AmpliVox PC850 User manual

PC850
Operating Manual

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
READ THIS OPERATING MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE INSTRUMENT.
This manual is valid for the PC850 (applies from serial number 24164 and Audibase version 5.5 onwards).
This product is manufactured by:
Amplivox Ltd.
10393 West 70th Street
Eden Prairie
MN 55344
United States
Amplivox Ltd.
3800 Parkside, Solihull Parkway,
Birmingham Business Park,
Birmingham, West Midlands,
B37 7YG
United Kingdom
www.amplivox.com
For all enquiries please contact us under:
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
Tel: [phone]
[email protected]

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1. THANK YOU...........................................................................................................................................................4
1.2. INTENDED APPLICATIONS .........................................................................................................................................4
1.3. CONTRADICTIONS................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4. STANDARD AND OPTIONAL COMPONENTS....................................................................................................................4
1.5. WARNINGS ...........................................................................................................................................................5
2. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION ................................................................................................................................ 6
2.1. OTOSCOPIC EXAMINATION .......................................................................................................................................6
2.2. PRINCIPALS OF PURE TONE AUDIOMETRY ...................................................................................................................6
2.3. AUDIOMETRY PREPARATION .....................................................................................................................................6
3. UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................ 8
3.1. GENERAL..............................................................................................................................................................8
3.2. MARKINGS............................................................................................................................................................8
3.3. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.3.1. General ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.3.2. Cautions –General ................................................................................................................................... 9
3.3.3. Environmental factors ............................................................................................................................ 10
3.3.4. Electrical and electrostatic safety........................................................................................................... 10
3.3.5. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ..................................................................................................... 11
3.3.6. Explosion hazards ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.3.7. Measuring Security ................................................................................................................................. 11
3.3.8. Miscellaneous ......................................................................................................................................... 11
3.3.9. Use of equipment after transport and storage....................................................................................... 12
3.4. CONNECTIONS .....................................................................................................................................................12
4. USING THE PC850 (COMPUTER CONTROLLED)...................................................................................................14
4.1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................14
4.2. SWITCHING THE AUDIOMETER ON AND OFF .............................................................................................................. 14
4.3. USING THE TALKOVER FUNCTION.............................................................................................................................14
4.4. STARTING THE SOFTWARE.......................................................................................................................................14
4.5. AVAILABLE TEST MODES ........................................................................................................................................15
4.5.1. Manual Test............................................................................................................................................ 15
4.5.2. Computer Testing ................................................................................................................................... 16
4.5.3. Békésky Test ........................................................................................................................................... 16
4.5.4. Single Frequency TEst ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.5.5. Mixed Testing ......................................................................................................................................... 16
4.6. INITIATING A TEST VIA COMPUTER ........................................................................................................................... 16
4.7. RUNNING A PREVIOUS TEST TYPE ............................................................................................................................ 17
4.8. MANUAL TESTING................................................................................................................................................18
4.9. COMPUTER TESTING .............................................................................................................................................19
4.10. BÉKÉSKY TEST......................................................................................................................................................20
4.11. SINGLE-FREQUENCY TESTING ..................................................................................................................................20
4.12. MIXED-MODE TESTING..........................................................................................................................................20
5. USING THE PC850 STAND-ALONE ......................................................................................................................22

