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CLINICAL
PROTOCOLS We offer a range of support services for ENT Specialists. The use of formal written protocols ensures uniformity of test results and provides a method of maintaining quality. Clinic based support services available on demand Pure tone audiometry - Manually recorded pure tone audiometry is available and is carried out in accordance with the following protocols and procedures BJA 1981 -15, 213-216 Recommended procedure for manual instruments. BJA 1985 - 19, 281-282 Bone conduction, not masked. BJA 1986-20 307-314 Masking in Pure Tone Audiometry Tympanometry and acoustic reflex determination is carried out using The British Society of Audiology Procedures for Best Practice, as published in the British Journal of Audiology, BJA 1992-26 255-257. Speech audiometry - Reported or unreported speech audiometry is available carried out according to protocols developed by BMI based on procedures developed at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Southampton, U.K. Medico-legal assessments - Our testing protocols and procedures are designed to be suitable for medico-legal purposes. Our stringent calibration and controlled test environment ensure the highest standards of reliability and accuracy. Other diagnostic audiometric tests - A full range of diagnostic tests to assist in otological and otoneurological diagnosis are available. Testing is carried out in accordance with The British Society of Audiology Procedures for Best Practice where available, or in accordance with written departmental protocols. Clinic based support services available by appointment Cortical ERA (SVR) - There is no generally accepted protocol or best practice policy published by the British Society of Audiology for Cortical ERA. We therefore adhere to the protocol set out in the document 'BMI Audiology Services reference for CERA'. Brainstem ERA (Threshold) - Proceedures are carried out according to our departmental clinical protocol for the performance of BSERA. We offer paediatric threshold determination under general anaesthesia. Paediatric assessment - We offer a range of services to assist in the diagnosis and management of paediatric hearing problems including facilities for assessment of children below 4 years of age. This includes the development of a 'child friendly' testing environment for free field paediatric audiometry and otoaccoustic emissions testing. Hearing aid evaluation - We offer a sophisticated range of tests to facilitate optimal hearing aid fitting, including free field speech in noise testing coupled with in-situ gain measurements. Use of NOAH compatible hearing aids allows real-time adjustment and optimisation of hearing instruments in simulated 'real-life' sound environments. We retain contacts with many local and national organisations concerned with the welfare of the hard of hearing and can arrange for referrals for hearing therapy, lip reading etc., in addition to our hospital based medical support services to ensure that patients have access to a full range of help available in overcoming hearing loss. Click here for a printer friendly version. |
