Tremetrics RA500

Advanced Microprocessor Audiometer

Operation Manual - Lipin/Dietz Associates, Inc.

P/N 78460

Revision M
January 1999

Information disclosed herein may not be reproduced in any

form without the express permission of TREMETRICS
Copyright © 1994, 1999 TREMETRICS
 Standard Warranty
Tremetrics "Seller", warrants the goods sold will conform with all pertinent specifications including performance
specifications, drawings and approved samples, as furnished.

Seller also warrants said goods to free of defective materials and workmanship.

This warranty is in lieu of all warranties, express or implied. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT
SAID GOODS ARE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NOR ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE
MERCHANTABILITY OR QUALITY OF GOODS SOLD EXCEPT AS HEREIN STATED.

All claims for alleged defects of goods under this warranty shall be deemed waived unless made in writing and deliv-
ered to Seller within twelve (12) months after date of shipment, unless otherwise specified hereinbelow, and on any
such claims, Seller has the option of inspecting the goods claimed defective at the Buyer's place of business or
having them returned to Seller for inspection.

Instrument parts which have been repaired or replaced during the warranty period are themselves warranted only for
the remaining unexpired portion of the original warranty.

This warranty shall not apply where goods have been subject to misuse, neglect, accident or improper application or
have been repaired or substantially altered by others, nor does this warranty apply to items consumed in the ordinary
course of use of the goods, such as, but not limited to, fuses or batteries. This warranty shall not apply to calibration
of the earphone transducers, which is subject to change through normal use.

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES,

EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Transportation charges covering returned goods will be borne by Buyer. No returns will be accepted unless autho-
rized by Seller.

SELLER'S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO SELLER'S STATED SELLING PRICE PER UNIT OF
ANY DEFECTIVE GOODS AND SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE BUYER'S MANUFACTURING
COST, LOST PROFITS, GOOD WILL OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Seller may, at its discretion, repair with new or factory refurbished parts, replace, or give Buyer credit for,
such defective items.

DAMAGE LIMITATIONS: NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING ELSE TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN,

SELLER'S LIABILITY, (WHETHER BY REASON OF BREACH OF WARRANTY, BREACH OF CON-
TRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE AND IRRESPECTIVE OF SELLER'S NEGLIGENCE) SHALL IN NO
EVENT EXCEED THE PAYMENT, IF ANY RECEIVED BY SELLER FOR THE PRODUCT OR PART
FURNISHED OR TO BE FURNISHES, AS THE CASE MAY BE, WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THE
CLAIM OR DISPUTE.

Items produced by third party manufacturers shall carry that warranty proved to Seller by said third party
manufacturers. Such warranty shall be passed by Seller to the Buyer.

CHOICE OF LAWS: THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
TEXAS, WITH VENUE OF LITIGATION IN AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS.

Tremetrics (Effective April 1, 1994) 78186-0004 Rev J.

 Screening Audiometer
This pure tone air conduction Audiometer manufactured by TREMETRICS was designed primarily for use
in determining hearing threshold levels in comparison with standard reference threshold levels. The
Audiometer is a screening device that if properly operated, maintained, and calibrated will allow the
operator to screen subjects for shifts in hearing acuity. The Audiometer is used to record the subject’s
current threshold, which may be affected from day to day by noise exposure, colds, sinus infections, or
other problems.

Testing, as referred to in this manual, is the screening procedure used to establish thresholds (hearing
levels) and is in no way trying to diagnose, monitor, or treat any medical problem, disease or injury. If a
problem is suspected, the subject should be referred to an audiologist or medical doctor for evaluation.

The audiograms obtained from this screening procedure provide a way for records to be maintained for the
subject and for the company where the subject works, in order that an audiologist or medical doctor may
more fully evaluate and prevent major hearing problems.

To guarantee accuracy, each audiometer must be recalibrated at least once each year and receive an
exhaustive calibration every two years. Daily biological tests through the use of an Electro-Acoustic Ear
(for daily comparisons to acoustic ear baseline obtained at time of calibration) and the operator listening to
each frequency and verifying the attenuator operation insures accuracy and purity of the audiometer tones.