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
5.1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................22
5.2. SWITCHING THE AUDIOMETER ON AND OFF .............................................................................................................. 22
5.3. AUDIOMETER DISPLAY...........................................................................................................................................22
5.4. AUDIOMETER CONTROLS........................................................................................................................................22
5.4.1. Multifunction Keys.................................................................................................................................. 22
5.4.2. MENU ..................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.3. Description of Function of Other Keys .................................................................................................... 23
5.5. THRESHOLD RETENTION FUNCTION..........................................................................................................................23
5.6. SAVING AUDIOGRAMS IN INTERNAL MEMORY.............................................................................................................24
5.7. LOADING AUDIOGRAMS FROM INTERNAL MEMORY......................................................................................................24
5.8. DATA TRANSFER TO AMPLIVOX AUDIBASE .................................................................................................................24
5.9. SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF OPERATION AND TEST PROCEDURE......................................................................................24
5.9.1. Pre-test ................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.9.2. Familiarisation........................................................................................................................................ 24
5.9.3. Test ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.9.4. Post-test.................................................................................................................................................. 25
6. OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO SET-UP........................................................................................................................26
6.1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................26
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................................................................................................................27
7.1. NO INSTRUMENT CONNECTED ................................................................................................................................ 27
7.2. WRONG PASSWORD .............................................................................................................................................27
7.3. NO RESPONSE FROM PATIENT ................................................................................................................................ 27
7.4. CONTINUAL RESPONSE FROM PATIENT .....................................................................................................................28
7.5. NO RESULTS........................................................................................................................................................28
7.6. ERRORS IN TEST SEQUENCE .................................................................................................................................... 28
7.7. INCONSISTENCY IN 1KHZ REPEAT TEST ..................................................................................................................... 29
7.8. USB LEAD DISCONNECTED.....................................................................................................................................29
7.9. ACCIDENTAL CLOSURE OF PC850 PROGRAM.............................................................................................................30
8. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................................31
8.1. GENERAL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ....................................................................................................................31
8.2. AUDIOMETER MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................................................31
8.3. HEADSET MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................................... 32
8.4. ACCESSORIES/REPLACEMENT PARTS .........................................................................................................................32
8.5. REPAIR...............................................................................................................................................................32
8.6. WARRANTY.........................................................................................................................................................33
8.7. CALIBRATION AND RETURN OF THE INSTRUMENT........................................................................................................33
8.8. GUARANTEE........................................................................................................................................................ 33
9. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................................35
9.1. STANDARDS AND REGULATORY................................................................................................................................ 35
9.2. INPUT/OUTPUT DATA........................................................................................................................................... 35
9.3. PHYSICAL DATA ...................................................................................................................................................35
9.4. EARPHONE SOUND ATTENUATION CHARACTERISTICS ..................................................................................................36
9.5. ENVIRONMENTAL .................................................................................................................................................36
10. EMC GUIDANCE & MANUFACTURER’S DECLARATION...................................................................................37
11. USE WITH NON-MEDICAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................42

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
1.INTRODUCTION
1.1. THANK YOU
Thank you for purchasing the Amplivox PC850 audiometer, an air-conduction screening audiometer that is
designed for use by audiologists and occupational health practitioners. Its primary use is as an automatic
audiometer (interfacing to and launched from the Amplivox Audibase PC software). However it may also be
used as a “standalone” manual audiometer that can save the results of up to 12 tests. These tests may then
be transferred to Audibase at a later stage.
This operating manual applies to the PC850 in combination with Audibase Software Version 5.5. Audibase
allows electronic storage of audiometric test records on a PC, application of audiogram categorisation
schemes, printing of audiograms and data exchange with other PC applications.
The audiometer is not intended for use to determine the full extent and scope of a patient’s hearing deficiency.
1.2. INTENDED APPLICATIONS
This instrument is designed for use by trained personnel only, such as audiologists, ENT surgeons, doctors,
general practitioners, hearing aid dispensers, child health professionals and hearing healthcare professionals
with a similar level of education. It is not recommended to utilize the equipment without the necessary
knowledge and training.
1.3. CONTRADICTIONS
Always visually inspect the outer ear and the external auditory canal for abnormalities before testing. Testing
should not be performed on patients in the following items is applicable.
1. The presence of other sensitivity to loud sounds may contraindicate testing when high intensity stimuli
are used.
2. Recent outer ear surgery.
1.4. STANDARD AND OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
Shipping documentation will reference the stock number quoted above, and images of the parts alongside the
relevant stock number are available on the Amplivox website (www.amplivox.com). The required fitting
instructions are supplied with each part.
STANDARD COMPONENTS
PC850 Audiometer
8510385
Patient Response Switch
8011155
Audiometric headset & leads (DD45)
8509615
Approved mains adapter UES12LCP
8512734
HBA audiometric headband
8010882
Cable USB A to USB B (2.0 m)
8011241
USB stick with Software and
Operating Manuals
Carrying case
8004674
Calibration certificate

