PTA & Masking OSCE

Hand Hygiene Protocols

Procedures for performing hand hygiene, including washing for 20-40 seconds and using alcohol-based hand rubs when necessary.

NHS Recommendations

Guidelines suggesting that arms should be bare below the elbow for effective hand washing to minimize contamination risks.

Disinfectant Wipes

Used to clean surfaces and equipment in healthcare settings to maintain a hygienic environment.

Daily Checks

Routine assessments of equipment to ensure functionality, including lead management and calibration verification.

Yearly Calibration

External checks conducted once a year to ensure all equipment meets industry standards.

Pre-Test Preparations

Reviewing patients' medical histories and conducting otoscopy to check for issues before performing tests.

Transducer Positioning

Correct placement of transducers during audiometric testing to maximize comfort and test accuracy.

Air Conduction Testing

Testing method that requires headphones to cover ears completely, starting with the better ear.

Bone Conduction Testing

Involves placing the bone conductor on the mastoid of the worse ear to assess hearing ability.

Masking Procedures

Techniques to prevent transcranial transmission during audiometric testing by ensuring the test ear remains isolated.

Contraindications for Testing

Conditions like occluding wax or discharge that may prevent accurate audiometric testing.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss resulting from damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve, often indicated by similar BC and AC thresholds.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Characterized by a blockage in the outer or middle ear, resulting in a significant air-bone gap.

Patient Communication

Clear instructions provided to the patient during testing to ensure understanding and accuracy.

Importance of Equipment Maintenance

Regular checks of equipment functionality to ensure accurate testing results and compliance with health standards.

Patient Comfort

Key consideration during testing to avoid discomfort that may affect the accuracy of responses.