facts
Individual RECD values are derived by comparing the SPL produced by a sound source in the closed ear
canal to that produced by the same sound source in a 2cc coupler. It is commonly assumed that the RECD
so measured is a property of the individual ear and is independent of the sound source used to obtain it,
making it useful for (1) correcting hearing level (HL) data measured using insert earphones for individual
ear acoustics when the standard foam tip has been used (2) correcting hearing level (HL) data measured
using insert earphones for individual acoustics and the use of a custom earmold in place of a standard foam
tip, and (3) converting measured coupler SPL in Test box mode to estimated occluded ear SPL. However,
this assumption is true, only if the acoustic impedance of the sound source is significantly higher than the
acoustic impedance of the ear canal or the coupler. This is the case for ITE and ITC hearing aids and
is approximately true for insert earphones with the supplied foam tips. The acoustic impedance of insert
earphones drops if the foam tip is replaced by an earmold or the tubing that forms part of the HA-2 coupler.
At some frequencies, for BTE hearing aids with their earhooks and earmold tubing (or the HA-2 coupler
tubing), the acoustic impedance approaches that of an adult ear and falls below that of a child’s ear. Each of
these sound sources will produce a different RECD and, if the acoustic impedance of the sound source differs
for the ear canal and 2cc coupler measurements, further RECD differences will result.
The Verifit requires RECD data up to 12.5 kHz to facilitate wideband testing, and as a result RECD has been
renamed to WRECD (Wideband Real Ear to Coupler Difference) and utilizes the 0.4cc wideband coupler in
place of the ANSI 2cc coupler. The Audioscan WRECD measurement protocol uses the Audioscan WRECD
transducer as the sound source for ear canal SPL measurement and the 0.4cc wideband coupler calibration.
The use of the 0.4cc coupler in Test box Speechmap is desirable because it raises the high frequency SPL of
the hearing aid by more than 20 dB, making the rising noise floor of the coupler microphone less significant.
Its use for high frequency RECD measurement is desirable because of resonances in the HA-1 coupler.
The revisions of ANSI S3.46 (2013) and IEC 61669 (now in process) define RECD as utilizing a high impedance
coupled sound source and the HA-1 coupler. The Audioscan wideband transducer with a foam tip meets
the high impedance requirement but the use of the 0.4cc coupler in the Verifit 2 means that the resulting
WRECD is not the RECD defined in the revised standards.
If you use insert ear phones for audiometry OR if you verify using the test box, you should measure WRECD
(preferred) or use age-related average WRECD.
If you use headphones or sound field for audiometry AND you use on-ear tests for verification, WRECD is
not applied in any way and need not be measured.
Insert phone audiometry with measured WRECD and on-ear verification provides the best fitting accuracy,
with test box verification being slightly less accurate. Insert phone HL data with age-related average WRECD
is next best.
13 REDD measurement
The REDD (Real-ear to Dial Difference) may be individually measured to improve the accuracy of hearing
aid fittings. The measurement procedure may be accessed from the Audiometry poster within Speechmap
when the HL transducer is Headphone by selecting the REDD source as [Measure].
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Measuring REDD requires the use of the Verifit and the audiometer used to measured HL thresholds. Both
will need to be accessible by the patient.
1. Prepare the system for on-ear tests. See Calibration of on-ear probe microphone.
2. Refer to [Positioning the Probe Tube] and insert the probe tube into the ear canal to within 2-5 mm of
the eardrum.
3. Press [Measure real ear] and follow the instructions to start the REDD test.
4. Place the audiometric headphones onto the patient, being careful not to advance the probe tube further
into the ear canal.
5. Set the audiometer dial level to 70 dB HL.
6. Present tones from the audiometer until the Verifit registers the tone (a notification sound will be
presented through the real-ear speakers, and a data point will be added to the graph). Repeat for all
desired audiometric frequencies.
7. Press [Continue] to save the measured REDD data.
8. You may use the Copy button to copy a measured REDD from one side to the other.
9. The Delete button can be used to erase previously measured REDD data.
For comparison purposes, the average adult REDD is shown as a dashed curve on the graph.
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REDD is defined as the difference between the real-ear SPL as measured by the probe tube microphone
and the audiometer dial level that produced it. Measuring REDD can improve fitting accuracy because
it incorporates the individualized ear canal transform in the determination of SPL thresholds and can
also account for small errors in audiometer calibration. When REDD has been entered or measured, SPL
thresholds are calculated with the following equation:
dB HL thresholds + REDD = db SPL thresholds
An average REDD is used when REDD has not been entered or measured, and is shown on the enter and
measure screens as a reference. The average REDD is calculated according to the following equation:
RETSPL + RECD = REDD
Where RETSPL (Reference Equivalent Threshold Sound Pressure Level) is the supra-aural earphone RETSPL
in an IEC 60318-1 ear simulator according to ANSI S3.6, and RECD is the average adult 6cc RECD as
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defined by DSL. The table below shows these values and the resulting average REDD.
Frequency (Hz) 250 500 750 1000 1500 2000 3000 4000 6000 8000
ANSI S3.6 Supra-aural earphone
RETSPLS (a) 27 13.5 9 7.5 7.5 9 11.5 12 16 15.5
6cc Adult Average RECD (b) -7.8 1.6 2.3 2.8 3.7 6.3 6.7 5.1 2.2 3
Average Adult REDD (a + b) 19.2 15.1 11.3 10.3 11.2 15.3 18.2 17.1 18.2 18.5
The REDD may be entered or measured at some or all audiometric frequencies. For the purposes of applying
audiometric transforms, a partially entered or measured REDD is interpolated with a logarithmic interpolation
along frequency, and flat-line extrapolated for frequencies outside the bounds of the partial REDD.
1. Refer to On-Ear Measures - Setup to prepare the system for use and for proper positioning of the client
and the probe tube.
2. Insert the earmold or custom hearing instrument into the ear, being careful not to advance the probe
tube further into the ear canal. A lubricant applied to the earmold or custom instrument shell in the
vicinity of the probe tube will make insertion easier and prevent slit leaks around the tube.
3. To switch ears, move mouse cursor over the appropriate side.
4. Turn the hearing aid OFF.
5. Right-click and select [Occlusion].
6. Click [Start test]. [Start test] changes to [Stop Test].
7. While the client vocalizes ‘ee’ in a normal voice, left-click [Stop test] to stop the test and freeze the
screen. A red occlusion bar indicates an occlusion problem, a yellow bar indicates a possible problem
and a green bar indicates no problem.
8. Increase venting and repeat the test until a green bar is obtained.
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A pure conductive loss attenuates loud and soft sounds equally, and is easily simulated by just turning down
the volume or inserting an earplug. Losses of a sensory nature are more complex and more difficult to
simulate.
The most common sensory loss is caused by outer hair cell damage and results in loss of audibility for soft
sounds but near-normal loudness for loud sounds. Inner hair cell damage elevates threshold and reduces
loudness for both soft and loud sounds, possibly somewhat more for soft sounds.
In this simulation, losses less than 58 dB SPL are considered to be due entirely to outer hair cell damage.
Any loss greater than this is considered inner hair cell loss.
This SLS does not simulate broadening of the auditory filters or other distortions that may accompany
cochlear hearing loss.
To properly experience the simulation, listeners should be within 1m of the sound field speaker and in a quiet
room. The monitor headphones may also be used for the simulation.
1. Right-click mouse to raise home menu and select Speechmap in either the Test box or On ear mode.
2. If an audiogram has previously been entered in Speechmap or Insertion gain, go to step 5. Otherwise,
click on the [Audiometry] button.
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3. Enter HL threshold values using the mouse. Click the mouse on the audiogram form to enter a point.
Click again to delete the point.
4. Click to return to the Speechmap screen when all points have been entered.
5. Click the Counseling button.
6. Click the [Loss Simulator] button.
7. Click [Stimulus] to select which sound to present through the SLS.
8. Click [Output] to select whether to listen to the simulation via a real-ear speaker or over headphones.
When headphones are selected, there is the option of selecting both the left and right ears to simulate
asymmetric losses. Note: Asymmetric simulation is only available on units with serial number C1947
and above.
9. Click . Sound, processed to simulate the entered hearing loss, will be presented via the selected
output source. When using sound field speakers, listeners should be within 1m (approx. 3 ft) of the
sound field speaker and in a quiet room.
10. Click on the field next to the play button to choose from a list of sounds to play.
11. Click one of the Hearing buttons to simulate the Entered loss, 1/2 Entered loss, or Normal hearing.
12.Click [Type of loss] to select between [Sensorineural] and [Conductive] hearing loss simulations.
13.Click to stop the demonstration and freeze the stimulus speech banana on the screen.
14.Click on to exit from the Sensory Loss Simulation screen.
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16 Insertion Gain
Insertion gain is the difference between aided and unaided ear canal SPL (REIG = REAG - REUG). It
inherently assumes a sound field audiogram. For non-linear hearing aids, REIG is stimulus-dependent and
the dependency is specific to each hearing aid. Insertion gain fitting methods ignore these facts. Speechmap
is recommended for fitting all linear and non-linear hearing instruments.
Refer to On-Ear Measures - Setup and On-Ear Measures Screen Setup for terminology and information on
preparing the system for use and for proper positioning of the client and the probe tube.
1. Click the right mouse button and then select Insertion gain.
2. Click [Instrument] to chose from BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, CROS, Body. This changes the CORFIG used
for 2cc targets.
3. Click fitting method to chose from FIG6, NAL-NL1, NAL-R, POGO II, Berger, Libby, User, None
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1. Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), 2. SII for target, 3. Fitting method, 4. Target REIG,
5. REUR, 6. REAR 1, 7. REIG 1
Refer to On-Ear Measures - Setup and On-Ear Measures Screen Setup for terminology and information on
preparing the system for use and for proper positioning of the client and the probe tube.e
1. Click the right mouse button and then select Insertion gain
2. Click [Instrument] to chose from BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, CROS, Body. This changes the CORFIG used
for 2cc targets.
3. Click the fitting method button to chose from FIG6, NAL-NL1, NAL-RP, POGO II, BERGER, LIBBY,
USER, NONE.
An estimated aided threshold curve is calculated by shifting the unaided threshold curve upward by the REIG.
This estimate assumes a) the unaided threshold is a sound field threshold and b) a linear aid (i.e. REIG
doesn’t depend on level).