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
Audiogram Cards
OTHER COMPONENTS TO REORDER
Audiocups (noise reducing earphone enclosures)
8010855
Headband (standard
headphone)
8010840
Audiocup ear cushion
8010835
Earphone cushion
8010857
Audiocup headband
8507381
Earphones DD45 *
8010876
Audiocup headband cover
8010834
Headset lead
8010822
Booth Leads
851095
Accessories marked * require calibration with the specific audiometer to be used. Do not attempt to
use these accessories until the audiometer has been calibrated to match their characteristics.
Shipping documentation will reference the stock number quoted above, and images of the parts alongside
the relevant stock number are available on the Amplivox website (www.amplivox.com). The required fitting
instructions are supplied with each part.
1.5. WARNINGS
Throughout this manual, the following meanings of warnings and cautions apply:
The WARNING label identifies conditions or practices that may present danger
to the patient and/or user.
The CAUTION label identifies conditions or practices that could result in damage
to the equipment.
WARNING
CAUTION

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
2.PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
2.1. OTOSCOPIC EXAMINATION
A suitably-qualified health care professional should perform a thorough otoscopic examination to establish that
the condition of the ear is suitable for the test options selected and that no contraindications are present. The
latter would include obstruction of the external ear canal due to excessive wax and/or hairs, both of which
would need to be removed. This is required to ensure that the probe tone delivered by the probe are able to
reach the ear drum and are not reflected by cerumen or debris and thereby alter the test result.
2.2. PRINCIPALS OF PURE TONE AUDIOMETRY
Ideally, hearing tests are conducted in a soundproof room. The purpose of pure tone audiometry is to measure
the patient’s hearing threshold which is then compared to the hearing threshold of an average normal hearing
person. The examination starts with air conduction on the ear with better hearing, or if not specified differently,
on the right ear. The BSA (British Society of Audiology) recommends starting the test at 1000 Hz to then next
measure the higher frequencies. When done with the high frequencies 1000 Hz shall be retested and to then
continue with the lower frequencies. When done with the air conduction, the bone conduction is being
assessed.
In cases of unsymmetrical hearing, it might be required to mask the air and bone conduction in order to prevent
hearing the test tone on the opposite ear. This phenomenon is called ‘crossover’ and occurs more often while
testing bone conduction then air conduction.
2.3. AUDIOMETRY PREPARATION
Refer to the various audiometric standards and other relevant publications for guidance on audiometric testing.
Ambient Conditions
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 ISO 6189.
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.
Operator
PC850
Audiometer
Computer (e.g. Tablet/Laptop)
Patient, wearing headset
Headset lead
Response switch & lead

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
The patient is seated in front of the desk facing away from the operator. The patient wears a headset (see
below) and responds to test stimuli by use of a hand-held switch which is also connected to the instrument.
Headset
The headset must be fitted by a qualified person to ensure a proper seal and comfortable fit. The leads from
the headset are connected to the instrument and the headset is then fitted to the patient.
Patient Instructions
The patient is given the following instructions: “Press and then release the response switch when a tone is
heard”.
•In the case of Manual or Computer testing –“As soon as you hear the tone, press and release the
response switch”
•In the case of Bekesy testing –“press and hold the response switch when a series of pulses are heard,
and release when the pulses are no longer heard”

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
3.UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
3.1. GENERAL
Please check the contents of the shipping carton against the delivery note to make sure that all items ordered
have been included. If anything is missing, please contact the distributor who supplied the audiometer or
Amplivox if purchased directly.
Please retain the carton and packaging as the instrument will need calibrating on an annual basis and should
be returned to Amplivox in its original shipping carton.
For supply in US only: Federal Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a licensed medical
professional.
3.2. MARKINGS
The following markings can be found:
Symbol
Explanation
Type B applied parts. According to IEC 60601-1.
Patient applied parts that are not conductive and can be immediately released from the
patient.
Refer to instruction manual.
WEEE (EU-directive)
This symbol indicates that when the end-user wishes to discard this product, it must be
sent to separate collection facilities for recovery and recycling. Failing to do so may
endanger the environment.
The CE-mark indicates that Amplivox Ltd. meets the requirements of Annex II of the
Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC. TÜV Product Service, Identification No. 0123,
has approved the quality system.
Serial number.
Date of manufacture.
Manufacturer.
Keep dry.
Transport and storage humidity range.
CAUTION