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 Table of Contents
Section Description Page #
Section I Introducing the RA500 1-1
Section II How to Customize Your RA500 2-1
2- 1 Option 1 - Enter Date 2-3
2- 2 Option 2 - Enter Time 2-3
2- 3 Option 3 - Company Time 2-3
2- 4 Option 4 - Select/Delete Questions 2-4
2- 5 Option 5 - Enter Questions 2-4
2- 6 Option 6 - Set Baud Rate 2-5
2- 7 Option 7 - Select/Delete Frequencies 2-5
2- 8 Option 8 - Select PBI Calculations 2-5
2- 9 Option 9 - Set Beep Tone Level 2-6
2- 10 Option 10 - Select Pulse/Continuous 2-6
2- 11 Option 11 - Select Beep Response for Keyboard 2-6
2- 12 Option 12 - Select Top Test Level 2-6
2- 13 Option 13 - Select Bottom Test Level 2-7
2- 14 Option 14 - Select Beep at Test Complete 2-7
2- 15 Option 15 - Enter Password for Security 2-7
2- 16 Option 16 - Select Bar Graph Print of Audiogram 2-8
2- 17 Option 17 - Select Raw Data Dump to Print 2-8
2- 18 Option 18 - Set Default System Configuration 2-9
2- 19 Option 19 - Select Audio Print at Test Complete 2-9
2- 20 Option 20 - Set Talk-Over Output Level 2-9
2- 21 Option 21 - Select Test the Right Ear First 2-9
2- 22 Option 22 - Enter Communications Password 2-9
2- 23 Option 23 - Enter Communication User ID 2-10
2- 24 Option 24 - Enter Communication Phone Number 2-10
2- 25 Option 25 - Enter Auto-Transmit Time 2-10
2- 26 Option 26 - Communication Monitor Mode 2-11
2- 27 Option 27 - Select STS/Categorization 2-11
2- 28 Option 28 - Select Quick Screen Mode 2-12
2- 29 Option 29 - Set Maximum Failed Frequencies 2-13
2- 30 Option 30 - Select Auto Tag in Store Test 2-14
2- 31 Option 31 - Select Tagged Transfer Data 2-14
2- 32 Option 32 - Enable/Disable Adaptive Mode 2-14
2- 33 Option 33 - Select Flow Gemini Comm Mode 2-15
Section III Explanation of Custom Specials in Your RA500 3-1
3- 1 Special 01 - Calibration Mode 3-1
3- 2 Special 02 - Clear and Reset Entered Questions 3-1
3- 3 Special 03 - Printer Test 3-1
3- 4 Special 04 - Serial Port Test 3-1,
3- 5 Special 05 - Delete Data From Storage Menu 3-2
3- 6 Special 06 - Accelerated Listening Check 3-3
3- 7 Special 07 - Change Test Type 3-3
3- 8 Special 08 - Recall Test From Storage 3-4
3- 9 Special 09 - Display Storage Memory Remaining 3-4
3- 10 Special 10 - EPROM Error Test 3-5
3- 11 Special 11 - RAM Error Test 3-5
Section Description Page #
3- 12 Special 12 - Keyboard Test 3-5
3- 13 Special 13 - Enter/Store Multiple Baselines 3-5
3- 14 Special 14 - Tag Records for Transfer 3-7
Section IV What Are the Functions of the Keys on my RA500 Keyboard.... and What Do 4-1
They Do
4- 1 Group 1 - Supplemental Keys 4-1
4- 2 Group 2 - Function Keys 4-4
4- 3 Group 3 - Print Keys 4-5
4- 4 01 - Print Patient IDs For All Records 4-5
4- 5 02 - Print Test IDs For All Records 4-5
4- 6 03 - Print Patient IDs For All BL Records 4-5
4- 7 04 - Print Patient IDs For All Non BL Records 4-5
4- 8 05 - Print All Test IDs For a Patient ID 4-5
4- 9 06 - Print Bar Graph of Current Audiograms 4-6
4- 10 07 - Print Raw Data For Current Audiograms 4-6
4- 11 08 - Print Unit Configuration 4-6
4- 12 Group 4 - Command Keys 4-6
4- 13 Group 5 - The Number Keys 4-7
Section V How to Conduct an Automatic Audiometric Test with Your RA500 5-1
5- 1 How to Do a Manual Test with Your RA500 5-4
5- 2 How to Do an Audiometric Test in the Semi-Automatic Mode 5-5
Section VI Loading Paper in Your RA500 6-1
Section VII Error Codes 7-1, 7-2
Section VIII Factory Default System Configuration 8-1
Section IX Interfacing to PC 9-1 - 9- 3
Section X Operation with Tremetrics AR9S Soundroom 10-1
Section XI What to Do If Something Goes Wrong 11-1
 Introducting the RA500 sophisticated instrument that is surprisingly easy
Section I to use. To take full advantage of its power and
flexibility, you have to know how to customize its
Congratulations! You are the new owner of the features to your personal requirements. By doing
advanced microprocessor screening audiometer - the this once (or any time you want to change your
RA500 or the RA500 Plus. For purposes of set-up) you will be able to understand how to
receive the maximum benefits from your
simplicity, both audiometers types will be referred to
instrument.
as the RA500. The RA500 Plus differences will be
marked with +++.
However, we realize that some of you may want to
jump right in and start to use your new
Building upon the successful track record of its
audiometer. If that's the case, go to Section V for
predecessor, the RA400, your new unit possesses
an explanation on how to perform an audiometric
many new and unique features. The following is a list
test. If you wish, you can customize your
of some of the new features:
instrument later by following the appropriate
sections of this manual, in order.
A. Easy to read liquid crystal module screen.
B. High quality graphics and quiet text printer.
One last note, there is no substitute in learning how to
C. Alpha numeric keyboard for custom entry of
use the RA500 than to simply - use it! The more you
patient questions.
use your RA500, the more proficient you will
D. Download/upload audiogram transfer
become. Few people become proficient using
capability.
sophisticated instruments by just reading the manual.
E. Customization of many testing functions.
You can certainly use the manual for reference, and
F. Memory/Storage for up to 400 audiograms.
we encourage you to do so if needed. However,
(+++ 1200 for the RA500 Plus)
simply using your RA500 is the best tutorial you
G. Automatic baseline retrieval.
have.
H. Multiple baseline entry and storage.
I. Printout of unit configuration.
Let's go to Section II and take a look at how you can
custom tailor your new RA500 audiometer to your
This instruction manual is divided into several parts.
needs.
It is written to allow you to set up your RA500 and
use it in as short as time as possible. The sections
NOTE: The RA500 requires power connection to
are:
either 120 volts AC +/- 10%, 60 Hz or 240 volts AC
+/ - 10%, 50 Hz. The power receptacle and power
Section I Introducing the RA500
cord should be marked "Hospital Grade", or
Section II Customizing Your Audiometer
"Hospital Grade Only" to comply with safety
Section III Explanation of Custom "Specials"
regulations. The handswitch and earphones should
in the RA500
be firmly seated into the indicated jacks on the rear
Section IV Functions of Keyboard Keys panel of the audiometer. Be sure that the serial
Section V How to Conduct an Automatic number of your earphones matches that of the
Audiometric Test audiometer.
Section VI Loading Paper in Your RA500
Section VII Explanation of Error Codes
Section VIII Factory Default System
Configuration
Section IX Interfacing to PC
Section X Operation with Tremetrics AR9S
Soundroom
Section XI What to Do If Something Goes
Wrong

You will probably notice that "The Running of a

Test" section appears late in the manual. This is
done for several reasons. The RA500 is a highly

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 How to Customize Your RA500 Since you are not ready to test yet (remember we are
Section II going to "set-up" and initialize the RA500 first) we
will ignore this display for right now. Look for the
The technical sophistication of your RA500 will key marked [SET UP] in the upper left corner under
allow you to uniquely customize its features and tests. the [A] key. Press it, and you should see the set-up
It also allows you to have features that formerly screen as shown below:
required custom factory programming -- at no
additional cost. And remember, once you have been 06/12/98 10:50:49
through the custom initialization, your requirements
are permanently saved even when the unit is turned SET UP MENU
off.
01 Enter Date
Let's get started. Turn your RA500 on from the 02 Enter Time
switch at the back panel. After a couple of seconds 03 Enter Company Name
your screen should look like this. 04 Select/Delete Questions
05 Enter Questions
06 Set Baud Rate
6/12/98 10:49:01
07 Select/Delete Frequency
TREMETRICS RA500
08 Select PBI Calculation
Copyright TREMETRICS Inc. Austin, TX
09 Set Beeper Tone Level
© 1988, 89, 90, 91, 97, 98, 99 All right reserved
Press F1 for next page or ENTER to exit
Serial Number 08972110
Enter selection
Software Rev. 2.21-990105

Calibration Date 08/19/98

Calibration Tech Jones
Calibration Company TREMETRICS

Press any key to continue Figure 2-3 "SET-UP" Menu

The set-up functions on the first page are:

Figure 2-1 RA500 Turn-On Display Screen 1. Enter Date

2. Enter Time
You will notice at the bottom, it says "PRESS ANY 3. Enter Company Name
KEY TO CONTINUE". After you have done this, 4. Select/Delete Questions
the RA500 test screen will be displayed. It should 5. Enter Questions
look like this. 6. Set Baud Rate
7. Select/Delete Frequency
06/12/98 10:49:01 8. Select PBI Calculation
9. Set Beeper Tone Level
Left Ear Right Ear
1KT AA 1KT AA
500 AA 500 AA You will notice the message at the bottom that says:
1K AA 1K AA "PRESS F1 FOR NEXT PAGE""
2K AA 2K AA
3K AA 3K AA Go ahead and press [F1] to continue.
4K AA 4K AA
6K AA 6K AA
8K AA 8K AA
PAUSED

Figure 2-2 RA500 Main Test Screen

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 06/12/98 10:52:03 19. Select Audio Print at Test Complete
20. Set Talk-Over Output Level
SET UP MENU 21. Select Test the Right Ear First
22. Enter Communication Password
10 Select Pulse/Continuous Tone 23. Enter Communication User ID
11 Select Beep Response for Keyboard 24. Enter Communication Phone Number
12 Select Top Test Level 25. Enter Auto-Transmit Time
13 Select Bottom Test Level 26. Communication Monitor Mode
14 Select Beep at Test Complete 27. Select STS/Categorization
15 Enter Passwords for Security
16 Select Bar Graph Print of Audiogram From here, press [F1] again and you will see the
17 Select Raw Data Dump to Print remaining options.
18 Select Default System Configuration

