7 Preparing for testing
35
MADSEN Zodiac
7.8
Fitting the probe in the patient’s ear
General use
1.
Look into the ear canal. Perform an otoscopy to assess the status of the outer ear before you insert the probe.
2.
If the ear canal is blocked, a test may not be accurate. Clean the ear canal if needed.
Premature babies, newborns and infants
Infants’ ear canals are very soft, they are easily pressed out of shape. If this happens, wait until the ear canal returns to its
original shape. Release the pinna and try again. Gently massaging the area may help opening the ear canal.
Fit the probe in the ear
1.
With a hand-held probe you can use a slightly over-
sized eartip to achieve a seal when used with a
wider range of ear canal sizes.
The oversized eartip is not intended to enter the
ear canal.
2.
Fit the eartip on the probe.
Caution
•
The probe can be damaged if fluids enter the probe.
Caution
•
Never place the probe tip in the ear canal of a patient without using a clean eartip.
Caution
•
The eartip can be used for both ears. If you suspect infection in one ear, use a clean eartip and probe tip
before you continue testing on the other ear.
Caution
•
Always use a suitably sized eartip. Using a probe with an unsuitably sized eartip or applying excessive
force may cause unnecessary discomfort to the patient.
Caution
•
Do not to insert the probe too far into the ear canal of premature babies and newborns.