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
Transport and storage temperature range.
Logo.
Identifies the control by means of which the instrument is switched on from (or returned
to) a standby condition. A long press to turn enter standby. A short press to wake the
device from standby.
3.3. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3.3.1. GENERAL
The following safety precautions must be observed at all times. General safety precautions must be followed
when operating electrical equipment. Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to the
equipment and injury to the operator or patient.
The employer should instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the
regulations applicable to his or her work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to
illness or injury.
Amplivox Ltd. is aware that safety rules within individual organizations vary. If a conflict exists between the
instructions in this manual and the rules of the organization using this instrument, the more stringent rules
should take precedence.
The PC850 is intended to be used by hearing healthcare professionals (i.e. ENT doctors, audiologists), nurses
or technicians who have been trained in the proper use of the device.
3.3.2. CAUTIONS –GENERAL
If the system is not functioning properly, do not operate it until all necessary repairs are made and the unit is
tested and calibrated for proper functioning in accordance with Amplivox’s specifications.
Do not drop or in any other way cause undue impact to this device. If the instrument is damaged, return it to
the manufacturer for repair and/or calibration. Do not use the instrument if any damage is suspected.
This product and its components will perform reliably only when operated and maintained in accordance with
the instructions contained in this manual, accompanying labels, and/or inserts. A defective product should not
be used. Make sure all connections to external accessories are secured properly. Parts which may be broken
or missing or are visibly worn, distorted, or contaminated should be replaced immediately with clean, genuine
replacement parts manufactured by or available from Amplivox Ltd.
Equipment is not user repairable. Repairs must be performed by an authorized service representative only.
No modifications of the equipment are allowed by anyone other than a qualified Amplivox Ltd. representative.
Modification of the equipment could be hazardous.
CAUTION

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
Amplivox Ltd. will make available on request circuit diagrams, component part lists, descriptions, calibrations
instructions, or other information that will assist authorized service personnel to repair those parts of this
instrument that are designated by Amplivox Ltd. as repairable by service personnel.
No parts of the equipment can be serviced or maintained while in use with the patient.
Connect only accessories purchased from Amplivox Ltd. to the PC850. Only accessories which have been
stated by Amplivox Ltd. to be compatible are allowed to be connected to the device or cradle.
To comply with the standards IEC 60601-1 for safety and IEC 60601-1-2 for electromagnetic compatibility
(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.
The output from the 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.
3.3.3. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Use and store the instrument indoors only. It is recommended that the instrument
be operated within an ambient temperature range of 15 °C / 59 °F to 35 °C / 95 °F
and in relative humidity between 30 % and 90 % (non-condensing).
Do not use the device in the presence of fluid that can come into contact with any of the electronic components
or wiring. Should the user suspect fluids have contacted the system components or accessories, the unit
should not be used until deemed safe by an authorized service technician.
3.3.4. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROSTATIC SAFETY
Before performing any service to the insert earphones you must uncouple the
PC850 transducers from the patient.
Do not touch the contacts on the back of the instrument and the patient at the
same time. The consequence could be a too high leakage current to the patient.
Do not open the case of the instrument. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
This equipment is intended to be connected to other equipment thus forming a Medical Electrical System.
External equipment intended for connection to signal input, signal output or other connectors must comply with
the relevant product standard e.g. IEC 60950-1 for IT equipment and the IEC 60601-series for medical
electrical equipment. In addition, all such combinations –Medical Electrical Systems –must comply with the
safety requirements stated in the general standard IEC 60601-1, (edition 3.1), clause 16. Any equipment not
complying with the leakage current requirements in IEC 60601-1 must be kept outside the patient environment
i.e. at least 1.5m from the patient support or must be supplied via a separation transformer to reduce the
leakage currents. Any person who connects external equipment to signal input, signal output or other
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
connectors has formed a Medical Electrical System and is therefore responsible for the system to comply with
these requirements. If in doubt, contact a qualified medical technician or your local representative. When the
instrument is connected to a PC, or other similar items, beware of not touching the PC and patient
simultaneously.
A Separation Device (isolation device) is needed to isolate the equipment located outside the patient
environment from the equipment located inside the patient environment. In particular such a Separation Device
is required when a network connection is made. The requirement for the Separation Device is defined in IEC
60601-1 clause 16.
Do not use any additional multiple socket-outlet or extension cord. Use only UES12LCP Power Supply.
3.3.5. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC)
Although the instrument fulfills the relevant EMC requirements, precautions
should be taken to avoid unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic fields, e.g.,
from mobile phones, etc. If the device is used adjacent to other equipment it
must be observed that no mutual disturbance appears. Please also refer to the
appendix regarding EMC.
3.3.6. EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Risk of explosion.
Do not use in the presence of flammable anesthetics or other gases.
Do NOT use in the presence of flammable gaseous mixtures. Users should
consider the possibility of explosions or fire when using this device in close
proximity to flammable anesthetic gases.
Do NOT use the PC850 in a highly oxygen-enriched environment, such as a
hyperbaric chamber, oxygen tent, etc.
3.3.7. MEASURING SECURITY
To guarantee that the PC850 works properly, the instrument should be checked and calibrated at least once
a year. The transducers supplied with the audiometer are specifically calibrated with it; if these transducers
are changed recalibration will be required.
The service and calibration must be performed by an authorized service technician. If these checks are not
performed, EU Medical Device Directive (MDD) and other regulations may be violated and warranties may be
void.
The use of non-calibrated devices can lead to incorrect test results and is not advisable.
3.3.8. MISCELLANEOUS
Please note: DO NOT connect the PC850 hardware to the computer before the software has been installed!
Storage in temperatures below 0C /32F and above 50C /122F may cause permanent damage to the
instrument and its accessories.
Do not place the instrument next to a heat source of any kind.
CAUTION
WARNING