The REUR curve uses the right-hand SPL scale and is shown for reference only.
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1. Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), 2. SII for target Aided Threshold, 3. Fitting method, 4. Speech
Region (@70 dB SPL), 5. Target Aided Threshold, 6. Unaided Threshold, 7. Estimated Aided Threshold.
Threshold data and parameters may be entered by manually using a mouse, or the numeric keypad on an
external keyboard. See Mouse, keyboard, andInput device operation.
To enter assessment data and parameters manually:
1. Select [Audiometry]
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Performing a REUR test erases all existing REAR and REIG data associated with the current test ear.
REUR should be measured only if Transducer = Soundfield. Otherwise it is more accurate to use average.
See Audiometric data entry.
1. Click the right mouse button and then select Insertion gain
2. Referring to On-Ear Measures - Setup and On-Ear Measures Screen Setup, prepare the system, position
the patient and insert the probe tube.
3. If REUR is set to Average, select [Audiometry] then click [REUR] to toggle to [Measure]. Press to
advance to the Threshold entry poster. You may enter threshold data at this time (see Audiometric
data entry) or press to proceed with the measurement.
4. Click REUR (below REAR/REIG test 3).
5. Press to accept the default 55 dB SPL Pink noise stimulus and capture the REUR curve OR select
[Stimulus] and [Level] to select other values. These choices have no impact on the resulting REIG.
6. If there is a notch in the 4000 to 8000 Hz region, try advancing the probe tube 2 mm and repeating
step 3. If the notch moves to a higher frequency, repeat this step until the notch moves beyond the
highest frequency of interest.
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Because it is analyzed in 1/3 octave bands, the Noise stimulus produces a REUR 12 dB below that produced
by the Swept stimulus at the same overall level.
The Average REUR used is shown above. Measured REUR will vary from this.
For small children the peak may shift to the right and become sharper. Drainage tubes and perforated ear
drums will cause large differences - usually around 1 kHz.
1. Click the right mouse button and then select Insertion gain
2. Referring to On-Ear Measures - Setup and On-Ear Measures Screen Setup, prepare the system, position
the patient and insert the probe tube. (For tight-fitting hearing aids or earmolds, the probe tube may
be inserted through a vent.)
3. Without disturbing the probe tube, insert the hearing instrument or earmold.
4. Referring to Audiometric data entry, enter threshold data.
5. Click button 1, 2, or 3 in the REAR/REIG column. This will present a signal from the sound field
speaker and display the REAR Setup box.
6. Click [Stimulus], then select [Pink noise] or [Swept]. Use pink noise when using the NAL-NL1 fitting
formula. Use Swept when testing maximum output capabilities.
7. Click [Level], then select a stimulus level from the list box. Use the level shown on the target REIG
curves (if present). If no level is shown, use the lowest level required to overcome background noise.
8. Adjust the hearing instrument so that the REIG curve (SPL scale) or Aided threshold curve (HL scale)
approximates the dotted target curve. For multi-level targets, match each curve using the stimulus
level indicated.
9. Press to complete the test and capture the data.
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See Insertion gain in SPL and Insertion gain in HL for an explanation of screen curves. See SII calculation in
Insertion gain
NOTE: Because it is analyzed in 1/3 octave bands, the Noise stimulus produces a REAR up to 12 dB below
that produced by the Swept stimulus at the same overall level. The REIGs will be similar except at levels
which cause non-linear operation of the hearing instrument.
The Verifit calculates a Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) value for unaided speech at 70 dB SPL (REUR), the
target REIG and for each aided test. The calculations use the 1/3 octave band method of ANSI S3.5 –1997
without the 160 Hz band and without masking effects with results expressed as a % by multiplying by 100.
Level distortion effects are included but no hearing loss desensitization is applied. An idealized speech region
of LTASS +/- 15 dB is used.
The speech recognition associated with a given SII is a function of the test material and the cognitive abilities
of the listener. There is considerable individual variability in relating the SII to speech recognition, especially
amongst impaired listeners. The following shows expected nominal recognition scores vs SII for normals when
using a variety of speech stimulus conditions. (Killion and Mueller, Hearing Journal, January, 2010 pp 10-15).
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2. Position the speaker at 45 degrees to the good ear and set Instrument to [BTE].
3. Select REAR 1 and record a response using [Pink noise] at 55. It should be like a normal REUR. If not,
the ear may not be fully open.
4. Position the speaker at 45 degrees to the poor ear.
5. Set Instrument to [CROS].
6. Select REAR 2 and obtain a response using [Pink noise] at 55. Adjust the response to match that
obtained in step 3.
7. Position the speaker directly in front of the client. Select REAR 3 and use [Pink noise] at 55 to check
for a smooth response. Repeat with Instrument set to [BTE]. An irregular response may be the result of
reflections from nearby objects (including the operator) or it may indicate phasing problems in the aids.
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not erased).
Except for Input/Output, Battery drain and Manual control screens, you have the option of selecting either a
single, full-screen view or a dual, side by side view. Some data may be not visible in dual view.
To change the presentation, click [Single view] or [Dual view].
To switch between A and B test panel in single or dual view, right-click the mouse to raise the home menu
and click
In dual view, you may switch panels by left-clicking the mouse on a screen button in the inactive test panel.
However, this also operates the button.
17.2 Format
Except for Distortion, Input/Output and Manual control screens, you have the option of selecting either a
graphic or tabular format.
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On the Multicurve test screen, you have the option of displaying test results in SPL (dB) or gain (dB).
To change the scale, click [dB SPL] or [dB Gain]
17.4 Hide or Show test box curves
Hiding a curve does not erase it. To erase curves click and select one of the Erase data options.
Most other test screens offer hide/show buttons similar to those in Speechmap, described above. To hide or
show test curve(s) in I/O Curves:
1. Left-click [Hide/Show].
2. Click on the desired test result to toggle between the Hide or Show options. The curves will toggle on
or off when selected.
3. Click within the Curve Display poster to return to the test screen.
Hiding a curve does not erase it. To erase curves click on and select one of the Erase data options.
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Automated hearing aids tests may be conducted according to the ANSI S3.22-2003 or ANSI S3.22-2009 test
standards. See ANSI S3.22-2003 and ANSI S3.22-2009 facts
The Frequencies feature allows hearing instruments to be evaluated at the Special Purpose Average (SPA)
frequencies defined by ANSI S3.22, rather than the default High Frequency Average (HFA) frequencies. The
choice of SPA (or HFA) frequencies influences the average OSPL90, average full-on gain, reference test gain,
bandwidth and equivalent input noise. The frequencies at which distortion is measured are one-half the
selected SPA frequencies. You can also select the frequencies at which attack and release times are measured.
To change the averaging frequencies:
1. Right-click, choose and then click [ANSI]
2. Select the desired HFA/SPA test frequencies.
To change the frequencies for attack and release time measurements:
In the list of available frequencies, click on the frequencies to be used to measure attack and release time.
Click on to save your selections.
Test box microphone calibration establishes a correction curve for each uncalibrated test box reference
microphone by comparison with the factory calibrated coupler microphone. It may be performed as often
as desired but will be invalidated at 12 am the following day or at 12 am the following week, depending on
the choice of Daily or Weekly calibration interval. After the calibration has expired, the message window
will turn blue and you will be prompted to calibrate whenever you attempt a test that uses the test box
microphones.
Your calibration curve should be similar to the one shown but may be at a different level. It should remain
stable over time. Irregularities in the calibration curve may be the result of not properly aligning the
microphones. See Calibrating test box reference microphone.
17.7 Calibrating test box reference microphone
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Accuracy of test box measurements depends on the calibration of the coupler microphone. This should be
checked annually using a microphone calibrator with an adapter ring. The RE791 adapter ring is designed
for a B&K 4231 or Quest QC-10/20 calibrator. Use on other brands/models of calibrator is not approved by
Audioscan. Also note: calibrator must have its own valid annual calibration. To verify the coupler microphone
calibration:
1. Calibrate the test box reference microphone. See Calibrating test box reference microphone
2. Screw the appropriate calibrator ring onto the coupler microphone.
3. Insert the coupler microphone with the attached calibrator ring into the calibrator opening.
4. Turn the calibrator on and adjust it to present one of the available frequencies and levels (e.g., 94 dB
SPL at 1000 Hz).
5. Right-click the mouse and click [Manual control] under Test box.
6. Click the [Level] window, then select 0 from the drop-down list.
7. Click the [Frequency] window, then select the frequency of the calibrator (e.g. 1000 Hz) from the
drop-down list.
8. Click the [Filter] window, then select 1/12th octave from the drop-down list.
9. Click [Start test] (which changes to [Stop test]).
10. Check that the Coupler microphone level is within 1 dB of the calibrator level setting, +/- the calibrator
accuracy. For a 94 dB calibrator with +/- 0.3 dB accuracy, the indicated coupler microphone level
should be 94 +/- 1.3 dB.
11. To stop the measurement, click [Stop test].
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Use the two silver-colored 0.4 cc wideband couplers for the test box tests above the menu division. Use the
blue-colored 2cc ANSI couplers for test box test below the division. The exception is Multicurve in which
either 0.4 cc or 2cc couplers may be used. Also note: when the Left/right selection button (lower left of the
main menu) displays a blue ‘L’ and red ‘R’ the use of .4cc couplers is expected. For other tests, this button
will show as a blue ‘A’ and ‘B’ indicating an ANSI test.
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WARNING: To reduce the risk of contamination, hearing instruments should be clean before
putty is applied and putty should be replaced frequently
For non-ANSI test-box tests (e.g. Speechmap) the two 0.4 cc wideband couplers must be used. NOTE: under
no circumstances are the blue 2cc couplers to be used in Speechmap. Test-box speechmap is designed for the
0.4cc volume; substituting a 2cc coupler will cause hearing aid output to be seriously under-reported. The
binaural coupler microphone is coded with a red and blue side for right and left ear respectively.
When connecting the couplers onto the binaural coupler microphone, it is important that they produce a
good acoustic seal. Ensure each coupler is fully inserted in the retention slot. To remove, push the red or
blue levers while pulling up on the coupler.
BTE instruments are coupled to the 0.4cc coupler using the earmold and putty or using the provided earmold
substitues (HA-4) coupled to TRIC adapters. When the earmold is used, ensure the eartip is flush with the
inside of the coupler opening. Putty should not extend into the coupler cavity or block the sound outlet of
the mold. Vents should be sealed at the lateral end. It is very important that the instrument be well-sealed to
the coupler. Use the hearing instrument stabilizers to prop the BTE body in the vertical, as-worn position.