Press F1 for next page or ENTER to exit 06/12/98 11:02:00

Enter Selection
SET UP MENU

28 Select Screening Mode

Figure 2-4 Second Page of Set-Up Menu
29 Set Max Failed Frequencies
30 Select Auto Tag on Store Test
The set-up items on page 2 are:
31 Select Tagged Data Transfer
32 Enable/Disable Adaptive Mode
10. Select Pulse/Continuous Tone
33 Select Flow Gemini Comm Mode
11. Select Beep Response for Keyboard
34
12. Select Top Test Level
35
13. Select Bottom Test Level
36
14. Select Beep at Test Complete
15. Enter Passwords for Security Press F1 for next page or ENTER to exit
16. Select Bar Graph Print of Audiogram Enter selection
17. Select Raw Data Dump to Print
18. Select Default System Configuration
Figure 2-5A Fourth Page of Set-Up Menu
From here, press [F1] again and you will see
additional options. 28. Select Screening Mode
29. Set Max Failed Frequencies
06/12/98 11:01:05 30. Select Auto Tag on Store Test
31. Select Tagged Data Transfer
SET UP MENU 32. Enable/Disable Adaptive Mode
33. Select Flow Gemini Comm Mode
19 Select Audio Print at Test Complete
20 Set Talk-Over Output Level Now that you know what your initial set-up options
21 Select Test the Right Ear First are, we'll go through them one by one and initialize
22 Enter Communication Password your RA500.
23 Enter Communication User ID
24 Enter Communication Phone Number In each set-up option, you must remember to press the
25 Enter Auto-Transmit Time numeric key to reach that particular option. For
26 Communication Monitor Mode example, if you are in the set-up menu display
27 Select STS/Categorization (Figure 2-3, 2-4 or 2-5), and you want to change PBI
calculations (option 08) press [0], [8] and [ENTER].
Press F1 for next page or ENTER to exit You do not need to be in any particular set-up
Enter selection menu page to reach any particular option. For
example, if you are in set-up menu display #2 (see
Figure 2-4) and you want to go to option #3
Figure 2-5 Third Page of Set-Up (company name) -- simply press [0], [3] and

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[ENTER]. You will reach the option without being time is correct, press [ENTER] to go back to the main
on the page listing that option. Remember, press the set-up menu. You will notice that you now have the
set-up menu number (both numbers if nine or below, correct date and time displayed at the very top of the
i.e. [0], [9] or [0], [4] and [ENTER] to reach that set- screen.
up option.
2-3 OPTION 3 - Company Name
2-1 OPTION 1 - Enter Date
6/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:16:05
06/12/98 11:14:02

Enter company name

Enter Date
Press ENTER to exit
Press ENTER to exit

Figure 2-8 Enter Company Name

Figure 2-6 Enter Date
In the past, if you ever wanted to customize your
Press [0] and [1] and [Enter] to reach the Enter Date audiometer with your company name, it required
menu, then enter the date as directed. It is not custom programming (and additional cost) by the
necessary to put in the "/" marks; they are entered factory. No longer! With your new RA500, you can
automatically. Press the number keys and you will enter any name or number up to 16 characters. The
see the numbers displayed on the screen in the spaces company name will appear at the initial turn-on
provided. One thing to remember -- it does not take a screen, test screen and on your printout!
lot of pressure to make the key switch contact. From
the "tactile feel" of the keyboard, you will feel the Entering the company name on your RA500 will
contact being made. involve a brief explanation of how to use the alpha
(or letter) keys on the keyboard.
Let's say you wanted to enter 4/21/98. You press [0],
[4], [2], [3], [9], [8] (oops!). You want 4-21, not 4- Press [0], [3] and [ENTER] to reach the Company
23. Do you see the [CLEAR] key on the far upper Name Menu. To enter your company name, just
right corner? Each press will backspace and erase press the letter keys on the keyboard. You will see
whatever is in its path. You can also use the shift key each letter entered on the display as the key is
(that means press the [SHIFT] key and hold it down) pressed. Remember, if you make a mistake, use the
while you press the [ ] key. This will backspace [CLEAR] key to go back and correct the error, or
without erasing. When you have the correct date in use the [SHIFT] and [ ] key to go back without
the space provided, press the [ENTER] key at the erasing your existing title. Press [ENTER] to exit.
lower right hand corner of the keyboard. The correct
date will be set and you will find yourself back at the
set-up window.

2-2 OPTION 2- Enter Time

06/12/98 11:15:25

Enter Time

Press ENTER to exit

Figure 2-7 Enter Time

Press [0], [2] and [ENTER] to reach the Enter Time

menu. Entering the correct time is just a matter of
pressing the appropriate number keys. When your

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 2-4 OPTION 4 - Select/Delete Questions automatically calculate answers (such as
Presbycusis).
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:17:04
Press [0], [5] and [ENTER] to reach the Enter
Question menu. The first thing to do is enter the
Select/Delete Questions
question to be asked. Use the letter, or alpha keys
from the left four groups on the keyboard. Letters are
Question #01 Selected
positioned in the upper left part of the keyboard.
Patients last name? Last Name
Let's enter the question -- "Job Type?", as in the
example in Figure 2-10. Just type the following -- [J],
Press F1 to select or F2 to delete
[O], [B] [SHIFT/SPACE] (this means you press the
Press ENTER to continue to next question
shift key and hold it down while pressing the space
Press F3 to exit
key), [T], [Y], [P], [E], [SHIFT/"?"], (again to type
Figure 2-9 Select/Delete Questions the question mark, you press the [SHIFT] key and
hold it down while you press the [?] key). You have
Press [0], [4] and [ENTER] to reach the Select/Delete shifted this key to enable the question mark to be
questions menu This set-up option allows you to printed.
select or delete any questions previously entered in
your RA500. Just follow the screen prompts and Once you have typed the question, press the
press [F1] or [F2] key to enable or disable when [ENTER] key. You will notice that the screen now
asked about a particular question. You can press the displays the following:
F3 key at any time to return to the main set-up
window.
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:17:59
Once you have either selected or deleted the
Enter Questions
questions, they will stay permanently in memory until
you change them.
Question #05
JOB TYPE?
You can delete the questions from your data entry
routine and restore them later. Just go back to option
A solid block indicates the end of the message.
#4, go through each display and re-enable your
Enter the printer label for the answer
deleted questions.
Press ENTER to continue
2-5 OPTION 5 - Enter Questions

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:17:35

Figure 2-11 Question - Printer Label
Enter Questions
Did you notice your screen changed? The line that
Question #05 formerly read, "Enter the question to be asked" now
Job Type? Job Type: reads "Enter the printer label for the answer". What
you type in for the printer label answer will be printed
A solid block indicates the end of the message. on your audiogram printout if you have entered and
Enter the question to be asked selected this question. The first entry you made "JOB
TYPE?" is what you will see when you go to the Data
Press ENTER to continue Entry Mode to answer your questions. The second
entry i.e., "WHAT'S MY JOB? _ _ _ _ _ _ _" will be
Figure 2-10 Enter Questions printed as a question on the tape.