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
Great care should be exercised when handling transducers, as rough handling, for example dropping onto a
hard surface may break or damage the parts.
Within the European Union it is illegal to dispose of electrical and electronic waste as unsorted
municipal waste. Electrical and electronic waste may contain hazardous substances and
therefore have to be disposed of separately. Such products will be marked with the crossed-
out wheelie-bin image shown to the left. User cooperation is important in order to ensure a
high level of reuse and recycling of electrical and electronic waste. Failure to recycle such
waste products in an appropriate way may endanger the environment and consequently the
health of human beings.
Outside the European Union, local regulations should be followed when disposing of the product after its end
of life.
3.3.9. USE OF EQUIPMENT AFTER TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
Please make sure that the instrument is functioning correctly before use. If the instrument has been stored in
a cold environment (even for short period of time), please allow the instrument to become acclimatized. This
can take long time depending on the conditions (such as environmental humidity). You can reduce the
condensation by storing the instrument in its original packaging. If the instrument is stored under warmer
conditions than the actual use conditions no special precaution is required before use. Always ensure proper
operation of the instrument by following routine check procedures for audiometric equipment.
3.4. CONNECTIONS
The accessory terminals and connections are labelled to ensure correct identification and connection as
follows:
1
Right
Left
Air conduction headset *
6.3mm jack
6.3mm jack
2
N/A
Reserved port; Amplivox diagnostic use
only
6 pin mini DIN
3
USB
Computer (via USB port)
USB Connector, Type B
4
N/A
Reserved port; Amplivox diagnostic use
only
6 pin mini DIN
5
Power
Mains AC/DC Adapter
2.5mm power jack
6
Response
Patient Respone Switch *
6.3mm jack
7
Power Switch
On / Off Switch
6
1
2
3 4 5
7

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
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 Amplivox PC850
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
2.
Please note: 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 Amplivox PC850 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.

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4.USING THE PC850 (COMPUTER CONTROLLED)
4.1. GENERAL
Please note: Before the PC850 can be used as an automatic audiometer, the operating software and the
Audibase application must be installed and registered on the connected PC. Refer to the relevant section of
the Audibase operating manual for details of this operation.
On start-up the display will show the following default setting:
SIGNAL dBHL FREQUENCY Hz
30dB 1kHz
< > < >
This indicates that the audiometer is now ready to be used for automatic testing which is initiated by Audibase
and controlled by the PC850 software.
4.2. SWITCHING THE AUDIOMETER ON AND OFF
Press and briefly hold the switch marked (located on the back panel). No warm-up time is required. The
display will briefly show the model and the type of headphone currently in use. To switch off, press the switch
marked again, or press and hold the MENU key followed by the YES (RIGHT) key and then release both.
4.3. USING THE TALKOVER FUNCTION
If the TALKOVER key is pressed while an automatic test is in progress the test will be paused with a dialogue
box displayed as below.
After any necessary instruction is given to the patient and the TALKOVER key is released, the operator can
choose to stop the test (“Abort”), retry the frequency that was being tested when the TALKOVER key was
pressed (“Retry”), or skip the frequency that was being tested and move on to the next frequency (“Ignore”).
4.4. STARTING THE SOFTWARE
Please note: Before starting an automatic test it is important to clear any current test readings from the
audiometer (typically these would be retained thresholds from a previous manual test). If this is not done then
dealing with any error conditions could become problematic.
Start the Audibase application, and with reference to the user manual either establish a new a patient, or
access and display details of an existing patient.

