Following best practices can elevate an ordinary clinic to a great one. But to achieve that, you need dependable, manageable equipment as the foundation of your practice. Providing your customers with the best service is easy when you have the right tools.
Improve your patient’s appointments with modernized equipment such as the AVANT ARC, HIT+, and video otoscope. Take a look at these products below to find out how you can take your best appointments and make them even more successful with best practices.
AVANT ARC
The AVANT ARC is a complete PC-based audiological testing and fitting system capable of performing standard diagnostic testing and hearing aid verification. The compact design and powerful software allow you to consolidate equipment and make the most out of your available space. With one device, you can get accurate hearing tests and adjust hearing aids for the patient’s unique ear characteristics.
Our straightforward Studio software lets you customize reports and patient information to highlight only the most important exam elements. The results can be gathered standalone or from within your patient management system. Results from the ARC can then be displayed on your monitor, making it easy for your patients to understand while you counsel and inform.
Computerized Audiometry
The first function of the AVANT ARC is as a dual-channel audiometer. While you most likely already have an audiometer, our computer-based software can make diagnostic testing faster and more seamless. By accelerating your testing time with more efficient software, you can test more patients and even expand your practice.
The audiometer supports complete air, bone, speech, and masking audiology with:
- Binaural testing
- SRT (Speech Recognition Threshold)
- WR (Word Recognition)
- Quick SIN
- Automated Audiometry
- HLS (Hearing Loss Simulator)
- MHA (Master Hearing Aid)
Real Ear Measures and Live Speech Mapping
The AVANT ARC’s second function is as a real ear verification and LSM system. And while the audiometer is essential for appointments, it’s estimated that only about 30% of clinicians are using real ear measurements (REM) and live speech mapping (LSM).
Once you’ve programmed to your patient’s first-fit, REM/LSM ensures that the hearing aid then fits their ear’s physical characteristics. Patients’ ear canals vary in shape, volume, and length, so two people who have the same prescription could need varying amplification based on their anatomical differences. You will usually conduct REM/LSM at delivery or during the first follow up after the hearing aids have been tested with the HIT+.
REM/LSM is not required, but it does help you get more precise fittings when fitting or adjusting patients’ hearing aids. This is why using REM/LSM can set your practice apart. Taking the extra step to personalize hearing aids to your patients’ real ear characteristics is one that not all clinicians take.
Spending an additional few minutes during fitting appointments to do real ear verification demonstrates dedication to your patients’ hearing health. You can even counsel patients through the fitting process by showing them that their hearing aids meet the necessary levels to match their hearing loss.
It will also help you cut down on return visits and streamline your patient appointments. When hearing aids objectively fit your patients’ unique anatomy, they’ll be more likely to leave satisfied and need fewer adjustment visits.
Tinnometer
The ARC also has a unique feature that allows you to add on our Tinnitus Assessment Module. This can determine the frequency and volume that your patient perceives their tinnitus at, allowing you to adjust their hearing aids to account for their tinnitus levels.
AVANT ARC
Video Otoscope
The MedRx video otoscope is an innovative approach to traditional otoscopic examinations. Though notable for unmatched image quality, this device can also demonstrate transparency and diligence on the provider’s part. Showing your patients sharp, clear images and videos produced by the MedRx video otoscope can not only build rapport and trust between yourself and your patients, but it can make it easier to conduct REM/LSM too.
To find patients’ aided and unaided measurements, the AVANT ARC’s REM/LSM system uses probe tubes that you place within 4 mm of the eardrum or as close to the eardrum as possible. Start by using the video otoscope to look in your patient’s ear and determine if there is any wax or debris blocking the path of the probe tube. This will also give you insight into the patient’s ear canal features, which may make it easier or more difficult to place probe tubes.
The video otoscope is perfect for placing these probe tubes in the exact spot they need to be to assess maximum audibility. This can help you ensure that results are accurate and reflect a patient’s proper measurements.
You can save images and videos taken with the video otoscope in your patient management software, as it’s compatible with:
- Noah
- TIMS®
- Blueprint OMS
- Sycle
Integration isn’t just convenient; these features also help you provide more insightful care, even if you haven’t seen a patient in years. The interactive nature of the video otoscope helps eliminate barriers between yourself and the patient, defining the difference between good and best practices.
VIDEO OTOSCOPE
AVANT HIT+
Before a hearing aid is fit using REM/LSM, you must check that the technical elements of the hearing aid are working as the manufacturer intended. Occasionally, a hearing aid will not reach the levels it requires to provide the proper amplification, in which case it needs to be replaced.
A hearing instrument test chamber, or HIT box, is essential if you want to provide the most confident fit for your patient. You can use first fit and REM/LSM to determine that your patients are receiving the correct amplification; however, if the hearing aid isn’t reaching the levels it’s designed to, then they still won’t hear as well as they could be.
While REM/LSM verifies that a hearing aid performs according to your patient’s actual ear, the AVANT HIT+ verifies that the hearing aid reaches technical standards set by the manufacturer. Together, these two systems ensure the greatest chance your patients will leave with clear, comfortable listening levels.
Dual verification with these instruments will not only demonstrate your diligence as a provider but will also increase your patient’s satisfaction, reducing the number of adjustment fittings.
AVANT HIT+
Following Best Practices in Your Clinic
Your patients deserve the highest tier of care. Rather than relying on a patient’s subjective interpretation, these devices can objectively demonstrate your patients’ hearing needs and help you counsel them through testing and fitting.
Today’s patients are well informed and may even come in requesting for you to perform best practices, expecting specific technology and verification testing. With MedRx, you have all the technology you need to achieve best practices and satisfy diligent customers. Our USB-powered Plug & Play style devices can also help you transition to new equipment with user-friendly interfaces and concise results.
Do you still find yourself intimidated by new procedures or equipment? MedRx offers free online training for every purchase to make sure that you feel confident using our devices on actual patients. To schedule a free online demonstration before purchasing, contact us at (888)392-1234.