Maico Detective FAQ

 Lipin/Dietz Associates, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions: Detective Audiometer

 Q:      How is the Detective different from the audiometer that I already own?

        A:      As an automatic audiometer, the Detective’s pure tone test runs on its own - saving time and the need for constantly working with the dials. However, manual testing is also an option. This audiometer also includes voice prompts that give patients a message at the beginning of the test and if they miscue during the test. You can see the messages on the LCD screen as they are given to the patient. Voice prompts are in English or Spanish.

   Q:      How is the Detective different from the Pilot audiometer?

        A:      The Detective does not include Select Picture Audiometry (speech reception testing) like the Pilot. Both units provide pure tone screening, however you can choose whether to run a manual or automatic test with the Detective.

   Q:      What are the voice prompts for?

        A:      The voice prompts for the Detective audiometer help the test run quickly and smoothly. They are automatically activated when you start the test. The patient hears the prompts through the headset, for example: “Listen carefully and make sure you hear the tone. Then quickly press and release the hand button.” This can save you time if the patient needs extra help understanding how to take the test.

   Q:      My school has many Spanish-speaking students; do the voice prompts come in Spanish?

A:       Yes. The Detective includes both English and Spanish voice prompts. When beginning a test, you can choose the language for the prompts.

   Q:      Is the test CPT code reimbursable?

        A:      Yes. Pure tone threshold audiometry is reimbursable with CPT code 92552. While the reimbursement amounts vary by state and by carrier, the national average per test is $16.00 for pure tone threshold.

   Q:     Is the Detective audiometer a tympanometer?

        A:      No. A Tympanometer will confirm the "wellness" of the tympanic membrane but will not confirm if the child has any associated hearing loss. Also, a child may have a normal tympanogram and still have hearing loss.

   Q:      What test levels does the Dective include?

A:       The pure tone decibel levels range from -10 dBHL to 100 dBHL in 5 dB steps.

   Q:      What frequency range does the Detective include?

A:       Test frequencies for pure tone audiometry include 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz.

   Q:      How many tests can I store?

A:       The Detective can store up to 300 audiograms.

Q:      I need to perform a specific set of test frequencies; can the Detective tests be customized?

A:       Yes. This unit can be programmed for a threshold test (i.e., Hughson-Westlake) or as an easy screening protocol (i.e., 20 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, 4kHz).  You can also select your own test frequencies for custom screening which will also be reflected on the printout.

   Q:      Does the Detective Audiometer come with a printer?

A:       Yes. A thermal printer is one of the Detective’s standard accessories. It connects to the audiometer using one cable and is plugged in with an AC adaptor.

 Q:     Is the Detective portable?

        A:      Yes. The system weighs about 5 lbs (9 lbs with printer). You can also purchase the optional soft-sided carrying case which holds the unit and accessories as well as the standard printer.

[ Home ] [ Up ]