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
Use the left mouse button to click on the Launch Test icon in the Audibase toolbar.
Alternatively use the “Test > Launch Test” drop-down menu selection at the top of the Audibase window.
A new window will open for the PC850 software. If the patient has more than one set of audiometric results
stored in Audibase the most recent audiogram is transferred and displayed in the PC850 window.
The test type last used is remembered; if this was a manual test the procedures may be followed; if this was
an automatic test the following dialogue box will be displayed:
4.5. AVAILABLE TEST MODES
4.5.1. MANUAL TEST
While not strictly an “automatic” test, this allows the operator to use the PC850 software to transfer to
Audibase the results of a previous manual test. These could be either the “retained thresholds” (see Section
5.3) or the thresholds stored in one of the internal memory locations of the audiometer (see Section 5.4). The
audiometric data is transferred to Audibase in the same way as that for an automatic test.

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4.5.2. COMPUTER TESTING
This is a method of automatic audiometry based on the Hughson and Westlake method and undertaken
automatically by the instrument. The level is increased in 5dB steps until a response is obtained from the
patient and decreased in 10 dB steps until no response occurs. The process is repeated until, depending
upon the criteria selected for recording a threshold (see Section 4.4), the instrument will record a threshold at
that particular frequency. The PC850 then continues to the next test frequency and so on to complete the
test on both ears. When completed the test data is transferred to Audibase.
4.5.3. BÉKÉSKY TEST
This is a method of automatic audiometry devised by Von Bekesy (1947) using pure tone stimuli to track
auditory thresholds.
This application is known as discrete frequency Bekesy testing and the principle behind the test is that the
patient adjusts the presented level according to his hearing threshold. The decibel level decreases when the
patient presses the response switch upon hearing the presented tone. Conversely when the patient can no
longer hear the presented tone, he will release the response switch therefore allowing the level to increase
until the presented tone is heard again. The level changes are in 2.5dB steps.
When a number of these "peaks" and "valleys" have been consistently performed, the PC850 will calculate
an average to the nearest dB and display this as the hearing threshold for that particular frequency. The
PC850 then continues to the next test frequency and so on to complete the test on both ears.
4.5.4. SINGLE FREQUENCY TEST
The PC850 provides the facility to repeat a test at a specified single frequency and add the results into the
overall audiogram result. This feature is useful for situations where one particular frequency has proved
problematic.
4.5.5. MIXED TESTING
This allows manual testing of any frequencies when an automatic test has been unable to determine a
threshold. The combined results are then transferred to Audibase.
4.6. INITIATING A TEST VIA COMPUTER
Start the Audibase application, and with reference to the user manual either establish a new a patient, or
access and display details of an existing patient.
Use the left mouse button to click on the Launch Test icon in the Audibase toolbar.
Alternatively use the “Test > Launch Test” drop-down menu selection at the top of the Audibase window.
A new window will open for the PC850 software. If the patient has more than one set of audiometric results
stored in Audibase the most recent audiogram is transferred and displayed in the PC850 window.
The serial number and calibration date of the connected PC850 audiometer is shown at the bottom right of
the PC850 window along with the test type currently selected.
The test type last used is remembered; if this was a manual test the procedures described in Section 4.4
may be followed; if this was an automatic test the following dialogue box will be displayed:

