In today’s digital landscape it's essential to be able to run medical services from a PC. Whilst this isn't a new requirement, the need for accuracy, efficiency and ease of use is more prevalent than ever.
Over the years PC-based audiometry has seen significant advancements. It now offers better features, more user support, and fits seamlessly into clinical practice. It also stores data quickly and easily, helping to prepare for the next step in a patient’s rehabilitation.
Despite these benefits, many clinicians still use hardware-based audiometers to perform audiometry. While non PC-based audiometers are familiar and offer a quick way to test, they don't integrate to modern EMR systems. This means the workflow requires another step - which slows down the process.
By using both software and hardware, clinicians and hearing health experts can access better, cheaper, and more flexible solutions. The result is a more efficient, connected and streamlined clinical workflow.
Making the transition to PC-based audiometry has never been easier. Some of the key advantages include:
Efficiency and convenience
Traditional audiometry uses manually controlled devices and lots of paperwork, which can be incredibly time consuming. PC-based audiometers simplify these tasks by preparing and automating behaviours upfront, then prompting the next steps. This means hearing health professionals can focus more of their attention on the patient and less on the technology.
PC-based software can also automatically change test frequencies and intensities. This saves time on setup and keeps test conditions consistent.
Cost-effectiveness
Traditional audiometers usually have high upfront costs. This is especially true for models with many features or special abilities, like bone conduction testing or speech audiometry.
However, users can update PC-based systems more easily and less expensively than hardware-based systems. Software updates, troubleshooting and repairs are all typically done quickly and remotely. These updates often include additional or new features too.
User-friendly interface
Many PC-based audiometers have user-friendly interfaces. They can include touch screens, simple menus, and clear instructions. This helps audiologists and occupational health professionals learn how to operate the system without the need for lots of training, and easily explain test results to the patient.
Easy data management
With the introduction of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) data collection and storage has become much more regulated. Along with this, there's been a greater emphasis on making this data digital.
In the past, there was more focus on physical reports and record files. These weren't easy to access across larger systems. We now have cloud storage and remote data locations for servers. This provides the following benefits:
- Speed: It removes the need to physically print, write or copy something to save it. Instead, that time can be spent on your patient to provide a higher level of care.
- Security: Data is stored and kept in one central place for retrieval and sharing. This can also be encrypted and backed-up.
- Reduces the risk of human error: As data is stored and saved it removes the need for human involvement, and in turn the chances of human error. This also saves time and resources needed for manual data input.
- Eco-friendly: It prevents needless waste of paper printouts and records by storing everything digitally.
Flexible and customisable
Every patient has different needs. PC-based systems allow for personal preferences. This makes the overall workflow more tailored. For example, an audiologist may change the loudness, pitch, or duration of tests for a child. They might also use more detailed tests for older patients.
Test protocols and parameters can also be applied over wide computer system installations. This ensures all users are operating in the same way within an organisation.
Analysis and reporting
A traditional audiometric test often requires the operator to interpret results during the testing process, which could introduce bias or inconsistency. Many PC-based audiometric systems have built-in tools. These tools help analyse and present hearing data in different formats.
With PC-based audiometers, it's possible to quickly visualise the relevant audiometry and tympanometry data in graphical form. This minimises human bias in interpreting thresholds and leads to more objective findings. It also makes it easier to communicate the results to patients and other healthcare providers.
Since audiologists store the test data digitally, they can also easily track changes in a patient’s hearing over time. This long-term data is extremely useful for tracking hearing loss. It also helps us see how well treatments work, like hearing aids or surgeries.
Furthermore, PC-based systems often allow operators to generate customised reports. These reports can be easily printed, emailed, or uploaded to the patient’s digital health record, reducing administrative workload.
Third-party integration
The integration of PC-based audiometers with EMR (Electronic Medical Records) and office management systems also streamlines data management. It reduces the need for manual entry and the risk of potential errors. This seamless connectivity allows for immediate access to patient data, facilitating timely and informed decision-making. Ultimately, this provides a bespoke end-to-end workflow focused on the task.
PC-based audiometers
These benefits reflect a broader trend towards integrating advanced technology into audiometric practices, aiming to improve accuracy, efficiency and patient care.
At Amplivox, we offer a suite of PC-based audiometers operated directly through our state-of-the-art audiometry and data management software - Amplisuite.
For fast, accurate and repeatable hearing tests, the modelONE is the perfect solution. A screening audiometer designed to provide occupational health professionals and non-audiologists with unrivalled workflow efficiency, performance and guided testing.
Created for screening and diagnostic audiometry, the AnovaTM provides a completely customisable testing experience for all in-clinic and mobile testing requirements. Combining innovation, accuracy and ease of use, it’s the perfect tool for audiologists, ENT, hearing and occupational health professionals.
For more information about our pc-based screening and diagnostic audiometers, visit our audiometers webpage. Or contact our customer support team on +44 (0)1865 880 846 or email.