You can enter patient questions and program the All selected questions can be accessed and answered
desired space for their answers with option # 05. You by pressing the data entry key and following the
will note that this option starts with question #05. screen instructions. See Section V, Paragraph
That is because there are four questions that are entitled Data Entry for how to answer questions.
programmed at the factory. They are required to

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 2-6 OPTION 6 - Set Baud Rate Press [0], [7] and [ENTER] to reach the Select/Delete
Frequencies menu. You can select or delete any
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:18:45 frequency from 500 Hz to 8000 Hz by following the
screen prompts. Simply press the [F1] key to select
Set Baud Rate or delete any frequency. You will notice that you can
see which ones you're selecting and deleting by
1 = 300 baud A = Port 1 looking at the screen in Figure 2-13. The arrow
2 = 1200 baud B = Port 2 cursor will go to next frequency each time the
3 = 2400 baud frequency is either selected or deleted. After
4 = 4800 baud Port 1 = 4800 baud selecting or deleting each frequency the screen will
5 = 9600 baud Port 2 = 4800 baud automatically return to the set-up menu display.
6 = 19,200 baud
2-8 OPTION 8 - Select PBI Calculations
Enter Port
Press ENTER to exit 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:32:43
Figure 2-12 Set Baud Rate
0 No calculation
Press [0], [6] and [ENTER] to reach the Set Baud 1 AAO (1979)
Rate menu. The desired baud rate for transfer to a 2 AAO (1965)
computer is entered here. You can select from 300 - 3 AMA (1967)
19,200 baud. 4 CHABA
5 New York
You must first select which serial port (port 1 or port 6 Illinois
2) you want to configure. First press either the [A] or 7 Wisconsin
[B] key to select one of the two serial ports. If you 8 RSA
press [A], you will notice the display change. The
phrase, "Enter Baud Rate" is displayed under the Enter selection
"Enter Port", press the number key that applies to the
baud rate you want. Repeat the process for selecting
your second serial port baud rate. Press [ENTER] to Figure 2-14 Select PBI Calculations
exit.
Press [0], [8] and [ENTER] to reach the Select PBI
2-7 OPTION 7 - Select/Delete Calculations menu. You can select any of the PBI
Frequencies calculations listed in the menu in Figure 2-14 by
pressing the number of the appropriate calculation,
and then pressing [ENTER]. If no PBI calculation is
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:30:43 desired, then press [0] and [ENTER]. Once a PBI
Select/Delete Frequencies calculation is selected it will automatically be
calculated during your test. The results will also be
LEFT EAR RIGHT EAR printed on the audiogram tape strip.
1 KT S 1 KT S
500 S 500 S
1K S 1K S
2K S 2K S
3K S 3K S
4K S 4K S
6K S 6K S
8K S 8K S

Press F1 to select or F2 to delete

Press ENTER to continue

Figure 2-13 Select/Delete Frequencies

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2-9 OPTION 9 - Set Beep Tone Level 2-11 OPTION 11 - Select Beep Response for
Keyboard
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:33:49
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:37:03
Set Beep Tone Level
Select Beep Response for Keyboard
Use Up-Arrow Key to Increase Level Disable
Use Down-Arrow Key to Decrease Level
Level 8 Press F2 for Disable
Press F1 for Enable
Press ENTER to exit
Press ENTER to exit

Figure 2-15 Set Beep Tone Level

Figure 2-17 Select Beep Response for Keyboard
Pres [0], [9] and [ENTER] to reach Set Beep Tone
Level menu. By following the display screen Press [1], [1] and [ENTER] to reach Select Beep
directions you can adjust the intensity of the sonalert Response for Keyboard menu. Option #11 allows
(that is the beep you hear when you press the keys). you to select the beep after any key is pressed. You
The levels go from mute up to approximately 90 dB press [F1] to include it or [F2] to remove it. When
in ten steps. Just push the key and listen for the selected, you can use set-up option number 9 to select
intensity level you want. Then press the [ENTER] the intensity level of the beep.
key when you are done.
2-12 OPTION 12 - Select Top Test Level
At this point, press [F1] to go to page 2 of your set-up
option menu.
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:40:03
2-10 OPTION 10 - Select Pulse/Continuous
Select Top Test Level

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:36:01 Top test level 100 dB

Select Pulsed or Continuous Tone Use arrow keys to adjust up or down

Pulsed
Press ENTER to exit
Press F1 for Continuous
Press F2 for Pulsed

Press ENTER to exit Figure 2-18 Select Top Test Level

One of the unique features of your RA500 allows you

to preselect the top, or highest limit of your test. To
Figure 2-16 Select Pulse/Continuous do this, press [1] and [2] followed by pressing
[ENTER]. You then decide what the highest level
Press [1], [0] and [ENTER] to reach Select you want your RA500 to operate at. (Let's say you
Pulse/Continuous menu. You can select either a want the top level to be 95 dB). Press the up or down
continuous or pulsed tone, by pressing [F2] for pulsed arrow key until the screen display shows the desired
or [F1] for continuous tone. Press [ENTER] to return level, then press [ENTER]. The attenuator on your
to the set-up menu display. RA500 will stop at 95 dB.

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2-13 OPTION 13 - Select Bottom Test Level and set-up options, edit stored data, and perform
calibration routines.
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:41:04
The password security system is a very important part
of your RA500. Before using it, you should make
Select Bottom Test Level
sure that you really need it operating as part of your
program. If there is no need for security requirements,
Bottom Test Level - 10
leave it turned off.
Use arrow keys to adjust up or down
If you do have the need to use this function
Press ENTER to exit remember: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WRITTEN
YOUR PASSWORDS DOWN WHERE THEY
CAN BE FOUND IN CASE SOMEONE
FORGETS THEM. Once the passwords are entered
Figure 2-19 Select Bottom Test Level in the Password Security System, you will not be able
to do the tasks described earlier if the password is
Press [1], [3] and [ENTER] to reach Select Bottom unknown. The security system is doing its job -
Test Level menu. As with option # 12, you will use preventing unauthorized access into the unit due to
option # 13 to select your lowest test level. If you the wrong (or no) password being entered.
want your RA500 to test down to -5dB, press the up
and down arrow keys until the level displays -5dB. Again, the password security feature is not a toy.
Then press the [ENTER] key to lock in your choice. Decide if you need to use it, then document your
Your RA500 will now test down to -5dB. passwords where they can be found. Insure that only
those people with the "need to know" have them. By
2-14 OPTION 14 - Select Beep at Test following these steps, you'll prevent wasted time in
Complete accessing the power of your RA500.