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
To run the same automatic test using the same options (as last used) simply click the “Start test” button and
the test will commence (refer to Section 4.5).
If a manual test is required, or if the test options are to be modified, click the “Modify” button which will close
the dialogue box. Refer to Sections 4.4 to 4.7 and Section 5 as appropriate for additional guidance.
4.7. RUNNING A PREVIOUS TEST TYPE
To run the same type of test with the same options as previously used simply click “Yes” and the test will
commence as previously run (refer to Sections 4.3.5 to 4.3.9). The “Run selected test” icon will change the
following icon:
Assuming that an automatic test is in use, the serial number of the connected audiometer is shown at the
bottom right of the PC850 window and the status message “Running test” is displayed at the bottom left.
Additionally, the message “Linked” is shown on the display of the audiometer.
To view the traces of the presented tones select the “Show test detail” icon .
Alternatively use the “View > Detail” drop-down menu option.
To view the audiogram thresholds select the “Show Audiogram” icon .
Alternatively use the “View > Audiogram” drop-down menu option.
If thresholds are established at all of the selected test frequencies, the automatic test will finish with the
following dialogue box displayed:
Click “CONTINUE” to keep the PC850 program window open; this allows the user to perform further testing if
required - for example to repeat a threshold at a particular frequency.
Click “ACCEPT” to exit the PC850 program and transfer the complete test thresholds to Audibase.
Please note: When transferring thresholds to Audibase, remember to “save” the data in Audibase to
store it in the database (refer to the Audibase operating manual). If the data is not to be stored then the “Edit
> Cancel Insert/Edit” menu option in Audibase is used to discard it, or click the cancel insert/edit button on the
Audibase toolbar .

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D-0116493-B (OM015) –PC850 Operating Manual
When data is saved in Audibase a further dialogue box appears similar to that shown below. This displays the
hearing level categorisation and provides an opportunity for the operator to enter a recall period for the patient.
Enter the appropriate recall period from the drop-down options and click on “OK” to confirm saving of the data.
Clicking on “Cancel” will cancel the save operation and discard the data.
Users should remain aware that it is possible to modify audiometric test results transferred into Audibase as
long as they have not been saved. Refer to the Audibase manual for details.
4.8. MANUAL TESTING
This assumes that a set of audiometric thresholds has already been established by using the audiometer in
manual test mode.
Click the “Select upload manual test” icon (the icon will then be highlighted) .
Alternatively use the “Test > Manual” drop-down menu selection at the top of the PC850 window.
To transfer a set of manual thresholds to Audibase click the “Run selected test” icon and confirm the
operation by clicking “Yes” in the Run Test dialogue box. A further dialogue box will open.
This allows either the “Current readings” (i.e. the retained thresholds) or the thresholds stored in one of the
audiometer’s internal memory locations to be transferred to Audibase. To select an internal memory location
un-check the “Current readings” box and enter the required memory location (numbers 1 to 12).
Click on OK, and the selected data will be transferred to Audibase when the PC850 window is closed.
Remember to “save” the data in Audibase to retain it in the database (refer to the Audibase operating manual).
Note that the manual test method described above will transfer only thresholds stored in the audiometer. The
results of any (partial) automatic test will be discarded. Thus, if an automatic test has been completed but with
errors, the “Mixed Test” mode should be used to insert manual readings into the incomplete automatic test.

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4.9. COMPUTER TESTING
Click the Computer test button (the button will then be highlighted)
Alternatively use the “Test > Computer” drop-down menu selection at the top of the PC850 window. A screen
similar to that shown is displayed but with the “Present” icon and cursor removed.
To run a full Computer test on both ears simply click the “Run selected test” button.
Alternatively use the “Test” drop-down menu option to select either a full test or a restricted test (for example,
limited to a single ear).
The Computer test will run according to the test options selected with the test status indicated at the bottom
left of the PC850 window. The “Present” icon will re-appear and indicate when tones are presented, and the
“Response” icon will change to light green when a patient response is made.
To view the traces of the presented tones select the “Show test detail” button:
Alternatively use the “View > Detail” drop-down menu option.
To view the audiogram thresholds select the “Show Audiogram” button:
Alternatively use the “View > Audiogram” drop-down menu option.
The order of frequencies tested, assuming that all frequencies are selected, are 1kHz, 1.5kHz, 2kHz, 3kHz,
4kHz, 6kHz, 8kHz, 500Hz and 250Hz.
The time available for the patient to respond is from the point the tone is presented to the beginning of the next
presented tone (approximately 2.3 seconds maximum). If a response is made within this time period a random
delay is then added to the time until the next tone is presented.
Once the test has been completed successfully the following dialogue box will be displayed:
If the test has not been completed successfully the following dialogue box will be displayed: