AmpliVox 270 User manual

Model 270
Operating Manual

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
READ THIS OPERATING MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE
INSTRUMENT.
This manual is valid for the Model 270 (applies from firmware version
2T06 onwards –please refer to section 1.3).
This product is manufactured by:
Amplivox Ltd.
6 Oasis Park, Eynsham
Oxfordshire, OX29 4TP
United Kingdom
www.amplivox.ltd.uk
Amplivox Ltd.
10393 West 70th Street
Eden Prairie
MN 55344
www.amplivox.ltd.us
For all enquiries please contact us under:
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected].uk
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected].us

For supply in US only
Caution: Federal Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a
licenced medical professional.

CONTENTS
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................1
1.1 Intended applications...................................................................1
1.2 Unpacking .....................................................................................1
1.3 Firmware version..........................................................................1
1.4 Standard contents ........................................................................1
1.5 Optional accessories....................................................................2
2 Important Safety Instructions ......................................................................2
2.1 Precautions...................................................................................2
2.2 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) considerations...............3
2.3 Mains supply operation................................................................3
2.4 Audiometer connections..............................................................4
2.5 Data transfer to a printer..............................................................5
2.6 Data transfer to a computer.........................................................5
2.7 Line in/out connection (audio) ....................................................5
3 Using the Audiometer...................................................................................6
3.1 Switching the audiometer on and off..........................................6
3.2 Operating Language.....................................................................6
3.3 Testing the patient response switch...........................................6
3.4 Audiometer display ......................................................................7
3.5 Audiometer controls.....................................................................7
3.6 Threshold Retention Function...................................................11
3.7 Saving audiograms in internal memory ...................................12
3.8 Loading audiograms from internal memory ............................13
3.9 Printing audiograms...................................................................13
3.10 Data transfer to NOAH or AudiView........................................13
4 Suggested Sequence of Operation and Test Procedure......................... 14
5 Specification................................................................................................16
5.1 Output data..................................................................................16
5.2 Maximum hearing levels provided at each frequency ............17
5.3 Physical Data ..............................................................................17
5.4 Equipment classification ...........................................................17
6 Symbols .......................................................................................................18
7 Technical Information................................................................................. 18
8 Routine Maintenance ..................................................................................20
8.1 Audiometer maintenance...........................................................20
8.2 Transducer maintenance...........................................................20
8.3 Mains adapter maintenance....................................................... 21
9 Instrument Storage and Transportation....................................................22
10 Calibration and Repair of the Instrument................................................22
11 Guarantee...................................................................................................22
12 Ordering Consumables and Accessories...............................................23
13 Disposal Information.................................................................................24

Appendix 1 - Speech Audiometry.................................................................25
Appendix 2 - Free Field Calibration Procedure ...........................................30
Appendix 3 - EMC Guidance & Manufacturer’s Declaration ......................36
Appendix 4 - Use with Non-medical Electrical Equipment......................... 42

OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual Page 1
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an Amplivox audiometer. The Amplivox Model
270 is a diagnostic audiometer that will give many years of reliable service
if treated with care.
1.1 Intended applications
The Model 270 diagnostic audiometer is designed for use by audiologists,
general practitioners, hearing aid dispensers and child health
professionals. Capable of undertaking both air and bone conduction tests
with or without masking, the audiometer has many additional features
such as the facility to support speech audiometry from live or recorded
sources, the option to select free-field equivalent output from the
headphones in speech mode and a range of clinical audiometry tests.
1.2 Unpacking
Open the shipping carton and carefully remove all the equipment. Check
against the delivery note that all the accessories ordered have been
included with your audiometer. If anything is missing, please contact
Amplivox Customer Support ([phone]; [e-mail]). If
you have purchased from a distributor you should contact them directly.
Please retain the shipping carton and packing materials as the audiometer
will need calibrating on an annual basis and should be returned to
Amplivox in its original shipping carton.
1.3 Firmware version
This operating manual is for firmware versions 2T06 onwards. To check
the version of firmware on your audiometer press the OPTIONS button
followed by the TALKOVER button.
1.4 Standard contents
Model 270 Audiometer Audiometric headset
Bone vibrator headset Patient response switch
Mains adaptor Audiogram cards
Operating manual & AudiView NOAH Audilink software
Carrying case Calibration certificate