To enter your password, go to the set-up menu and

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:42:15 press [1], [5] and [ENTER]. Your screen will look
like this:
Select Beep at Test Complete
Enable
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:43:05
Press F2 for Disable
Press F1 for Enable
Set Security "ON" Y/N
Press ENTER to exit

Figure 2-21 Enter Password for Security

Figure 2-20 Select Beep at Test Complete
If you want to take the security password system out
Press [1], [4] and [ENTER] to reach Select Beep at of operation, press the [N] or [NO] key. The display
Test Complete menu. You may want to have your screen will return to the set-up menu. If you press the
RA500 produce a "beep" sound when an automatic [Y] or [YES] key, your display screen will look like
test is complete. Press the [F1] key to enable it or the this:
[F2] key to disable it. Remember, the intensity level
of the "beep" is selected by using option # 9. 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:43:05

2-15 OPTION 15 - Enter Password for

Security Enter password level 3:

The password security system for your RA500 has

Figure 2-22 Enter Password Level
been designed to give only authorized personnel the
ability to perform certain functions. The proper
password will allow you to configure your audiometer

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2-7
Enter a password -- either letters, numbers, or some 2-16 OPTION 16 - Select Bar Graph Print of
combination. For example, let's use 123456. Press Audiogram
these numbers and you will see them displayed. You
must enter six letters or numbers for each security
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:44:05
password level. Press the [ENTER] key and the
display will read as follows:
Select Bar Graph Print

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:43:05 Press F2 for Disable

Press F1 for Enable
Enter password level 3: 123456
Enter password level 2: Press ENTER to exit

Figure 2-23 Enter Password Level 3 Figure 2-25 Select Bar Graph Print of Audiogram

Now enter your password for level 2. Let's use This option lets you select a graph of the current
111111 here. You will see ones displayed on this audiogram to be printed on the audiogram tape
level. Press [ENTER] and you will see this display: immediately after your test results. Press [1] and [6]
and [ENTER] to reach this option, then press [F1] to
enable this option or [F2] to disable it.
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:43:05
2-17 OPTION 17 - Select Raw Data Dump to
Enter password level 3: 123456
Print
Enter password level 2: 111111
Enter password level 1:
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:45:00

Select Raw Data Dump Print

Figure 2-24 Enter Password Level 1
Press F2 to Disable
Enter your code for Level 1, let's use ABCDEF. You Press F1 to Enable
will see these as you enter the letters. You should
now have three different security levels entered. Press ENTER to exit
Press [ENTER] and you will return to the main set-up
menu window.

The three security levels allow you to do the Figure 2-26 Select Raw Data Dump to Print
following:
Select raw data dump print allows the subject's actual
Password Level 3 -- Password entry, default responses at each frequency and each hearing
configuration set-up. threshold level to be printed on the audiogram tape.
When selected, it will appear after the current
Password Level 2 -- Delete menu, set-up menu and audiogram (or after the bar graph of the audiogram, if
reset questions. selected).

Password Level 1 -- For future use. To select this option, press [1] and [7] and [ENTER].
Then follow the screen instructions and press [F1] to
Password level codes can be used from the highest enable or [F2] to disable.
number down. For example, an operator with
password level 3 can do the functions for levels 3, 2
and 1. You might use level 3 for senior management
personnel, and level 2 for supervisors, operators and
technicians.

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2-8
2-18 OPTION 18 - Set Default System Press [2], [0] and [ENTER] to reach Set Talk-Over
Configuration Output Level menu. This option allows you to adjust
the output level of the internal talk-over microphone.
NOTE: No data will show on screen when Option By pressing the up-arrow key on the numeric keypad,
#18 is pressed. The screen will return to page one of the output level of the microphone increases, pressing
the Set-up menu. the down arrow key will decrease the output level.
There are ten output levels which are labeled 0 to -9
There may be times when you want to set your with -9 being the lowest level.
RA500 back to the way you received it from our
factory. Set-up option number eighteen allows you to 2-21 OPTION 21 - Select Test the Right Ear
do this. Press [1] and [8] and [ENTER] to select this First
option. When you have done this, the RA500
automatically goes to the default parameters -
06/12/98 BARNARD INC 08:10:03
there is no display or warning to tell you that it
has happened. To review your factory default
Select Test the Right Ear First
settings see Section VIII.
Disable
2-19 OPTION 19 - Select Audio Print at Test
Press F2 to Disable
Complete
Press F1 to Enable

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 11:46:00 Press ENTER to exit

Select Audio Print at Test Complete

Enable Figure 2-29 Select Test the Right Ear First

Press F2 for Disable Press [2], [1] and [ENTER] to reach Select Test the
Press F1 for Enable Right Ear First menu. Option 21 will allow you to
select the right ear as being the first one tested each
Press ENTER to exit time a test is given. This option will remain active
until you disable it. In the disable position, the left
ear is always tested first.
Figure 2-27 Select Audio Print at Test Complete
2-22 OPTION 22 - Enter Communications
Press [1], [9] and [ENTER] to reach Select Audio Password
Print at Test Complete menu. You can select the
audiogram to print at the completion of your test by
pressing [F1]. To prohibit the audiogram from 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 01:01:03
printing when your test is done, press [F2].
Enter Communications Password
2-20 OPTION 20 - Set Talk-Over Output Level
Password

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 20:03:03 Press ENTER to exit

Set Talk-Over Output Level

Figure 2-30 Enter Communications Password
Use Up-Arrow Key to Increase Level
Use Down-Arrow Key to Decrease Level
Press [2], [2] and [ENTER] to reach Enter
Level 0
Communications Password menu. Option 22 allows
you to enter your password to open up the
Press ENTER to exit
telecommunication power of your RA500. If the
correct password is not entered, the main set-up menu
Figure 2-28 Set Talk-Over Output Level appears on your screen. If entered correctly, then you
are permitted into the telecommunications mode.

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2-9
 NOTE: Special software is required to do any
2-23 OPTION 23 - Enter Communication User telecommunications transfer. Contact Tremetrics
ID for further information.

2-25 OPTION 25 - Enter Auto-Transmit Time

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 08:09:23

Enter Communication User ID 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 08:09:24

User ID Enter Auto-Transmit Time

Press ENTER to exit Time 12:01:55

Press ENTER to exit

Figure 2-31 Enter Communication User ID

Press [2], [3] and [ENTER] to reach Enter Figure 2-33 Enter Auto-Transmit Time
Communication User ID menu. Option # 23 allows
you to enter your own identification, either text or In option # 25, you can program in the time you want
numeric in your RA500, for use in the your RA500 to automatically dial up the receiving
telecommunications mode. party and transmit your data. The first two digits are
the hour, the next two are minutes and the next two
NOTE: Option 22 and Option 23 can be used only are seconds. The time used is the standard 24 hour
with specially customized versions of the RA500. format. The colons are displayed automatically after
They are written for telecommunications only, and the hour and minute. To begin, press [2], [5] and
have no application for RA500 to PC transfer. [ENTER], then use your numeric keys to type in the
time in the hour:minute:second format. Again
2-24 OPTION 24 - Enter Communication remember, you must use 24-hour time for your entry.
Phone Number The following is a reference to use to convert
standard time to 24-hour time.
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 07:01:55
STANDARD TIME 24-HOUR TIME
Enter Communication Phone Number
12 am 0000
Phone Number 1 am 0100
2 am 0200
The first entry should be a "P" for Pulsed or "T" for 3 am 0300
Tone Dial 4 am 0400
5 am 0500
Press ENTER to exit 6 am 0600
7 am 0700
8 am 0800
Figure 2-32 Enter Communication Phone Number 9 am 0900
10 am 1000
With set-up option # 24, you can enter the phone 11 am 1100
number you want your RA500 to dial. This will 12 pm 1200
allow your RA500 to communicate by telephone 1 pm 1300
modem to another computer. From the set-up menu, 2 pm 1400
press [2], [4] and [ENTER]. When you see the 3 pm 1500
screen shown in Figure 2-32, type in the area code 4 pm 1600
and phone number you desire. Once you have (continued on next page)
entered in the phone number, press [ENTER] to exit
from the menu.

