Q. I usually purchase my audiometers and vision testers from the same catalog I use for supplies. Isn't this the way to get the best price?
A. Are we speaking of price or cost? It is true that many catalog houses include audiometers, tympanometers and vision testers in their product offerings. The prices they charge may, in fact, be lower than IA's prices. The things to keep in mind have to do with service. Can the catalog house provide a demonstration or product comparisons? Can they provide repair and calibration services on site if required? Will they provide a loaner if necessary or visit with you to train the new members of your staff? The purchase price may be less but the ultimate cost in terms of downtime and inconvenience may be significant.
Q. Many schools are including middle ear measurements (tympanometry) as part of the hearing assessment program. We have enough to do already. Why should we consider middle ear measurements?
A. Pure tone hearing screening, the traditional test offered in schools, can provide information about the degree of hearing loss. It cannot, however, provide information regarding the type of loss. Tympanometry provides information about the middle ear and its ability to conduct sound to the hearing nerve. When one considers the prevalence of middle ear infections in school age children it is clear that tympanometry can provide useful information.
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