Page 2 OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual
1.5 Optional accessories
Masking earpiece Additional audiogram cards
Microphone and monitor headset Insert earphones
Printer(s) Printer cable(s)
USB Cable
Audiocups (noise reducing earphone enclosures)
2 Important Safety Instructions
The Model 270 instrument must be used only by
practitioners qualified to perform audiometric tests. It is
intended for use as a screening and diagnostic tool.
2.1 Precautions
READ THIS OPERATING MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE
INSTRUMENT
To comply with the standards IEC 60601-1 for safety and IEC 60601-1-2
for EMC the audiometer is designed to be used only with the medically-
approved mains adapter supplied, which is specified as part of the
equipment. Do not use any other type of mains adapter with this
instrument. Refer to Section 12 for the stock number of the adapter.
The audiometer is for indoor use only and should be used only as
described in this manual.
The transducers supplied with the audiometer are specifically calibrated
with it; if these transducers are changed calibration will be required.
Do not immerse the unit in any fluids. See Section 8 of this manual for the
proper cleaning procedure for the instrument and its accessories and the
function of single-use parts.
Do not use the instrument in an oxygen-rich environment or in the
presence of a flammable anaesthetic mixture or other flammable agents.
Do not drop or otherwise impact this instrument. If the instrument is
dropped or damaged, return it to the manufacturer for repair and/or
calibration. Do not use the instrument if any damage is suspected.

OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual Page 3
The instrument must be stored and used within the specified temperature,
pressure and humidity ranges (see Sections 7 and 9).
Do not attempt to open, modify or service the instrument. Return the
instrument to the manufacturer or distributor for all repair and servicing
requirements. Opening the instrument will void the warranty.
2.2 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) considerations
Medical electrical equipment needs special precautions regarding EMC
and needs to be installed and put into service according to the EMC
information in Appendix 3. This provides guidance on the electromagnetic
environment in which to operate the instrument.
Portable and mobile radio-frequency (RF) communications equipment can
affect medical electrical equipment. The instrument should not be used
adjacent to or stacked with other equipment; if this is necessary the
instrument should be observed to verify normal operation.
2.3 Mains supply operation
The audiometer is designed for continuous operation and is powered by a
mains adapter which is supplied, and specified as part of the equipment. If
a replacement is required, please contact your Amplivox distributor.
All other connections must be made before connecting the output lead
from the adapter into the POWER input socket on the back of the
audiometer. Switch on the mains supply - the indicator on the adapter and
the POWER indicator on the audiometer will both illuminate green,
showing that the instrument is ready for use.
The output from mains adapter is fitted with electronic circuit protection. In
case of overload the adapter will shut down and the indicator will be
extinguished. When the fault is cleared the adapter will operate as normal.
The input to the mains adapter is protected with a non-replaceable fuse. If
this fails the adapter will not operate.
The mains adapter is the mains disconnect device and therefore the
audiometer should be positioned such that easy access to the mains
adapter is possible.

Page 4 OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual
2.4 Audiometer connections
All the relevant accessory terminals and connections are labelled to
ensure correct identification and connection as follows:-
Socket
Label
Socket Type
Colour
Code
Connected Part
Notes
MIC 1
3.5mm jack
Speech Input Microphone *
MONITOR
3.5mm jack
Monitor Earphone *
BONE
6.3mm jack
Grey
Bone Vibrator Headset *
INSERT
3.5mm jack
Masking Earphone *
RIGHT
LEFT
6.3mm jack
6.3mm jack
Red
Blue
Air conduction headset *
MIC 2
3.5mm jack
Talkback Microphone *
POWER
2.5mm power
jack
Mains AC/DC Adapter *
RESPONSE
6.3mm jack
Black
Patient Response Switch *
LINE IN
LINE OUT
3.5mm jack
3.5mm jack
CD/tape player
External amplifier
See
2.7
DATA
6 pin mini DIN
Printer *
See
2.5
USB
USB Connector
Computer (via USB port)
See
2.6
The relevant part numbers are indicated in Section 12.
For connected parts marked * only connect the
accessories supplied with the instrument or supplied
by Amplivox or an Amplivox distributor. These parts
have been tested for use with the Model 270
Diagnostic Audiometer for compliance with the
standards IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2. The use of
accessories other than those specified may
compromise compliance with these standards. For
other sockets refer to Appendix 4.

OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual Page 5
2.5 Data transfer to a printer
Please refer to Appendix 4 for important information
regarding the connection of non-medical electrical
equipment to medical electrical equipment
The audiometer can be upgraded with an option to allow connection to
one of three designated portable thermal printers for printing air
conduction, bone conduction, speech and ULL test results (see 3.9). You
must use the designated cable for each printer, which is supplied with this
option.
Upon receipt of the printer it must be initially charged for a minimum of 15
hours prior to use.
2.6 Data transfer to a computer
Please refer to Appendix 4 for important information
regarding the connection of non-medical electrical
equipment to medical electrical equipment
The audiometer is supplied with software to allow connection to a
computer for the transfer of test results (see Section 3.10). You must use
the designated USB cable which is available from Amplivox (see Section
12).
2.7 Line in/out connection (audio)
Please refer to Appendix 4 for important information
regarding the connection of non-medical electrical
equipment to medical electrical equipment
The Model 270 has audio line in/out connections for CD or tape player
input (e.g. for recorded speech testing) and amplifier output.
Line out connections are switched on only when FREEFIELD is selected.
The following connections apply to both LINE IN and LINE OUT.

Page 6 OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual
Main Body Segment
Mid segment
End segment
Ground
Right Channel
Left Channel
For more information on live and recorded speech please see Appendix 1.
3 Using the Audiometer
3.1 Switching the audiometer on and off
Press the key marked highlighted centre right of the front panel. No
warm-up time is required. The display will briefly show the model and the
type of headphone currently selected for use.
If a secondary headphone has been enabled (e.g. E-5A) it will then be
necessary to select the required headphone as follows:
Either - press the key under OK (on the display) to confirm the current
headphone selection
Or - press the key under CHANGE to toggle to the other option and
then OK to confirm the selection
Note: the headphone selection must be confirmed before any other
operation can be performed. The display will then be as shown in 3.4.
To switch off, press the key marked again and then the key under YES
to confirm. To cancel switch-off press the key under NO or QUIT
3.2 Operating Language
To select the operating language for the audiometer (English or German)
continue to hold when switching on. An additional display will allow the
selection of English (Softkey 1) or Deutsch (Softkey 3).
3.3 Testing the patient response switch
Press the patient response switch and the light labelled RESPONSE (to
the left of the display) will illuminate green.

OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual Page 7
3.4 Audiometer display
On start-up the display will show the following default setting:-
SIGNAL MASKING
30dBHL 1kHz OFF
< > < > THL
This indicates that when the PRESENT key is pressed, a tone will be
presented at 30dBHL at a frequency of 1kHz (1000Hz) to the designated
ear. No masking noise is output. On start up the audiometer defaults to
the left ear.
3.5 Audiometer controls
3.5.1 SoftKeys
Four softkeys are provided below the display that refer to an associated
option shown on the display. In this operating manual these are
referenced as Softkey 1 to Softkey 4 from left to right.
3.5.2 OPTIONS key
Pressing the OPTIONS key and then using the softkeys allows the
operator to step through the options (use the NEXT softkey) and modify
the settings as required. Pressing the softkey below QUIT exits the
options menu and saves the settings.
Menu Option Description
Clear test?: Clears all displayed test results if the YES key is
pressed; stored test results are not affected
Save audiogram to 1: Use the UP key to select the intended storage
location and press the SAVE key
Load audiogram no. 1: Use the UP key to select the required storage
location and press the LOAD key
Contrast: Adjust using the UP and DOWN keys
Bone masking: Selects the headset or the optional insert masking
earpiece as the means of masking; select ‘Insert’
or ‘Phones’ key

Page 8 OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual
Select phones: This option is only available if a secondary
headphone is enabled; use Softkeys 1 or 2 to
select the required headphone type
FF equiv speech?: This option is only available if either DD45 or
TDH39 is the selected headphone; if activated,
free-field equivalent levels will output to the
headphone in speech mode (see Appendix 1)
Store on 2 of 3?: Automatically stores a threshold if the responses
made to two out of three test signals are at the
same hearing level
Set freefield levels?: This option provides access to the freefield
calibration function; refer to Appendix 2 for details
External talkover?: Select NO to use the internal microphone and
YES to use the MIC 1 input
Display Counter?: Activates a percentage counter for use with
speech testing (refer to Appendix 1)
Select printer: Use the appropriate softkey to select either the
Able (AP1300) or the Martel (MCP8830) printer or
the Sanibel (MPT-II) printer
Omit 750/1k5/3k/6k?: To exclude these frequencies from those
available for testing press the YES key
Present Time: Select the minimum and maximum times that a
stimulus can sound when the PRESENT key is
pressed; either 0.5sec (min) & 10sec (max), or
1.0 sec (min) & 2.0 sec (max)
FF Speech units: The units displayed for freefield speech may be
switched between dBHL and dBSPL
3.5.3 Description of Function of Other Keys
SIGNAL HL The rotary control is used to increase or decrease the
signal level in the selected step size.

OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual Page 9
MASK HL The rotary control is used to increase or decrease the
masking level in the selected step size. (The MASK key
must be selected –see below)
SINE Selects a pure tone as the test signal; the indicator above
the key illuminates green
WARBLE Selects a frequency modulated tone as the test signal; the
indicator above the key illuminates green
SPEECH Selects speech mode; the indicator above the key
illuminates green; refer to Appendix 1 for details (note that
initially, only Softkeys 1 & 3 have a function)
MASK Switches on masking at 30dBHL - narrow band (for pure
tones) or speech-weighted masking; the indicators above
the key and to the right of the display illuminate green; for
speech mode use Softkey 4 to select INT for internally
generated noise or EXT (with Softkey 1 used to select
LINE) to route recorded noise via the LINE IN connection
LEFT Press once to select the left ear; the indicator above the
key illuminates green
RIGHT Press once to select the left ear; the indicator above the
key illuminates green
PULSE Enables pulse tone present function; the indicator above
the key illuminates green
REVERSE Presents the signal continuously; the indicator above the
key illuminates green. Pressing the PRESENT key
interrupts the signal
+20dB This enables tone levels to be presented with up to 20dB
higher output; press the key and then use the SIGNAL
rotary control to access the extra 20dB; a green indicator
above the key is used to show that the function is active,
and an additional display message indicates levels greater
than 100dBHL. Note: this function will not operate if
continuous tone presentation has been enabled.

Page 10 OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual
LOCK Synchronous masking function. Locks signal and mask
output at a constant difference when the SIGNAL control is
adjusted. An indicator above the key illuminates green
when active. The MASK control adjusts masking
independently.
AIR Outputs the signal to the earphones; the indicator above
the key illuminates green
BONE Outputs the signal to the bone vibrator; the indicator above
the key illuminates green
FREEFIELD Routes signals to LINE output socket; the indicator above
the key illuminates green
Hz Press the key to select a lower frequency and the 
key to select a higher frequency
PRESENT Press to present the displayed test signal to the patient.
The “PRESENT” indicator to the left of the display will be
illuminated green during tone presentation.
TALKOVER Interrupts test and routes operator’s voice from the internal
microphone (or MIC 1 input) to headset. The attenuation
level can be adjusted with the SIGNAL rotary control.
TALKBACK While selected (as indicated by the indicator above the
key) the signal from MIC2 is routed continuously to the
MONITOR output. Press the key again to de-select. The
talkback level may be adjusted by the SIGNAL rotary
control while key is held down.
PRINT Press to print audiogram; see Section 3.9 for further details
dB STEP Enables the operator to set either 2.5dB or 5dB as the
default step size.
PHONES This option is only available if a secondary headphone has
been enabled; this will enable the operator to select the
required output transducers.

OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual Page 11
STORE Saves the displayed combination of frequency, attenuation
and ear as a threshold retention value. Please see Section
3.6 for further details.
3.5.4 TEST MENU
This key enables the selection of the following standard tests. Exit each
test by pressing the TEST MENU key again.
Menu Option Description
STENG. Stenger: Routes tone or speech to both earphones
simultaneously. Use the SIGNAL rotary control to adjust
the Left channel level and the MASK rotary control to
adjust the right. Refer to Appendix 1 for details of the
Stenger test in speech mode.
ABLB Alternate Binaural Loudness Balance: Routes tone to each
earphone alternately. Use the SIGNAL rotary control to
adjust the Left channel level and the MASK rotary control
to adjust the right. Pressing the PRESENT key interrupts
the signal presented.
SISI Short Increment Sensitivity Index: Presents a tone
continuously at the level and frequency displayed.
Pressing the PRESENT key increases the level by the
increment shown on the lower line of the display. Change
this increment by using the UP & DOWN softkeys. Softkey
4 switches between the initial display and a counter that
logs and displays the results of the test as a percentage:
Use Softkey 1 to record a response
Use Softkey 2 to record no response
Use Softkey 3 to clear the results display
Use Softkey 4 to return to the initial SISI display
3.6 Threshold Retention Function
This function records the thresholds for both ears at each frequency
tested (air conduction, bone conduction and ULL). Once a threshold has
been determined press the STORE key. Alternatively use the “Store on 2
of 3” function (see Section 3.5.2). The threshold will be recorded and
displayed as shown below.