78460
2-10
 5 pm 1700 2-27 OPTION 27 - Select STS/Categorization
6 pm 1800
7 pm 1900
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:02:34
8 pm 2000
9 pm 2100
Select STS/Categorization
10 pm 2200
11 pm 2300
01 OSHA STS
02 RSA Categorization
NOTE: If transmission is desired at midnight, set
03 British Columbia WCB
the auto transmit time to either 23:59 or 00:01.
04 Alberta
05 Manitoba
2-26 OPTION 26 - Communication Monitor 06 Quebec
Mode 07 Ontario
08
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 07:09:54 09

Communication Monitor Mode Enter selection

Disable

Press F2 to Disable Figure 2-35 Select STS/Categorization

Press F1 to Enable
Press [2], [7] and [ENTER] to reach Select
Press ENTER to Exit STS/Categorization menu. With Option 26, you can
select Threshold Shift Classifications for U.S. OSHA,
Canadian Provinces, and European Categorization.
The formulas are stored in the RA500 so that when
Figure 2-34 Communication Monitor Mode you select the one you wish, your audiograms will be
calculated with the appropriate calculation. To select
Press [2], [6] and [ENTER] to reach Communication the one of your choice, go to your set up menu and
Monitor Mode menu. With Option 26, you must first press [0], [the number of your choice] (see Figure 2-
enter your password (see pages 2-6 and 2-7 for 35), and [ENTER]. Your RA500 is now set to
Password Discussion - Option Number 15). You will calculate for your choice until it's changed.
not be able to activate this option without entering
your password. Once you have successfully entered You will note that there are Canadian standards and
your password you will see the screen as displayed in categorization which can be selected. On the
Figure 2-34. audiogram tape printouts, certain category levels will
be printed. Your RA500 has been programmed to
This option allows you to monitor the communication automatically analyze the test and place it in a
stream going on between the RA500 and a personal particular category. The analysis is based upon
computer. By viewing it, you will have visual standards programmed and selected for each
indication that data is being transferred from the unit's requirement in Setup No. 27. The following are the
RS232C port to the personal computer. To enable it, designations you will see on the test printout:
press [F1]. The word disable should change to
"Enable". To disable it, just press [F2]. NSD = Insufficient Data
N = Normal
A = Abnormal
EW = Early Warning
NC = Normal Change
AC = Abnormal Change
EWC = Early Warning Change

78460
2-11
2-28 OPTION 28 - Select Quick Screen Mode being presented on the screen. As each tone is
presented, the subject should press the handswitch as
soon as the tone is heard.
06/21/98 BARNARD INC. 13:02
Quick Screen mode differs from the modified
Select Quick Screen Mode
Hughson-Westlake test in it only takes one subject
response at each frequency to register a response
Disable
level at each frequency. A subject can be screened
much quicker than in the regular modified Hughson-
Press F2 for Disable
Press F1 for Enable Westlake mode.

Press ENTER to Exit NOTE: The quick screen mode is not a substitute
for testing under OSHA regulation 1910. Its sole
purpose is to provide an alternative method to
Figure 2-36 Select Quick Screen Option quickly (screen) test a subject's hearing without
establishing a threshold in the conventional
Option 28 allows you to operate your RA500 in a modified Hughson-Westlake method. You will
quick screening test mode. To enable this feature, note that on your audiogram printout the words
press the set-up key and type [2], [8] and [ENTER]. "QUICK SCREEN" are printed where the name
This will display the screen you see above in Figure of your company usually appears. In addition, a
2-36. To enable this feature, press [F1] to enable it message also appears on the printout stating that
and press [F2] to disable. this test does not comply with OSHA standards.

When Quick Screen is enabled, you will see the main

test screen displayed as follows:

06/21/98 BARNARD INC. 13:04

Screening

Left Ear Right Ear

1KT AA 1KT AA
500 AA 500 AA
1K AA 1K AA
2K AA 2K AA
3K AA 3K AA
4K AA 4K AA
6K AA 6K AA
8K AA 8K AA

Examiner ID:
Patient ID:

Notice the word SCREENING which is displayed at

the top of the display. It appears as soon as the RUN
TEST key is pressed, indicating that the test has
begun. The first frequency tested is the left ear at
1KHz (Notice the arrow pointing to the 1KT
frequency).

The test starts at 30dB with the words "Testing"

(indicating the test is in progress) and "Tone"
(displayed when a tone is presented to the subject)

78460
2-12
 2-29 OPTION 29 - Set Maximum Failed
BARNARD INC. Frequencies
DATE: 01/11/99
TIME: 11:13:43 06/21/98 BARNARD INC. 13:06:23

PATIENT: 88974 Set Max Failed Frequencies

QUICK SCREEN Enter Number of Failed Frequencies

FREQ L/DB R/DB Press ENTER to Exit

1000 HZ 35 30
500 HZ 30 30
V1000 HZ 30 30
2000 HZ 30 30 Figure 2-37 Set Maximum Failed Frequencies
3000 HZ 30 30
4000 HZ 30 30 Option 29 permits you to set how many failed
6000 HZ 30 30 frequencies will be registered before the test stops.
8000 HZ 30 30
AVG 2,3,4 030.0 030.0 Your RA500 will stop testing on the first 1000 Hz
test if it can not establish a threshold for your subject.
TEST ID: 3431116240090009 At other frequencies, the test will keep going and the
frequencies will be retested after going through the
ELAPSED TIME = 00:29 first test cycle (1KHz left ear to 8KHz right ear).

TREMETRICS INC. RA500 Let's say you select 5 for the number of failed
SERIAL NUMBER… 00890009 frequencies before the test will stop. As always, you
SOFTWARE REV. 2.21-990105 can be anywhere in the set-up menu to select a set-up
CALIBRATION: 08/19/98 option. Press the [two] and [nine] key, and then press
CAL.ANSI S3.6 1989 the [ENTER] key. You will see the screen display in
Figure 2-37.
THIS QUICK SCREEN TEST DOES
NOT MEET OSHA STDS Now to select five failed frequencies as your
maximum, press the [5] key. You will see the number
PATIENT: 88974 "5" displayed where the cursor previously appeared.
X_________________________________________ Now press [ENTER] to lock in your selection.

EXAMINER: 2213 With five failed frequencies as your maximum, your

X_________________________________________ RA500 will stop testing if it registers five failed
frequencies for both ears (This means that, excluding
QUESTION ANSWERS left ear at 1KHz, if your subject could not establish a
threshold for five frequencies, that's your maximum
LAST NAME: number before the test completely stops).
FIRST NAME:
DOB: You, the operator, now have the flexibility to set your
SEX: audiometer to stop when any number of "failed"
frequencies appear.