Custom instruments are sealed to the 0.4cc coupler with putty so that the end of the eartip is flush with
the inside of the coupler opening. Putty should not extend into the coupler cavity or block the sound outlet
of the instrument. Vents should be sealed at the faceplate end. It is very important that the instrument be
well-sealed to the coupler.
RITE/RIC (Receiver In The Ear/In Canal) instruments are coupled to the 0.4cc coupler using the
TRIC adapter. Insert the receiver, without dome, into the adapter so sound outlet is flush with inner surface.
For particularly large receivers, insertion is easiest with the TRIC adapter not yet mounted on the coupler.
Fold the TRIC adapter in half to open the hole temporarily to ease insertion of larger receivers.
Thin-tube instruments with occluded coupling to the ear canal should be coupled similarly using the TRIC
adapter on the .4cc coupler. Select RITE as instrument type to ensure the correct MLE and RECD type will
be applied
Excess low frequency output is usually due to open vents or a poor seal to the coupler.
For health reasons, hearing instruments should be clean before putty is applied and putty should be replaced
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frequently.
17.11 Positioning HI for binaural/wideband tests
1. The hearing instrument should be coupled to the 0.4cc coupler with a battery installed. See Coupling
the hearing instrument for binaural/wideband tests
2. Place the binaural coupler microphone in the center of the test chamber so that the magnetic positioning
aids hold it directly over the crossbar.
3. Connect the instrument and coupler to the coupler microphone on the appropriate side so that the
microphone opening(s) of the instrument are facing forward, toward the main test box speaker.
4. Rotate the coupler and instrument so the angle approximates that of the instrument as worn on the
client’s ear.
5. Position the test box reference microphone on the appropriate side as close as possible to the (front-
facing) microphone opening of the hearing instrument without touching it. Ensure the reference
microphones are positioned within the safe zone, as indicated by the lighter colored test box foam.
Note: The diamond-shaped marking on the top of the Binaural Coupler Microphone. Position hearing
instruments so that the front microphone (and thus the Verifit reference microphone) is at or behind an
imaginary line drawn through this marking (see photo). Note: earlier Verifit2 models do not have this marking,
but the line would run through the center of the binaural coupler microphone as shown.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of contamination, hearing instruments should be clean before
putty is applied and putty should be replaced frequently
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The Verifit is supplied with two blue-colored, metal, 2cc couplers, a type HA-1 (ITE) and a type HA-2 (BTE)
for ANSI test box tests, and two silver-colored 0.4 cc wide-band couplers for all other test-box tests. Note
that an ANSI standard coupler for CICs does not exist; these must be tested in the HA-1 coupler.
When connecting the couplers onto the binaural coupler microphone, it is important that they produce a
good acoustic seal. Ensure each coupler is fully inserted in the retention slot. To remove, push the red or
blue levers while pulling up on the coupler.
For all ANSI tests, the instruments are coupled to the blue (left) side of the binaural coupler microphone.
BTE instruments are coupled to the HA-2 coupler by means of a 9 mm length of black Viton tubing. The
only purpose of this tubing is to seal the tip of the earhook to the coupler inlet. All of the tubing required by
ANSI S3.22 is machined into the metal stem of the HA-2 coupler. The tubing should be inspected regularly
for cracks or stretching which will cause feedback.
Custom instruments are sealed to the HA-1 coupler with putty so that the end of the eartip is flush with
the inside of the coupler opening. Putty should not extend into the coupler cavity or block the sound outlet
of the instrument. Vents should be sealed at the faceplate end. It is very important that the instrument be
well-sealed to the coupler.
Open fit instruments must use the coupler and coupling system specified by the manufacturer. This may
involve a hook that replaces the open fit tubing or an adapter tube that may be sealed to the opening of the
HA-1 coupler with putty or by using the TRIC adapter where appropriate.
RITE (Receiver in the ear) instruments are coupled to the HA-1 coupler using the TRIC adapter, except
where otherwise required by the hearing instrument manufacturer.
Excess low frequency output is usually due to open vents or a poor seal to the coupler.
For health reasons, hearing instruments should be clean before putty is applied and putty should be replaced
frequently.
17.13 Positioning HI for ANSI/IEC tests
1. The hearing instrument should be coupled to the appropriate blue coupler and a battery pill or battery
installed. See [Coupling the hearing instrument for ANSI tests].
2. Place the instrument and coupler in the test chamber so that the microphone opening(s) of the
instrument are on the crossbar within the test zone.
3. For directional instruments, the direction of maximum sensitivity should be oriented toward the speaker.
4. Position the test box reference microphone as close as possible to the (front-facing) microphone opening
of the hearing instrument without touching it.
5. Close and seal the test chamber.
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ANSI S3.22-2003, ANSI S3.22-2009 and ANSI S3.22-2014 have been designated a recognized standard by the
FDA and are mandatory for reporting test data.
There is no difference between ANSI S3.22-2009 and ANSI S3.22-2014.
ANSI S3.22-2009/2014 and IEC 60118-7 have been harmonized. There is no difference between these
standards.
The only difference between ANSI S3.22-2003 and ANSI S3.22-2009/2014 is that ANSI S3.22-2003 includes
attack and release tests.
Full-on gain is determined with 50 dB input SPL and frequency response curves are run at 60 dB SPL for all
aids.
The OSPL90 curve, the HFA (or SPA) and peak value of this curve, the frequency of the peak, the HFA (or
SPA) full-on gain are determined at full-on gain setting. The response curve, frequency range, Reference Test
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Gain, battery drain, equivalent input noise, distortion, attack and release times are determined at RTS.
18.2 ANSI 2003 and 2009/2014 / IEC tests
1. Click the right mouse button to raise the home menu, then select [ANSI] for ANSI 2003 or [ANSI /
IEC] for ANSI 2009/2014 depending on what has been selected in Setup.
2. Click [Start test] and follow the test setup instructions which are presented.
3. Refer to Test Box Measures – Setup, Coupling the hearing instrument, Positioning the hearing instrument
and Battery pill use and care to prepare the instrument for testing.
4. Turn the instrument ON.
5. Set the gain control (manual or programmable) to maximum with all other controls set to provide
the widest frequency response, greatest gain and highest maximum output. AGC controls and/or
programmable parameters should be set to minimize AGC action (AGC off or threshold high, compression
ratio close to 1).
6. Click to run the test or click to abort the test. Note that, if required, the Verifit will pause
during the test to request that the gain control be adjusted to the Reference Test Setting (RTS). If
necessary, open the test box and, without moving the hearing instrument, adjust the gain control until
the large vertical arrow on the screen prompt disappears. Press to resume the test.
During the ANSI S3.22-2003 test, the Verifit will pause to request that AGC controls or programmable
parameters be set for maximum AGC effect. If the manufacturer does not provide settings to produce
maximum AGC effect, use settings that result in the highest gain for soft sounds and the lowest gain for
loud sounds. This will typically result in the lowest compression threshold, a flat I/O curve and the longest
attack/release times. These are not ‘typical’ characteristics but indicate the adjustment range possible for
these parameters.
Full-on average gain (1) is measured with a 50 dB input SPL, average gain at RTS (2) is always measured at
60 dB input SPL and the frequency response curve (3) is always run at 60 dB input SPL. An EIN of N/A
means that the measurement system was unable to calculate an accurate EIN due to environmental noises in
the test box. Ensure that the test box lid is closed and latched and minimize all sounds in the room.
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An input/output curve shows the output level of a hearing instrument as a function of input level and
frequency. It is a steady-state pure-tone curve and does not reflect performance with complex signals such as
speech.
You may run the tests at any setting of the instrument controls but ANSI S3.22 requires that certain settings
be used. See ANSI S3.22-2003 and ANSI S3.22-2009/2014 facts. The [Input/Output] test allows you to
generate up to 4 separate input/output curves at each of 5 individual frequencies (250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000
Hz) as provided in ANSI S3.22.
1. Click the right mouse button to raise the home menu, then select [Input/Output].
2. Refer to Coupling the hearing instrument and Positioning the hearing instrument to prepare the
instrument for testing.
3. Turn the instrument ON; set AGC controls or programming parameters as in ANSI or ANSI / IEC tests
4. Click [Curve 1]. Test setup instructions will be displayed.
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The Verifit 2 test chamber contains a telecoil test loop and the tele-test handset contains a telephone magnetic
field simulator (TMFS), both of which meet the requirements of ANSI S3.22 and enable the measurement of
coupler SPL produced by a hearing instrument with a telephone pickup coil. ANSI uses the following terms
in telecoil testing:
RTG (reference test gain) is the average gain measured with the gain control in the reference test setting.
See ANSI S3.22-2003 and ANSI S3.22-2009/2014 facts.
TMFS (Telephone magnetic field simulator). A 38.4-mm diameter coil spaced 16.5 mm below a test surface
driven by a specified test signal. Intended to simulate a telephone handset receiver.
SPLITS (Coupler SPL for an inductive telephone simulator). SPL developed in a 2cc coupler by a hearing
instrument with the gain control in the RTS when the input is the magnetic field generated by a TMFS.
HFA (or SPA) –SPLITS. Average of the SPLITS at HFA or SPA frequencies.
RSETS (relative simulated equivalent telephone sensitivity) is calculated as HFA SPLITS minus (RTG +
60). A positive RSETS indicates greater output when using the telephone than when using the microphone.
SPLIV (Coupler SPL in a vertical magnetic field). SPL developed in a 2cc coupler by a hearing instrument,
positioned as worn, with the user gain control in the RTS when the input is a 31.6 mA/m vertical magnetic
field.
HFA – SPLIV. Average of the SPLITS at HFA frequencies.
RTLS (relative test loop sensitivity) is calculated as HFA SPLIV minus (RTG + 60). A positive TLS
indicates greater output when listening in a room loop than when using the microphone.
WARNING: The included magnet may effect some medical or electronic devices. Keep magnet
at least 5cm (2in.) from implantable devices and other magnetically sensitive devices.
WARNING: Keep magnet out of reach of children and pets. If a magnet is swallowed seek
immediate medical attention.
ANSI S3.22 requires that the gain control be set to RTS before running this test. The reference test gain
(RTG) is required in order to calculate the or RSETS. The easiest way to meet both requirements is to
run a [ANSI] or [ANSI / IEC] test before running this test. See ANSI 2003 and ANSI / IEC tests. The
tele-test handset comes with a small magnet attached that may affect implantable devices. SeeHow to Avoid
Undesirable Side Effects.
1. First, complete an [ANSI] or [ANSI / IEC] test,
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2. Click the right mouse button to raise the home menu, then select [Telecoil].
3. Set the aid to “T” (telecoil input).
4. Click [Start TMFS test]. Test setup instructions are displayed.
5. Position the aid on the ‘T’ on the tele-test handset. BTE aids should lie as flat as possible on the
tele-test surface, while custom aids should be oriented with their faceplate parallel to the top surface (if
possible) and touching it as shown.
8. Without moving the hearing instrument, press to store the Average HFA SPLITS value and run
the SPLITS curve.
If an RTG has been previously obtained, the RSETS will be shown.
ANSI S3.22 requires that the gain control be set to RTS before running this test. The reference test gain
(RTG) is required in order to calculate the RTLS. The easiest way to meet both requirements is to run a
[ANSI] or [ANSI / IEC] test before running this test. See ANSI 2003 and ANSI 2009/2014 tests
1. First, complete an [ANSI] or [ANSI / IEC] test.
2. Click the right mouse button to raise the home menu, then select [Telecoil].
3. Set the aid to “T” (telecoil input).
4. Click [Start test loop test]. Setup instructions will be displayed.
5. Position the hearing instrument on the cross on the test box floor vertically oriented as worn by a
seated individual as shown.
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6. Without moving the hearing instrument, press or press to abort the test.
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This test measures harmonic distortion at 2nd or 3rd harmonics with input levels varying from 60 – 90 dB
SPL. It also presents the sum of 2nd and 3rd harmonics as total harmonic distortion (THD). For hearing
aids, this differs little from true THD.
1. Right-click mouse to raise home menu and select [Distortion] under Test box.
2. Refer to [Coupling the hearing instrument], [Positioning the hearing instrument] and Battery pill use
and care to prepare the instrument.
3. Turn the hearing instrument ON.
4. Click [Start test].
5. Click [Harmonics], then select THD, 2nd or 3rd from the drop-down list.
6. Click [Input], then select the desired input level (60 – 90 dB SPL) from the drop-down list.
7. Click to run the test. Distortion will be displayed at 1/3 octaves in graphic and in tabular form.
The noise reduction test measures the ability of a hearing instrument to suppress broadband, steady-state
noise. When the test starts, noise is presented to the hearing instrument at the selected level. The response
of the hearing instrument is captured before the noise reduction activates and is shown as a thick curve on
the graph. A comparison curve shows the hearing instrument reacting to the noise in real-time. The overall
RMS noise reduction value in dB from the captured curve to the current curve is reported. A timer shows
the duration of the test. This timer can be used to determine how long the noise reduction took to activate
and for repeated comparisons.
Noise reduction may be run binaurally. In binaural mode, the responses from two hearing instruments can be
observed simultaneously. Select the binaural link before starting a test to enable binaural mode.
The initial curve captured when the test is started actually reflects the output of the hearing instrument
two seconds from the first presentation of the noise signal. For most hearing instruments this represents the
amplification before the noise reduction activates. Some models of hearing aid, however, have fast acting noise
reduction circuits in which gain may drop prior to the capture of this initial curve. To test these accurately,
use the pink noise stimulus. When pink noise is selected as a stimulus the test becomes adaptive and the
initial curve will capture the peak level produced by the hearing instrument regardless of the speed of NR
onset.
To access the Noise reduction test, right-click the mouse to raise the Home prompt and select Noise Reduction
under Test-box.
1. Set up the hearing instrument(s) as described in Coupling for binaural/wideband tests.
6. Click to capture the comparison curve once the noise reduction function has responded.
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7. At any point click to stop the test without recording any data.
8. Scale may be changed to “dB FL” by selecting Instrument type BAHD in Speechmap. All other
Speechmap instrument type selections will change the scale to “dB SPL”.
Noise reduction offers the following stimuli for evaluating the noise reduction performance of a hearing
instrument.
Air conditioner is an example of the noise created by a household air conditioner.
Vacuum is a sample of noise from the operation of a vacuum cleaner on a carpeted floor.
Multi-talker Babble is the combination of ten different adult talkers; seven of the talkers are female and
three are male. Eight of the talkers are speaking English, one is speaking French, and the last one is speaking
German. All talkers were normalized to the same overall output level before being positioned at random
positions around the listener. Loudness smoothing was performed on the babble in 1/3rd octave bands to
reduce the magnitude of short-term peaks and valleys.
Pink noise is an internally-generated, steady state stimulus with a flat frequency spectrum. This stimulus is
capable of measuring hearing aids with fast-acting noise reduction using a custom algorithm that can extract
the peak curve faster than the other stimuli.
19.4 Directional function test
The Verifit directional test measures directional performance in real-time and displays simultaneous curves
representing stimulus delivered to the front and back of the hearing instrument. It is compatible with all
forms of hearing aid processing, including frequency lowering, feedback compensation, and other non-linear
algorithms. Speech is added as a conditioning signal to ensure automatic, speech-activated directional
programs become active.
Test levels are selectable in 5 dB steps. When speech is active it is presented from the front speaker and
noise is presented from the back speaker(s) at a selectable signal-to-noise ratio. At periodic intervals, the
level of the speech and noise is momentarily reduced and an additional noise burst is played from either the
front or back speaker to measure the response from that direction. This burst is extremely fast and will
not influence the behavior of the hearing aid. When testing binaurally in the test box, both the left and
right back speakers will activate simultaneously. The measured SPL is analyzed into two curves labeled F
(front) and B (back) to indicate which speaker(s) generated the curve. The real-time nature of the test allows
operation of adaptive directional systems to be readily visualized.
Optionally, speech may be disabled which will cause the directional test to alternate noise bursts from the
front and back speaker(s). This test may not produce a directional response in all hearing aids.
Once directional performance is observed the test may be terminated.
Because the Verifit test chamber is small and anechoic only at higher frequencies, results are not expected
to agree with data taken in large anechoic chambers. The directional test is provided as a functional test
of directional performance, providing assurance that the directional microphone array has been correctly
assembled and programmed and has not deteriorated due to element drift or clogged ports.
Ensure that the left hearing instrument is tested on the left coupler and that the right hearing instrument
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is tested on the right coupler. Orient the instrument on the coupler the same as it would be worn on the
client’s head. Locate the test box reference microphone for each side at the front microphone opening on the
faceplate and seal any vent at the faceplate. Other positions may be preferable for some instruments.
Ensure that the left hearing instrument is tested on the left coupler and that the right hearing instrument
is tested on the right coupler. Orient the instrument on the coupler the same as it would be worn on the
client’s head. Position the test box reference microphone for each side at the front microphone opening on
the instrument. Other positions may be preferable for some instruments.
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5. Select Test 1, 2, 3 or 4 by pressing . Test signals are presented from the front speaker and the back
speaker(s) depending on which ear has been selected. Two real-time curves will appear on the screen
for each ear under test – the thick curve is the response from the front speaker and the thin curve the
response to the back speaker(s) signal. For a non-directional instrument, the two curves will be nearly
identical. Setting the instrument for directional operation should produce a separation of the curves.
6. On the Test control poster, select a level from the [Level] drop-down list. For an adaptive directional
instrument, a stimulus level between 60 and 70 dB should cause the separation to change over a 15 to 45
second period. For a noise-reducing instrument, both curves may change with time and stimulus SPL.
7. Select [Speech S/N] within the Test control poster and select a signal to noise ratio from the list box.
A S/N ratio between 0 and 6 dB will usually induce directional performance after 15 – 45 seconds.
Optionally, select [Speech S/N] and select Off. This setting presents only noise alternating between the
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front and back speaker(s). Speech-adaptive directional instruments may appear to be non-directional if
[Speech S/N] is set to Off.
Multicurve generates 1 to 4 output or gain response curves using either pink noise or swept pure tones at
input levels ranging from 40 – 90 dB SPL and 0 dB (off).
Multicurve allows the use of the 2cc HA-1 coupler or the 0.4cc Audioscan Wideband Coupler (AWC). The
HA-1 coupler is not useful at high frequencies because of resonances and low signal levels. The use of the
AWC is desirable because it raises the high frequency SPL of the hearing aid by more than 20 dB, making
the rising noise floor of the coupler microphone less significant.
1. Right-click to raise the Home prompt and select [Multicurve] from under Test box.
2. Refer to [Test Box Measures – Setup] for connecting the hearing instrument to the coupelr microphone.
3. Ensure the hearing instrument is powered and turned on.
7. Click to run a sweep or to capture a pink noise curve. Click to abort the test.
8. To measure another response curve, click another test. Existing test data will be overwritten.
9. To change scale from dB SPL, dB Gain and dB FL, highlight and select the Scale window.
Multicurve results 1. Output curves for the noise signal are in 1/12th octave bands. They will be approximately
19 dB lower than pure tone curves for a linear instrument.
2. Gain curves for a linear instrument will be the same for both swept and pink noise test signals.
3. For compression instruments, both gain and output curves may be expected to differ for the two test
signals.
4. See Test Box Measures - Setup to change screen appearance.
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Selecting a stimulus level of 0 dB (off) in [Multicurve] presents a spectral analysis of the coupler microphone
signal (Scale = dB SPL) or the difference between the coupler and reference microphone spectra (Scale = dB
Gain). Binaural spectral analysis data is only available for dB SPL.
If the stimulus type is [Pink noise], the analysis is performed in 1/12th octave bands and displayed in real
time. Pressing [Continue] captures the displayed spectrum.
If the stimulus type is [Swept], a swept filter analysis is performed in 1/12th octave bands and displayed
at 1/3rd octave frequencies. Pressing [Continue] causes the swept filter analysis to be performed in 1/12th
octave bands and displayed at 1/12th octave frequencies.
19.11 Battery drain test
The battery drain test automatically measures the battery current when there is no input signal (quiescent),
when the input signal is a 1 kHz tone at 65 dB SPL and the average of the currents when the input signal is
90 dB SPL at the HFA or SPA frequencies (Avg @ 90 dB). Battery life is estimated assuming 80% quiescent
and 20% Avg @ 90 dB use. With the hearing instrument set as normally used:
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1. Right-click mouse to raise home menu and select [Battery drain] under Test box.