Page 12 OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual
The operator can then review the results at the end of the test and
record them on an audiogram card, print them with the optional printer
(see Section 3.9), save them to the internal memory (see Section 3.7)
and/or transfer the results to a computer (see Section 3.10).
To review the retained thresholds, select the required frequency using the
Hz keys. The recorded values for the left and right ears are shown
on the lower line of the display, designated L and R respectively.
SIGNAL MASKING
10dBHL 4kHz OFF
[ 20L] [ 10R] THL
This display shows
thresholds at 4kHz
THRESHOLDS
Left ear 20dBHL
Right ear 10dBHL
To clear the Threshold Retention memory, use the Clear Test menu
option described in Section 3.5.2.
Bone Conduction and Uncomfortable Loudness Levels (ULL)
To record and review bone conduction thresholds use the BONE key.
To record uncomfortable loudness levels (ULL) press Softkey 4 with Air
conduction selected. The display will be similar to that shown below, and
ULL thresholds are recorded and reviewed as described above.
SIGNAL MASKING
40dBHL 1kHz OFF
[ 45L] [ 40R] ULL
3.7 Saving audiograms in internal memory
The user may store up to 12 audiograms, referenced by number, in the
internal memory of the audiometer. To save the current set of audiogram
thresholds press the OPTIONS key, press the NEXT key repeatedly until
“Save Audiogram to ” appears on screen. Use the UP key to select a
location numbered 1-12 and then press the SAVE key. Any results for ULL
thresholds or speech testing (see Appendix 1) will also be saved.
Note that the Save process will overwrite any records that exist in the
memory location. Press the QUIT key once confirmation that the
thresholds have been saved appears on the screen.

OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual Page 13
3.8 Loading audiograms from internal memory
Press the OPTIONS key and then press NEXT repeatedly until “Load
Audiogram no ” appears on screen. Select the required audiogram (1-12),
using the UP key and then press the LOAD key. Press the QUIT key once
confirmation that the thresholds have been retrieved appears on screen.
3.9 Printing audiograms
Three designated thermal printers (the Able AP1300 or the Martel
MCP8830 or the Sanibel MP-II) are available as options for use with the
Model 270 audiometer. The correct printer must be selected (use the
MENU options described in Section 3.5.2 to make this selection).
Connect the audiometer to the printer with supplied printer cable (refer
to Section 2.5 of this operating manual for printer set-up). Insert the 6-
pin mini DIN into the DATA socket on the back of the audiometer.
Insert the terminal plug into the socket at the back of the printer. Note
that the printer cables for the Able printer (stock number A105)
and Martel printer (stock number A104) and the Sanibel Printer
(A101) are not compatible.
Ensure the printer is switched on and ready to print.
Load the desired audiogram as described in 3.8; to print the current
audiogram ignore this instruction
Press the PRINT key. On the prompt “Is printer ready?” press the YES
key. The audiogram will then print.
3.10 Data transfer to NOAH or AudiView
To transfer test results stored within the audiometer to a NOAH database the
Amplivox NOAH Audilink software must be installed on to a computer.
Alternatively, Amplivox AudiView allows data to be transferred to a computer
and subsequently viewed, annotated & printed. This software is supplied on a
CD which includes this operating manual.
Refer to the installation & operating instructions provided with NOAH
Audilink or AudiView for further details.

Page 14 OM020-9 Model 270 Operating Manual
4 Suggested Sequence of Operation and Test Procedure
The following applies to air conduction measurements. For illustrative
purposes 5dB steps are used. Refer also to ISO 8253 for guidance.
4.1 Audiometry preparation and ambient conditions
Refer to the various audiometric standards and other relevant publications
for guidance on audiometric testing.
Audiometric testing should always be performed in quiet conditions (e.g. a
quiet room or an acoustic booth). The optional Audiocups can provide an
additional level of isolation from ambient noise. For further explanation on
permissible ambient noise levels, please refer to the audiometry standard
ISO6189.
4.2 Test system arrangement
The schematic diagram below shows a typical example of the use of
audiometric test equipment. The audiometer is located on the desk of a
seated operator as shown.
The patient is seated in front of the desk facing away from the operator.
The patient wears a headset or appropriate transducer (see Section 4.3)
and responds to test stimuli by use of a hand-held switch which is also
connected to the instrument.
4.3 Headset
The headset or appropriate transducer must be fitted by a qualified person
to ensure a proper seal and a comfortable fit. The leads from the headset
are connected to the instrument and the headset is then fitted to the
patient.
Operator
Audiomete
r
Computer (optional)
Patient, wearing
headset
Headset
lead
Response switch &
lead