Figure 2-36A Quick Screen Printout

78460
2-13
2-30 OPTION 30 - Select Auto Tag in Store Test 2-31 OPTION 31 - Select Tagged Transfer Data

06/21/98 BARNARD INC. 14:00:03 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 07:15:20

Auto Tag on Store Test Tagged Data Transfer

Disable Disable
Press F2 for Disable
Press F1 for Enable Press F2 for Disable
Press F1 for Enable
Press ENTER for Exit
Press ENTER to Exit
Figure 2-38 Select Auto Tag on Store Test
Figure 2-39 Select Tagged Data Transfer
Option 30 deals with tagging, or marking an
audiogram for transfer between your RA500 and a By enabling option number 31, you can tag or mark
personal computer. Your computer must have a data your audiograms for transfer to a personal computer
base hearing conservation management program, such with an appropriate hearing conservation program.
as Tremetrics FOSHM to receive the data.
To use this option, make sure you are in the set-up
You will want to select the Auto Tag function when mode, press the [3] and [1] keys and then press
you want to have any test you have stored tagged for [ENTER]. You will see the display in Figure 2-39.
eventual transfer to your personal computer. To set Press the [F1] key to enable this option. When you
this function in your RA500, press the [3] and [0] have done this, any audiograms that have been tagged
keys and then the [ENTER] key. You will see the for transfer will be transferred to the computer. To
screen displayed in Figure 2-38. Press the [F1] key to disable the function, you must press the [F2] key.
set the auto tag function.
2-32 OPTION 32 - Enable/Disable
To verify that your audiograms have been tagged, go Adaptive Mode
to the special menu and select Special 14. You will
see the "T" in the far right hand column which notes 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 14:46:34
that the audiogram selected has been tagged. (See
Special chapter, Special 8 and 14.) Enable/Disable Adaptive Mode
ENABLE
If you wish to disable this feature, go back to the set-
up menu and select set-up option number 30. Press Press F2 for Disable
the [F2] key to disable it. From that point on, all Press F1 for Enable
stored audiograms will not be marked or tagged for
transfer to a personal computer. Remember, you only Press ENTER to Exit
see this option if your using a computer and a hearing
conservation software package. It is not necessary to
use option 30 if you are not using a computer. Figure 2-40 Enable/Disable Adaptive Mode

NOTE: Upon completion of the valid transfer Your RA500 contains a unique feature called the
between RA500 and the PC, all tagged audiograms Adaptive Mode. To select this feature, make sure
will be untagged. This allows only tests stored since you are in the set-up mode and press the [3] and [2]
the last time you transferred to be sent to the PC. keys, then press [ENTER]. Your screen will appear
as in Figure 2-40. Press the [F1] key to enable this
function, and to disable it, press the [F2] key.

78460
2-14
The Adaptive Mode lengthens the subject response
window (that's the time from the end of the presented
tone to the end of the time allowed for the subject to
respond). This is done in order to allow the subject
the opportunity to register a valid response without
having to stop and test in the manual mode.

Enabling the Adaptive Mode will permit it to be used

only if the subject's handswitch responses dictate. It
does not automatically put the Adaptive Mode in as
part of the test routine.

The Adaptive Mode will automatically be engaged by

analyzing the subject responses to the tones presented
by the RA500. When Adaptive Mode is in control,
the message "In Adaptive Mode" is displayed at the
bottom of the test screen while the test is being
conducted.

Disabling the Adaptive Mode prevents the Adaptive

Mode from being initiated from the audiometer.

2-33 Option 33 - Select Flow Gemini Comm

Mode

05/15/98 BARNARD INC. 07:16:29

Select Flow Gemini Comm Mode

Disable

Press F2 for Disable

Press F1 for Enable

Press ENTER to Exit

By enabling setup option number 33, you have the

ability to format the audiometric data stream in a
format acceptable to the Flow Gemini mainframe
occupational health data base.

NOTE: If you are not using the Flow Gemini

program, setup option number 33 must be dis-
abled.

This concludes the overview of the set-up menu. As

you can see, you have the ability to totally
customize your RA500 without expensive and time
consuming factory programming. Once you have set
up your various options, you should rarely have to
return to the set-up menu to change them. And
remember, all your instructions are battery backed so
you only have to set up your options once.

78460
2-15
 Explanation of Custom Specials in Your NOTE: The first four questions -- Last name, First
RA500 name, Middle initial, Date of birth and Sex are always
entered in memory. They cannot be removed but they
Section III can be deleted from the test routine if desired.
In addition to the set-up options (which are generally
3-3 SPECIAL 03 - Printer Test
only used once when first initializing the audiometer)
there are several special program functions that you
will generally use more than the set-up options. They 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:05:37
are:
Printer Test
01 Calibration Mode
02 Clear and Reset Entered Questions Press F1 for "Bar"
03 Printer Test Press F2 for Alphabet
04 Serial Port Test Press F3 for Double Height Alphabet
05 Delete Data From Storage Menu
06 Accelerated Listening Check Press ENTER to exit
07 Change Test Type
08 Recall Test From Storage Figure 3-1 Printer Test
09 Storage Memory Remaining
10 EPROM Error Test From time to time, you may want to test the quality of
11 RAM Error Test your printer.
12 Keyboard Test
13 Enter/Store Multiple Baselines The RA500 uses a fast and virtually noiseless printer
14 Tag Records for Transfer with high quality graphics. Its quality should be
consistent for hundreds of printed tests. It requires no
As we did with the set-up options, let's review each of maintenance by you, the user.
the "Special" options one by one.
To select this special, press the [SPECIAL] key, then
3-1 SPECIAL 01 - Calibration Mode [0] and [3]. Again, follow the instructions on the
screen. As you will see you will be instructed to
EEPROMs are used to store calibration data for your press [F1], [F2] or [F3], depending upon which
unit, guaranteeing accurate and permanent characters you wish to check. F1 is for the bar test
calibration. Calibration will not be discussed in detail pattern on the bar graph, F2 prints the larger
here. Your audiometer must be recalibrated once character's test and F3 prints the smaller ones. Press
each year and once every two years for an exhaustive the [ENTER] key to return to the main test screen.
calibration. To calibrate your RA500, you must
know the pass code to gain access to the routine. To 3-4 SPECIAL 04 - Serial Port Test
arrange for calibration, contact your nearest
authorized TREMETRICS dealer or our factory in
Austin, Texas. 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:06:01

3-2 SPECIAL 02 - Clear and Reset Entered Serial Port Test

Questions * * * WARNING * * *
The test cable must be installed
Special 02 allows you to clear your questions
previously entered in the RA500. To access this Press F1 to execute test
function, first you must press the [SPECIAL] key and
then press [0] and [2]. Follow your screen Press ENTER to exit
instructions to clear your questions. Remember Figure 3-2 Serial Port Test
though, when you press the [ENTER] key, all of
your questions you have previously entered will be By pressing the [SPECIAL] key and [0], [4] you can
deleted and you will have to enter them again, by access the Serial Port Test routine. As you will note
using the Option #5 - Enter Questions. by the screen display, the test cable (a 25-pin serial
port connector) must be connected from one port to

78460
3-1
the other. When your serial cable is plugged into 03 Delete all baseline records stored -
both serial ports, press the [F1] key. Your display pressing [0] and [3] and [ENTER] will erase
screen will read as follows: all baseline audiograms you have stored.
04 Delete for patient ID numbers - Pressing
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:06:01 the [0], [4] keys will delete all stored audio-
grams under any one particular patient
Serial Port Test identification number.
***WARNING*** 05 Select record to delete - By pressing the
Test cable installed [0], [5] keys, you can delete a single stored
audiogram for any one particular patient.
You can delete individual audiograms in
Serial Port 1: Test passed
your RA500's internal memory storage by
Serial Port 2: Test passed
selecting this menu item. Pressing the [0]
and [5] keys will display the screen below.
Press F1 to execute test
Press ENTER to exit
+++ The Delete menu items 01, 02 and 03 enables
the operator to delete records within a specified date
range, if desired.
Figure 3-3 Serial Port Test Passed