2. Install and connect the proper battery pill. See Battery pill use and care.
3. Click [Battery type] and select the installed battery pill.
4. Click [Hours per day] and select from the drop-down list.
5. Click [Start test]. Test setup instructions will be displayed.
6. Click to start the test.
7. Click on button 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the Test column.
NOTE: hearing instruments which allow wireless programming typically enter pairing mode when first
powered up. This may inflate battery drain measurements as wireless connectivity uses extra current. Battery
drain measurements made while hearing instruments are in pairing mode may not be indicative of the battery
drain expected during normal use.
Manual control displays the reference microphone SPL, the coupler microphone SPL, their difference in dB
(gain) and coupler microphone signal distortion at any selected 1/12th octave frequency and at a selected
input level from 40 to 90 dB (in 5 dB steps) and at 0 dB (off).
Manual control allows the use of the 2cc HA-1 coupler or the 0.4cc Audioscan Wideband Coupler (AWC).
The HA-1 coupler is not useful at high frequencies because of resonances and low signal levels. The use of the
AWC is desirable because it raises the high frequency SPL of the hearing aid by more than 20 dB, making
the rising noise floor of the coupler microphone less significant.
1. Open the home menu using the right mouse button. Select [Manual control] from the Test box list.
2. Click on the Level window and select the desired stimulus level from the drop-down list.
3. To switch ears, move mouse cursor to the appropriate side.
4. Use [Mode] to toggle between On-ear and Test box modes.
5. Click on the Frequency window and select the desired frequency from the drop-down list. (Distortion
measurement data is available only from 200-4000 Hz.)
6. Click on [Start test] to start the test. [Start test] changes to [Stop Test]. To stop the measurement,
click [Stop test]. You may change Level and Frequency without stopping the test.
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When set for a stimulus level of 0 dB (off), the Manual control mode allows the Verifit to be used as a sound
level meter. Sound at the test box reference microphone and the coupler microphone may be analyzed by
1/12th octave, A-weighted or C-weighted filters. A and C-weighted measurements are limited to frequencies
above 100 Hz and the averaging time and update rate are 384 ms.
1. Open the home menu using the right mouse button. Select [Manual control] from the Test box list.
2. Click on the [Level] button and select 0 dB stimulus level from the drop-down list.
3. Click on the [Filter] button and select 1/12th octave, A-weighted, or C-weighted from the drop-down
list.
4. For 1/12th octave filter, click on the [Frequency] button and select the desired frequency from the
drop-down list.
5. Click on the [Start test] bar to start the test. [Start test] changes to [Stop Test]. To stop the measurement,
click on [Stop test]. You may change Level and Frequency without stopping the test.
NOTE: Microphone extension cables (VA-131 & VA-133) are available from Audioscan. Standard audio
extension cables should not be used. They will substantially increase noise levels.
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20 Networking
Connecting the Verifit to a network allows for transferring data between the Verifit and other networked
computers and printers, as well as for controlling the Verifit from computers running the Audioscan Remote
software. See the section Printing and Storing Results for details about printing and storing data, including
about the how to transfer data to the optional Audioscan Noah module.
If you have a wired network, see the General Operation section for instructions about how to connect the
Verifit through a wired connection. If you have a wireless network, you can use the Verifit’s built-in wireless
feature. In either case, the following section describes how to set up the network connection in software,
before transferring data, printing results, or using the Remote Operation software.
The Verifit connects to the network through its wireless or wired interface. The Verifit supports the 802.11 b,
g, or n wireless network standards. Verifit2 s/n C1000-C4360 support up to 2.4Ghz speeds, s/n C4361 and
later also support 5Ghz. The following wifi security standards are supported:
The Verifit can connect to a local area network (LAN or WLAN) using either automatic or static internet
address assignment. Most home and small-office networks use automatic addressing through DHCP (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol). Large corporate and institutional networks typically use static address
assignment. For static address assignment, consult your network administrator.
With a wired Ethernet connection, the Verifit operates at 100base-T. Connection to Gigabit (GbE) ports on
switches or routers is possible as long as the port is either configured to 10/100 or to automatically adjust
the speed.
The factory default setting for network setup is to connect through its wired interface and automatic
address assignment (DHCP). In most cases, you need only connect a cable to the Verifit. Check Networking
requirements and connect the Verifit to your network.
1. Click and then choose [Network] from the Setup menu.1cc
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wireless networks.
Note: non-broadcast SSIDs are not supported and wifi networks containing {}[]"’| or non-English accented
characters will not be displayed in the pull-down menu.
d) Confirm the wireless security type for your network. If you are unsure of the security type, please
consult your network administrator.
e) For WPA | WPA2-ENTERPRISE:
• Select the EAP Method
• Select the Authentication
• If the use of a CA certificate and/or User certificate is required, enable the respective [Use
certificate] checkbox.
• To install a certificate file in the equipment, connect a USB stick containing the certificate file
(pem file for CA certificate and p12 file for User certificate) to the equipment, and click on the
[Change] button. Select the relevant certificate file and click on [Open]. The certificate file is now
stored in the equipment for connections to WPA|WPA2-ENTERPRISE access points.
f) Type the username into the Username text field
Note: A WPA/WPA2-Enterprise connection can be complicated. Consult an IT professional for details.
g) Type the security key or pass phrase into the [Password] text field.
h) Click [Test connection] to test your settings.
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d) Click to continue.
Large, institutional computer networks sometimes use static address assignment. Ask your network adminis-
trator for help in performing the following steps.
1. To assign a static network address:
a) Disable Auto (DHCP).
b) Click the [Change] button.
c) Enter the network address details in the Change network address poster.
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20.3 Hostname
The hostname feature allows equipment connected to a DHCP network to be identified by a hostname. This
allows easy connection to the Audioscan Noah Module by allowing the hostname to be used to connect in
place of the I.P. address. Even if the I.P. address of the equipment changes, the host name remains the same
and can be used to reconnect to the network.
Note: hostnames are not compatible with static network connections and can only be used
with the Noah module/Remote Console on networks that have an internal DNS server.
By default the hostname is ‘vf2-xxxx’, with the x’s being the four digits of the equipment’s serial number.
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Once your Verifit is connected to a network, you can control it from any Windows PC using the Audioscan
Remote Console application, available at no cost from software update download page at www.audioscan.com.
Remote Console works over both wired and wireless networks.
20.5 Changing the Remote Console settings
Remote Console is on by default. The default password is audioscan. Remote Console runs on port 5900.
You can change the password setting through the Remote Console poster.
1. Click Remote Console [Change].
2. Click [Off] or [On] to turn Remote Console off or on.
3. Type a password in the [Password] field.
The Audioscan Remote Console application communicates with the Verifit through the Remote Console
network service. The Verifit provides the Remote Console service, this works through a single TCP port.
The Windows computer running the application must be configured to access the same TCP port, which is
5900. Some Windows anti-virus software packages and some network firewalls prevent access to specific ports,
including 5900. The presence of such security measures may require changing the rule within the anti-virus
package to allow the Audioscan Remote application to run properly.
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20.6 Teleaudiology
To use the Verifit in a teleaudiology setting connect it to a network. The remote operator can access the
Verifit either by installing the Remote Console application locally and connecting through VNC across the
WAN, or by installing the Remote Console application at the clinic location and operating that PC remotely.
The latter may be more convenient when a secure remote connection to the clinic PC is already in place for
teleaudiology purposes. The Remote Console works over both wired and wireless networks, however a wired
connection is strongly advised.
20.7 Noah Service Port
Consult your Network Administrator before changing the Noah service port. Changing the port successfully
requires understanding the security polices on your Windows PC and computer network.
The Audioscan Noah Module communicates with the Verifit through the Noah network service. The Verifit
provides the Noah service on a TCP port. The Windows computer running the module must be configured to
access the same TCP port, which is 8080 by default. Some Windows anti-virus software packages and some
network firewalls prevent access to specific ports, including 8080. Using the Noah module in the presence of
such security settings may require changing the Noah service port on both the Verifit, and in the Audioscan
Noah Module.
Note that changing the Noah service port requires restarting the Verifit.
3. Click .
4. You will be prompted to restart the equipment. Click to restart, or click to enter a different
port number.
The Verifit provides the Noah service using the HTTP protocol to transmit XML-formatted data. Communi-
cation between the Windows PC and the Verifit can be tested using an ordinary web browser.
1. On the Windows PC, enter the Verifit network address and port number into a web browser following
this example:
http://172.30.1.86:8080/noah
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2. If the communication is successful, the web browser will display Noah data formatted in XML:
The VerifitLINK protocol allows some hearing instrument manufacturer’s fitting software to control the
Verifit for automated Speechmap verification and hearing instrument adjustment. This requires a network
connection between your Verifit and the computer running the fitting software. VerifitLINK does not require
you to run the Audioscan Noah module as the manufacturer’s software will transfer assessment data to the
Verifit as part of the automated process.
20.11 Changing VerifitLINK settings
VerifitLINK is on by default. The VerifitLINK server runs on port 8040. You can disable VerifitLINK or
change the VerifitLINK port.
1. Click VerifitLINK [Change].
2. Click [Off] or [On] to turn VerifitLINK off or on.
VerifitLINK can communicate with some hearing aid manufacturers fitting software. The Verifit provides
VerifitLINK functionality through a single TCP port. The Windows computer running the fitting software
must be configured to access the same TCP port, which is 8040. Some Windows anti-virus software packages
and some network firewalls prevent access to specific ports, including 8040. The presence of such security
measures may require changing the rule within the anti-virus package to allow VerifitLINK to run properly.
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The Verifit provides a web portal for retrieving information through a web browser. The web portal may also
be used to test the Verifit’s network setup. The Verifit and computer must be on the same network, with the
Verifit network setup enabled. To access the web portal, type the network address (e..g, 172.30.2.9) into the
browser’s address bar (Note: Some browsers may require including ‘http://’ before the network address).
The browser will display the Verifit’s web home screen.
The web portal can:
1. Generate a PDF printout. The printout can be configured on the Verifit through ‘Setup’, clicking on
‘Printing’, and then clicking ‘Page setup’. See Printing and Storing Results for more details.
2. Capture the current screen image for printing or storing results.
3. Download a troubleshooting log file. Audioscan may request this file during support calls.
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Adding a second network connection to a Windows PC is complex and can have unexpected effects on the
primary connection.
Automatic connection requires a small 10/100 network router. Most routers have DHCP address assignment
active by default and do not require changes from the default Windows settings on the computer to establish
a simple connection with a Verifit.
1. Connect a Cat 5 (RJ-45) cable from one router port to the Verifit network connector.
2. Connect a second cable from a router port to the network connector on the PC.
3. On the Verifit, right-click, select and then click [Network].
4. Select [Change] to set [Network] to the Wired option. Ensure Auto (use DHCP) is checked, and click
[Test connection].
A network address will be provided by the router and should show up in the ‘Network address’ window. By
default, Windows computers have networking and DHCP enabled so at this point your connection should be
complete.
If required, to check your PC settings:
1. Go to Control Panel / Network and Sharing Center then select ‘Change Adapter Settings’ on the
left-hand panel.
2. Right-click on Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Ensure that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP
or TCP/IPv4) is checked. Select this and select the Properties button. Ensure that ‘Obtain an IP
address automatically’ is selected.
A static connection requires an Ethernet switch. The Network addresses must be entered manually into the
Verifit and into the computer’s Windows network setup.
1. Connect a Cat 5 (RJ-45) cable from one port on the Ethernet switch to the Verifit network connector.
2. Connect a second cable from another port on the Ethernet switch to the computer’s network connector.
3. In Windows 7 go to Control Panel / Network and Sharing Center then select ‘Change Adapter Settings’
on the left-hand panel.
4. Right-click on Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Ensure that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP
or TCP/IPv4) is checked. Select this and click the Properties button.
5. Check ‘Use the following IP address’ and enter the following in the IP address box: 172.30.1.1. Enter
255.255.255.0 in the Subnet mask box.
6. On the Verifit, un-check Auto on the Setup network screen and click the Change button. Then set
the network addresses as shown below by clicking on the down arrow buttons and selecting from the
drop-down lists.
7. Click to apply your settings.
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The Verifit can store data using the optional Audioscan Noah Module that runs in the Noah framework on a
Windows PC. Using the Module requires that both the Verifit and the Windows Noah PC be connected to
the same network.
The Noah Module allows you to store the client assessment data, such as HL, UCL and BCT audiograms,
and the WRECD, for use in future client visits. Since the assessment data are stored in the HIMSA Noah
public data format, then they can also be obtained from or exchanged with other Noah modules that comply
with the public standard. For example, the Verifit can restore audiograms from another manufacturer’s
audiometer.
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The data are stored as actions in Noah client records. The Verifit can later restore the assessment data from
the Module as the starting point for follow-on measurements with the same client. The Module stores Verifit
test results as in the client record and as screen images. The Noah Module can restore test data to the Verifit,
display, or print the stored screen images for comparison with the future test results.
Contact Audioscan or visit www.audioscan.com for details about the Audioscan Noah Module.
! NOTE: If a printout or session file identifies the printed or saved data as belonging to an individual client,
it becomes Individually Identifiable Health Information and must be protected under the HIPAA Security
Rule. See Appendix 1: Manufacturer Disclosure Statement for Medical Device Security.
The Verifit can print results on a printer or save results in a file for future printing and viewing. Printing
Setup allows you to select the printer or file location, as well as to select the file output format. The Page
Setup options allow you to select the content to be printed or saved. Results are printed as graphical images
of the Verifit screen, and can optionally include the tabular view for tests that define it. Additional printed
elements include informational headers and footers, as well as typed notes and guidelines. The following
sections describe how to set up printers and files.
Use Printing Setup to control the output and page setup options for printed output. To enable printing,
check [Enable]. To send the output to a printer, select Printer. To save the output to a file for printing or
viewing later, select File. In either case, to select the optional components to include in the output, click the
Page setup button. To test your selected options, click the [Print test page] button. Background controls
the print outp background. Normal means what you see on screen will be printed to File or Printer. White
means some of the background will not be printed to speed printing and save ink or toner.
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When using the Printer output option, you must also select the printer Connection and Type. If the printer
connects directly to your Verifit through a standard USB cable, select USB. If the printer is accessible on a
local area network (LAN), then select either Windows Share or Network.
Choose Windows Share if the printer connects through a Windows laptop, PC, or server computer. Windows
shared printers are common in both small and large offices. See the section below, Windows-shared printers
and folders, for instructions about setting up a Windows-shared printer.
Choose Network if the printer connects directly to the network through its own interface and cable. See the
section below, Network printer, for instructions about setting up a Network printer.
Both Windows Share and Network printer connection options require that your Verifit be connected to a
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You must select the printer type for the connected printer. Most laser printers and large office printers
support Postscript. Otherwise, you must select a Hewlett-Packard printer model. See HP printer, described
below.
Test your selection by clicking the [Print test page] button. You will get results only if the printer successfully
prints the page, which can follow some delay. For example, it takes about fifteen seconds for a USB-connected
HP printer to start printing the test page. Otherwise, check your settings and try again.
Alternatively, you may prefer to use a web browser to capture the Verifit screen image to print from the
browser or download a print pdf, to print using the computer’s printer. See Web browser screen capture, for
details.
22.6 HP printer
If you use an HP printer then you must select the specific product model. From Setup printing, click the
button that shows the printer model name. The Verifit will show almost all available HP printer models.
Find and click on your printer model, then click to accept your choice.
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HP printer
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Occasionally, your HP printer might not appear on the list, or the selected model might not operate as
supplied. In this case, you need to define a Custom printer. Please contact Audioscan for assistance. We can
help define the custom settings, and will integrate your changes into future updates of the Verifit software for
use by everyone.
In the HP Printer selection dialog shown above, click the [Custom] button. In the Custom dialog shown
below, click the HP Printer button and select the model that most closely matches your desired printer. To
copy its definition, click the [»] button. Make changes, then click . The most common changes needed
are to the DeviceModel, and to the PenSet.
To change the selection back to a standard printer, simply select the desired printer model again in the HP
Printer dialog shown above.
Custom HP printer
The Verifit can print results in a file for future printing and viewing. You can also include these printed files
in documents or display them in presentations.
In Printing Setup, select the File output option. To save the output on a USB drive, select USB. Note: some
USB sticks are bootable and may cause issues on start-up if left connected you your Verifit after use. These
should be removed during start-up of your Verifit and then re-connected after.
To save the file in a shared folder on a Windows computer, select Windows Share. See the section below
Windows-shared printers and folders for instructions about setting up a Windows-shared folder.
File format
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When printing your output to a file, you can select the saved file format as PDF Document, PNG Graphic or
GIF Graphic. The Verifit automatically adds the corresponding extension to the output file name. The exact
file name depends on the test results you are printing. If a similar file already exists, the Verifit assigns a
unique digit to distinguish the new file, e.g., Test_box_directional3.png.
22.9 Page setup
You can select the components to include in the printed output by clicking the Page setup button. The page
setup applies to both printer and file output.
! NOTE: If a printout or session file identifies the printed or saved data as belonging to an individual, it
becomes Individually Identifiable Health Information and must be protected under the HIPAA Security Rule.
See Appendix 1: Manufacturer Disclosure Statement for Medical Device Security.
Ask option
To have the Verifit stop and present the page setup options every time you print, enable the Ask checkbox.
Enabling Ask allows you to change the page setup options with each printout, for example, to include Header
text that identifies the patient, or to include Description notes that elaborate on the test results. With Ask
disabled, the Verifit generates the output results immediately on the printer or in the file, without asking you
to change the page setup.
Header and Date
To include custom text in the header, enable the [Header] checkbox and enter the text in the field below it.
To include the date and time of printing in the header, enable the [Date] checkbox.
Logo
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A custom logo may be included on a printout. It will be positioned at the top of the page and limited to
12mm (0.5 in) in height regardless of original size. For best printing results, the image should be minimum
200 pixels high.
To include a custom logo at the top of a page, connect a USB stick containing the custom logo file (png, png
or bmp) to the equipment, enable the [Custom logo] checkbox, click on the [Change] button. Select the logo
file and click on [Open]. The logo file is now stored in the equipment for printouts.
Graph with table
Patients often report changes in their hearing instruments’ performance over time. Printed output provides a
valuable record for comparing the changes. You may wish to include the Table View, which includes the
precise numeric information required to repeat the original test under the same conditions. Table View
provides the required numeric data.
To include a Table View along with any printed Graph view, enable the [Graph with table] checkbox.
Notes
To include notes text with the printed output, enable the [Notes] checkbox and enter the text in the field
below it. Enabling [Notes] will also include blank guidelines for handwritten notes.
Notes will be saved when a patient session is erased if “Keep notes” checkbox has been enabled.
Print test page
To test your selected options immediately, click the [Print test page] button. The test page includes all of
your selected printing options using sample screen images. Results are generated on the printer or in a file,
according to your selected options.
22.10 Windows-shared printers and folders
In Printing Setup and Session Setup, you can click the [Details] button to enter details for accessing Windows-
shared printers or folders. The details include the domain, server and share names, as well as your username
and password credentials for the selected domain and server. (Note that wherever these instructions refer to
domain, you can substitute workgroup, which on many small networks is simply called WORKGROUP.
Domain
The default domain is selected automatically or manually in Network setup. To use another domain deselect
Auto and edit the domain field.
Computer
Enter the name of the computer providing the shared resource.
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Windows login
If this is the first time that you have set up the Windows-share, then you will need to enter some details.
1. Enter the Computer name or Computer IP address
2. Click [Change] to enter your Windows username and password
• Note that if the Comptuer’s IP address is entered, the username must be the Computer’s local username,
not the Microsoft account username. To obtain the local username, open the Command Prompt and
enter the command whoami.
3. Click to accept the Windows Login details
4. Enter the shared Folder or Printer name
Note that your Windows login details are stored separately for each of the printer share, the printing folder
share and the session folder share. You will need to enter your username and password details separately for
each, even if the details are the same for all of them.
5. Test connection
Once you have selected or entered all required details, click the [Test connection] to test the Windows shared
printer or folder. Any detail showing a red X indicates some error or omission which you need to correct
before saving the details.
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Once you have selected or entered all of the required details, click to save the Windows Share settings.
If your chosen printer connects directly to the local area network through its own network interface and
cable, then select the Network connection option. Ask your network administrator for the network printer’s
IP address and port that you enter in the Network printer details.
In Printing Setup, select Network for the connection and click the [Details] button. Enter the address (e.g.,
172.30.1.9) and the port (e.g. 9100). To test the Network printer details, click the [Printer test] button. If the
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test fails, the Printer entry will be marked with a red X. If the test passes, the Printer will be marked with a
green check and the printer will print the setup details on a sheet of paper.
You can capture the Verifit screen image or download a print pdf at any time using a web browser. Through
the browser, you can print or save the image using the computer’s printer or file storage.
Enable the Verifit networking as described above in Network Setup. Enter the Verifit network address in the
browser address bar (e.g., 172.30.1.57). Select the Capture the screen link shown in the browser window.
Alternatively, enter the direct link to the screen image in the browser address bar (e.g., 172.30.1.57/screen).
The browser will display the current Verifit screen image. Use the browser features to save or print the image.
In many browsers, you can right-click on the browser window, or open the browser menu.
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Through the browser, you can also download a print pdf to print or save using the computer’s printer or
file storage. Select the Printout pdf link shown in the browser window. A pdf file of the printout will be
generated for download to your PC.
22.13 Session setup
The Verifit itself does not store data. All entered and measured data are lost when you turn the Verifit off.
Also, each time you change clients you need to erase the Verifit’s session data, so that the data and test
results do not become mixed or confused among different clients or hearing instruments. The Session features
allow you to erase data conveniently without turning the Verifit off. The Session features also allow you
to store data permanently in Session files which you can later restore to the Verifit. To access the Session
features, click the Session button and select one of the erasure or storage options.
You can store the Verifit data in session files on a USB drive or on a Windows shared folder. You can later
restore the session files to the same Verifit or to other Audioscan equipment. Since the files use an XML
data format. you can also view session file contents through a web browser, and you can load them in a
spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel.
Note: some USB sticks are bootable and may cause issues on start-up if left connected you your Verifit after
use. These should be removed during start-up of your Verifit and then re-connected after.
To enable and configure file-based data exchange:
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You can save a session file at any time by clicking [Session] from the Verifit home menu, and then by
selecting Store session to file. You can enter the session file name using an attached keyboard.
If the data originate from measurements with a client, then name the session file after the client, that is,
using a unique Client ID. The Verifit will automatically append an increasing number to ensure that the
file names are unique and grouped by Client ID. Since uppercase and lowercase letters are distinct, you
should consistently use one or the other (e.g., all UPPERCASE), thereby avoiding the frustration of creating
multiple Client IDs for the same client. If you do not enter a file name, the Verifit will use session.xml.
DOE_JOHN.1.xml, DOE_JOHN.2.xml, DOE_JOHN.3.xml
session.1.xml, session.2.xml, session.3.xml
! NOTE: If a printout or session file identifies the printed or saved data as belonging to an individual, it
becomes Individually Identifiable Health Information and must be protected under the HIPAA Security Rule.
To store a session file:
1. Click [Session] .
2. Select Store session to file.
3. Click the Client ID list button. This will display a list of Client IDs with the first entry highlighted.
To add a new Client ID:
1. Type the new Client ID. The highlight will move to any matching Client IDs as you type, then disappear
once you have entered a unique one.
2. When you finish typing the Client ID, click on the Client ID button to keep your entry
3. Click to store the current session data to the file in the Client ID window.
To add a session for an existing Client ID:
1. Select the client in the list using the mouse or a connected keyboard. The Verifit will highlight the
closest match as you type.
2. Click on the matching Client ID.
3. Click to store the current session data to a new file.
Restore a session from a file
1. Click [Session] .
2. Select Restore session from file.
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3. Click the Client ID list button. This will display a list of Client IDs with the first entry highlighted.
4. Use the mouse or the arrow keys to select the Client ID, or start typing the Client ID on a connected
keyboard. The highlight will move to the closest match as you type.
5. Click on a session file name.
6. Click the Show contents button to view test data available in the selected file.
7. Click to load the session data.
View a session file
You can view session files on any computer using a web browser or a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft
Excel. To view a session file Excel, right click on the file and select Open With. Choose a browser program or
Microsoft Excel. When prompted for a style sheet, select the audioscan.xsl from the same folder, which the
Verifit saves alongside any session data files.
Session file name rules
The Verifit prevents you from entering the following characters in session file names:
! ~ ` @ # $ % ^ & * + = \ / ? < , . >
23 Troubleshooting
This section covers common problems encountered when using the Verifit. If you require further assistance,
note your model and serial number (located on rear of display unit) and contact your local distributor, or
Audioscan at 519-268-3313 800-265-2093 (USA only), 519-268-3256 (fax) or [email protected]
PLEASE DO NOT SHIP YOUR UNIT BACK TO THE FACTORY. In most cases we can courier
you a part that you can quickly and easily replace yourself.
Any failure during power-on self test (P.O.S.T.) is indicated on-screen and further use of the instrument is
denied. Try the following steps to resolve the failure:
1. To access Self test, click on and then click on [Self test].
2. If you received a Max out/in or a Routing failure, remove any hearing aids from the test chamber and
rerun self test.
3. Unplug probe dock from display unit and unplug both the test box reference microphones and binaural
coupler microphone from the test box. Click [P.O.S.T.] to rerun the self test. If self test passes, reconnect
the microphones, one by one, running self test each time until a failure occurs. If the failure returns,
display and print the test results and contact Audioscan for help.
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Initializing your Audioscan unit will reset it to default factory settings. This erases the user preference files
stored in internal memory. Any custom printer choice, network settings, test setups will need to be re-entered
and the user calibrations will also be required.
1. To initialize, click on [Setup], then click on [Self test]
2. Click on [Initialize]. Verifit will automatically restart.
The speech stimulus changes in level and/or spectrum from loop to loop during the test.
• The level and spectrum of the Speechmap stimulus presented is controlled by the on-ear reference
microphone. Any extraneous sound reaching this reference microphone during testing will cause the
Verifit to lower the level of the stimulus, or lower the level of certain frequencies. Subsequent loops of
the stimulus will sound either too quiet, muddy-sounding, or tinny-sounding.
• Keep test room as quiet as possible, watching for nearby computer fans, HVAC vents, or other sources
of noise. To measure the effect room noise may have on a fitting, click on from the home menu,
then click [Self test], then click [Ambient Level Check] and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Limit movement of personnel in the room while testing is taking place.
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• Ambient room noise may be leaking into the test chamber. Air conditioners, computer fans and similar
noisemakers can yield artificially high noise figures. Check the sealing of the test chamber. Try turning
off suspected noise sources to identify the cause.
• Vibration may be coupled into the test chamber from other equipment on the same table or wooden
floor. Computers, fans and air conditioners may be the source of the vibration. Try turning off suspected
sources to identify the cause. Relocate the source or the Verifit test chamber or mount the test chamber
on a foam pad.
The OSPL90 and response curves don’t look like the manufacturer’s.
• Check that all controls or program settings are the same as those used by the manufacturer.
• Check that vents on earmolds or ITE instruments are plugged at the faceplate.
• Check that ITE instruments are well sealed to the coupler.
• When puttying a hearing instrument into the ITE coupler, be sure to keep the canal portion of the
instrument flush with the inside of the 2cc volume.
• Ensure that the test box is sealed tightly.
• Ensure that the test box microphone calibration was performed correctly.
• Check that the coupler is fully on the coupler microphone.
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• Check that a probe microphone assembly is securely plugged into the PROBE connector on the lower
side of the probe dock, and that it is the correct socket for the ear you are trying to calibrate. Also,
check that the cable has not become damaged.
• Try switching right and left probe microphone assemblies. If the fault follows the microphone to the
other ear, it may be a faulty microphone.
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• The test environment is too reverberant for the distance between the client and the speaker(s). Move
the on-ear speaker(s), internal or external, and client away from walls and hard objects. Move the client
closer to the speaker(s).
• The speaker or connecting cable (external speakers only) is defective. If this is the case, you should not
hear any sound coming from the internal or external speaker(s) during any test. Try a different speaker
or cable.
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25 Glossary
ABR, Auditory Brainstem Response, The auditory brainstem response (ABR) test gives information
about the inner ear(cochlea) and brain pathways for hearing. This test is also sometimes referred to as
auditory evoked potential (AEP). The test can be used with children or others who have a difficult time with
conventional behavioral methods of hearing screening. The ABR is also indicated for a person with signs,
symptoms, or complaints suggesting a type of hearing loss in the brain or a brain pathway.
AGC, Automatic Gain Control, the means by which gain is automatically controlled by the level of the
signal being amplified. (ANSI S3.22)
AGC-I, input-controlled AGC (see “input compression”).
AGC-O, output controlled AGC (see “output compression”).
ANSI, American National Standards Institute.
Binaural, literally means "having or relating to two ears." Binaural hearing, along with frequency cues,
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lets humans and other animals determine direction of origin of sounds. Similar to diotic which is used in
psychophysics to describe an auditory stimulus presented to both ears.
BSPL, Band Sound Pressure Level, the SPL within a restricted frequency band.
BTE, Behind-The-Ear (hearing aid).
Compression, a type of AGC in which an incremental change in the input level produces a smaller
incremental change in the output level.
CR, Compression Ratio, the ratio of incremental change in input SPL to the resulting incremental change
in output SPL. Used to characterize steady state AGC action; can be a function of input level, duration and
frequency.
CROS, Contralateral Routing Of Signals; a type of hearing aid in which the microphone is at the ear
opposite to the one receiving the amplified sound.
CORFIG, coupler response for flat insertion gain; the transformation added to real-ear insertion gain
to obtain 2-cc coupler gain. Assumes linear amplification.
Coupler, a device used to acoustically couple an earphone or hearing aid to a measurement microphone and
to provide an acoustic load.
DSL, Desired Sensation Level Method, a systematic eardrum (SPLogram) approach to the hearing aid
fitting process that seeks to ensure amplified speech will be audible and comfortable while loud sounds will
not be uncomfortable.
Directional hearing aid, a hearing aid for which the gain is dependent on the direction of sound incidence
when measured under free-field conditions (ANSI S3.22).
EMC, Electromagnetic Compatibility, the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of
electromagnetic energy with reference to the unwanted effects (electromagnetic interference) that such energy
may induce. EMC aims to ensure that equipment items or systems will not interfere with or prevent each
other’s correct operation through spurious emission and absorption of electromagnetic interference.
Equalization, process of controlling the SPL (or band SPL) of the stimulus, as a function of frequency, at
the field reference point (ANSI S3.46).
FM, frequency modulation, a method of transmitting information in which the frequency of a radio wave
(carrier) is varied (modulated) by the information (signal). Also, a method of reducing standing waves in a
sound field in which the frequency of a test tone (carrier) is varied by a low frequency triangle or sine wave.
FM System, an assistive listening device consisting of a microphone, an fm radio transmitter and an fm
receiver. The microphone and transmitter are worn by the speaker and the receiver is worn by the listener.
Gain (in dB), output sound pressure relative to input sound pressure, expressed in decibels; gain = 20log10
(output sound pressure / input sound pressure); also, gain = (output SPL) - (input SPL).
Gain control, a manually or electronically operated control for the adjustment of overall gain (ANSI S3.22).
HA-1 Coupler, a coupler having a volume of 2 cubic centimetres with direct access to the cavity. Used for
testing in-the-ear and in-the-canal hearing aids; can also be used to test behind-the-ear hearing aids with a
custom earmold attached. Aka the ITE coupler.
HA-2 Coupler, a coupler having a volume of 2 cubic centimetres with access through a rigid tube. When
used for testing BTE hearing aids, the rigid tube consists of 18 mm of 3 mm tubing plus 25 mm of 2 mm
tubing (ANSI S3.22). When used for calibrating insert earphones, the 2 mm tubing is not used (ANSI S3.6).
Aka the BTE coupler.
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Harmonic, a component of a tone complex that is an integer multiple of the lowest frequency component
(fundamental).
Harmonic Distortion, the addition of harmonic components to a signal. The rms value of a harmonic
component of a signal as a percentage of the rms value of the fundamental. If less than 20%, the rms value of
the total signal may be used instead of the fundamental.
HFA, High Frequency Average, the average of values in dB at 1000, 1600, and 2500 Hz. (ANSI S3.22).
HL, Hearing Level, the hearing threshold referenced to the threshold of normal hearing, expressed in dB.
HI, Hearing instrument.
Input Compression, a form of AGC in which the signal level is regulated before the volume control.
Input / Output function, steady state, single-frequency plot of the coupler SPL on the ordinate as a
function of input SPL on the abscissa with equal decibel scale divisions on each axis (ANSI S3.22).
ITE, In-The-Ear (hearing aid).
Kneepoint (compression threshold), the point on an input/output curve at which the slope digresses from
unity indicating the signal level at which a non-linear process begins to take effect.1
LCD, liquid crystal display. A thin, planar information display.
Linear Amplification, amplification having the same gain for all input levels until the maximum output of
the device is reached.
LTASS, Long-term average speech spectrum, the rms level of a speech passage in 1/3rd octave bands,
averaged over the entire passage.
MAP, minimal audible pressure, SPL of a tone, measured or inferred at the tympanic membrane, at the
threshold of audibility.
MPO, Maximum Power Output, the maximum SPL that a hearing aid can deliver in response to a
steady narrow band input. The stimulus may be pulsed (a tone burst) to avoid discomfort and to approximate
an aided UCL measurement stimulus.
Modulation, the process of varying a characteristic of one signal with another.
NAL, National Acoustic Laboratories (Australia)
NCA, National Centre for Audiology (Canada)
OSPL90 (output SPL for 90-dB input SPL), The SPL developed in a 2cc coupler when the input SPL is 90
dB, with the gain control of the hearing aid full-on (ANSI S3.22).
Output Compression, a form of AGC in which the signal level is regulated at the output.
PC, Peak-clipping, a method of limiting MPO by truncating the electrical signal supplied to the output
transducer. The resulting acoustic signal may not be truncated but will be distorted.
PC, personal computer
PCL, Printer Command Language, a page description language developed by Hewlitt-Packard as a
printer protocol and has become a defacto industry standard. Originally developed for early inkjet printers in
1984, PCL has been released in varying levels (1 through 6) for thermal, matrix printer and page printers.
PCM, Pulse-code modulation, a method used to digitally represent sampled analog signals. In a PCM
stream, the amplitude of the analog signal is sampled regularly at uniform intervals, and each sample is
quantized to the nearest value within a range of digital steps.
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PCR, Power Concentration Ratio, a measure of the degree to which a large amount of power is
concentrated at a small number of frequencies in the output of a hearing aid.
Postscript, a computer language for creating vector graphics. It is a dynamically typed, concatenative
programming language created in 1982. It is best known for its use as a page description language in the
electronic and desktop publishing areas.
Probe microphone, microphone (which may include an extension tube) having a sound inlet which is small
enough to be acoustically unobtrusive when inserted into the ear canal (ANSI S3.46).
Pure tone, a signal containing one, and only one, frequency; a sinusoidal acoustic signal.1
REAG, Real-Ear Aided Gain, difference, in dB as a function of frequency, between the SPL (or BSPL)
at a specified measurement point in the ear canal and the SPL (or BSPL) at the field reference point, for a
specified sound field, with the hearing aid in place and turned on (ANSI S3.46).
REAR, Real-ear Aided Response, the SPL (or BSPL) as a function of frequency, at a specified mea-
surement point in the ear canal for a specified sound field, with the hearing aid in place and turned on (ANSI
S3.46).
RECD, Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference, difference, in dB as a function of frequency, between the SPL
(or BSPL) produced by an insert transducer at the eardrum and in a 2cc coupler. HA-1 or HA-2 coupler
should be specified.
REDD, Real-Ear-to-Dial Difference, difference, in dB as a function of frequency, between the SPL (or
BSPL) measured at the eardrum and the audiometer dial setting that produced it. It is specific to the client,
headphone and audiometer used to generate it.
REIG, Real-Ear Insertion Gain, difference, in dB as a function of frequency, between the REAG and
the REUG taken with the same measurement point and the same sound field conditions. REIG = REAG –
REUG. ANSI S3.46.
REOR, Real-Ear Occluded Response, SPL (or BSPL), as a function of frequency, at a specified
measurement point in the ear canal, for a specified sound field, with the hearing aid in place and turned off
(ANSI S3.46). The REOR is used to evaluate the seal of an earmold. It is not related to the required gain of
a hearing aid.
RESR, Real-Ear Saturation Response, obtained using a narrow-band signal at a level high enough to
saturate the hearing instrument (usually 85-90 dB SPL)
REUG, Real-Ear Unaided Gain , difference, in dB as a function of frequency, between the SPL (or
BSPL) at a specified measurement point in the ear canal and the SPL (or BSPL) at a field reference point,
for a specified sound field, with the ear unoccluded (ANSI S3.46).
REUR, Real-ear Unaided Response, SPL (or BSPL), as a function of frequency, at a specified measure-
ment point in the ear canal, for a specified sound field, with the ear canal unoccluded (ANSI S3.46).
Reference microphone, microphone used to measure the stimulus level in the measurement process or to
control it in the equalization process.
Release Time, the time required for HA output to fall to within +/-4dB of its steady-state level for an
input step from 90 to 55dB SPL. (ANSI S3.22)
REM, Real-ear Measurement.
RTG, Reference Test Gain, the HFA gain for a 60 dB input SPL with the gain control at RTS (ANSI
S3.22).
Reference, Sound field, the calibration point of a sound field measurement.
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RSETS, Relative Simulated Equivalent Telephone Sensitivity, difference in dB between the HFA-
SPLITS (SPA-SPLITS) and the RTG plus 60 in the “M” (microphone) mode. RSETS = HFA-SPLITS -
(RTG+60)
RTS, Reference Test Setting of the gain control, for a 60 dB input SPL, the setting of the gain control
required to produce an HFA gain within 1.5 dB of the HFA-OSPL90 minus 17 dB. If the full-on HFA gain is
less than the HFA-OSPL90 minus 17 dB, the RTS is the full-on setting of the gain control (ANSI S3.22).
Saturation, in a hearing aid, the limiting of output caused by the output circuitry and transducer reaching
their maximum capability.
SPA, Special Purpose Average, the average of values in dB at three third octave frequencies separated
by 2/3 of an octave (ANSI S3.22). See also HFA.
Spectrum, the BSPL as a function of frequency for a broad-band signal.
Speechmap, a trademarked hearing instrument fitting environment introduced by Audioscan in 1992. It
presents hearing threshold, UCL and amplified speech spectra as SPL in the ear canal. The fitting goal is to
make amplified speech audible and comfortable while avoiding discomfort for loud sounds. Originally speech
was simulated using amplitude-modulated tonal signals. The Verifit replaces these simulated speech signals
with real speech, both recorded and live. For details of the test signals and analysis methods, see Speechmap
Technical Details.
SII, Speech Intelligibility Index, a quantity calculated from measures of speech, noise and hearing
threshold that is highly correlated with the intelligibility of speech (ANSI S3.5).
Speech Region, a statistical range of short-term spectra present in a speech passage. The short-term
spectra are typically 120 - 130 millisecond averages in 1/3 octaves. The statistical range is typically from the
70th to the 99th percentile.
SPL, Sound Pressure Level, rms sound pressure relative to 20 uPa, expressed in decibels. SPL = 20log10
(rms sound pressure / 20uPa).
SPLITS, coupler SPL for an inductive telephone simulator, SPL developed in a 2cc coupler by a
hearing aid with the gain control at the RTS when the input is the magnetic field generated by a TMFS
(ANSI S3.22).
TMFS, Telephone magnetic-field simulator, a device for producing a magnetic field of consistent level
and geometric shape when driven by a specified current (ANSI S3.22).
THD, Total Harmonic Distortion, the power in all harmonic components as a percentage of the power
in the fundamental. If less than 20%, the power of the total signal may be used instead of the fundamental.
For most hearing aids, the inclusion of harmonics above the third will not significantly alter the THD (ANSI
S3.22).
Transducer, a device which transforms energy from one form to another. For example, a microphone or
earphone.
TRIC: Thin-tube Receiver In-the-Canal style of hearing instrument
UCL, Uncomfortable Listening Level, the level for a specified stimulus that is judged to be definitely
uncomfortable.
Volume Control, a user-operated gain control.
Wideband, the extension of the frequency response bandwidth from 8kHz to 16kHz.
WRECD, Wideband Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference, the difference in SPL produced in an occluded
ear canal and in the 0.4cc coupler by a high impedance coupled sound source.
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27 Appendix 1
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