3-5 SPECIAL 05 - Delete Data From Storage 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 06:41:28
Menu
PATIENT ID TT DATE TIME
123456789 0 03/28/98 09:05
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 06:41:14 526762267 1 02/03/66 11:42 T
2 0 03/30/98 16:38 T
Delete Menu 526762267 0 03/30/98 17:11
44 0 04/03/98 15:46 T
01 Delete all records stored 554 0 04/03/98 15:46
02 Delete all Non-BL records stored 771 1 04/03/98 15:47 T
03 Delete all bl records stored 490607645 1 04/03/98 15:48
04 Delete for patient ID #'s 490607645 0 04/03/98 15:50
05 Select record to delete 3333 1 08/08/79 13:50
06
07 2/8=UP/DOWN&F1/F2=PAGE-DOWN/ PAGE-UP
08 PRESS F6 TO DELETE OR ESC TO EXIT
09
Figure 3-5 Individual Audiogram Delete Menu
Enter selection
To delete a particular audiogram, first scroll down the
"page" following the directions on the screen. As you
Figure 3-4 Delete Data From Storage Menu scroll up and down, you will see the arrow move up
and down by each individual patient ID number. If
Special 05 gives you the ability to remove stored you have more than 11 audiograms stored, use the F1
audiograms from the memory storage. To get there, and F2 keys to page up and down in the menu. This
press the [SPECIAL], [0] and [5]. The screen will will help you reach the desired patient much faster.
then display the following options.
The Delete menu item 05 has the following keys used
01 Delete all records stored - pressing [0] and to move around the screen for the RA500 Plus:
[1] will erase all records you have previously
stored in memory. WAYS TO MOVE KEYS TO USE
02 Delete all non-baseline records stored - AROUND
pressing [0] and [2] will erase all audiogram Scroll up line by line 2 or
records not marked as baseline audiograms. Scroll down line by line 8 or

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3-2
 Page up 4 or 3-6 SPECIAL 06 - Accelerated Listening
Check
Page down 6 or
Sort by date or ID number F3
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 08:01:45
Search by ID number F4
Accelerated Listening Check
When you have reached the one you want, press the Left ear 1 KT 50 dB
[F6] key. You will see the following screen:
Press ENTER to exit

04/05/98 BARNARD INC. 08:51:37

Figure 3-8 Accelerated Listening Check
Press YES to delete records
By selecting [SPECIAL] [0], [6], you can listen to
any frequency at any threshold level you choose.
Accelerated listening can be done from either the
Figure 3-6 Verification Message handswitch or the keyboard. If the handswitch is
used, each frequency is generated at a constant level,
Press the [YES] key and the following printout will starting with the left ear and changing to the right.
appear. After each frequency has been selected in each ear,
the levels are varied while the frequency remains
DELETED AUDIOGRAM: constant.
84836103300900009 Accelerated listening check is a fast and efficient way
for you to check the purity of your RA500's tones on
a periodic basis.
Figure 3-7 Deleted Audiogram
3-7 SPECIAL 07 - Change Test Type
The printout is your verification that the audiogram
has been deleted. If you press the [No] key, you will 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 08:01:01
be taken back to the display in Figure 3-5 where you
can delete other audiograms or return to the main test 0 = Not Baseline
screen. 1 = Baseline
To leave the special menu and return to the main test Enter type of test
screen, press [ENTER].
Figure 3-9 Change Test Type

[SPECIAL], [0] [7] permits you to change the test

type. You can change your test after you completed it
but just before it's been stored. When you have
pressed the [0] or [1] keys, the display will change
back to the main test display screen. You can then
store your test.

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3-8 SPECIAL 08 - Recall Test From Storage
WAYS TO RECALL KEYS TO USE
06/12/98 BARNARD INC 06:41:28 Scroll up line by line 2 or
Scroll down line by line 8 or
PATIENT ID TT DATE TIME
Page up 4 or
123456789 0 03/28/98 09:05
526762267 1 02/03/66 11:42 T Page down 6 or
2 0 03/30/98 16:38 T
Sort by date or ID number F3
526762267 0 03/30/98 17:11
44 0 04/03/98 15:46 T Search by ID number F4
554 0 04/03/98 15:46
771 3 04/03/98 15:47 T To display the screen, just press the [ENTER] key
490607645 1 04/03/98 15:48 after you have found the audiogram you want to
recall. If you want a printed copy, press the [PRINT
2/8=UP/DOWN&F1/F2=PAGE-DOWN/ PAGE-UP TEST] key. If a baseline is stored along with a
PRESS ENTER TO RECALL OR ESC TO EXIT patient's current test, the baseline will automatically
be printed with the recalled test, and the STS
Figure 3-10 Recall Test From Storage (Standard Threshold Shift) will be displayed on the
tape strip.
Recalling an audiogram from internal storage,
displaying it to the screen, and printing it without NOTE: When you have recalled the audiogram
using a personal computer is easy with the RA500. you cannot revise it and reenter it back into
Just press [SPECIAL] [0], [8] and the [ENTER] key. storage. The purpose of this Special is not to
You will see a display similar to the one in Figure 3- revise the recalled audiogram - only to recall,
10. review and print a copy.

The display pictured above contains information for 3-9 SPECIAL 09 - Display Storage Memory
each audiogram stored. As you will notice, all Remaining
patients are displayed under the Patient ID column.
The next column is labeled TT and stands for test 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:14:58
type. The number 0 means non-baseline, the number
1 means baseline audiogram. The number 3 means Display Storage Memory Remaining
Quick Screen Test. The date and time are listed next
by month/date/year, and time is designated in 24-hour Percent of Memory Remaining = 96%
time. The T's shown in the far right column means
that the audiogram has been "tagged" or marked. Press ENTER to exit
With the audiogram tagged, it can be transferred to
personal computer based Hearing Conservation Data
Figure 3-11 Percent of Memory Remaining
Management Program (such as Tremetrics' FOSHM).
Special 09 will display the amount of storage capacity
To recall the audiogram to the display screen, you can
left in your RA500's memory. From the special
scroll up and down the screen by using the [2] and [8]
menu, press [SPECIAL] [0], [9] and [ENTER]. Your
keys (representing up and down arrows). You will see
display will show the percent of memory remaining
the arrow move up and down the screen to the left of
for audiogram storage. After an audiogram is stored,
the Patient ID as you press the keys. If you have a
the percent of memory remaining will decrease in
large number of audiograms in storage, you might
number. How much will depend upon several factors.
want to press the F1 and F2 keys to change to the
The number of questions and the length of their
next "page" of stored audiograms. See Following
answers stored with the test is the biggest factor.
Chart:
After you delete an audiogram, you will notice that
this number will increase.

The percent of memory remaining indicator is a

method for monitoring how much storage space the

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Random Access Memory will hold. It should be used
in that manner -- a quick check to insure there is 3-12 SPECIAL 12 - Keyboard Test
adequate memory to store your tests. To return to the
main test display, press the [ENTER] key.
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 18:15:00
+++ The number of audiograms stored, as well as the
Keyboard Test
number of audiograms that can be stored in the
memory remaining is available through Special 09.
A B C D E F G H 1 2 3 c
I J K L M N O P Q 4 5 6 0
3-10 SPECIAL 10 - EPROM Error Test R S T U V W X Y Z 7 8 9 e

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 18:14:26

Figure 3-14 Keyboard Test
EPROM Error Test Passed
To see if your keyboard is operating properly, use
Press ENTER to exit Special 12. By pressing the [1], [2] and [ENTER]
keys, the keyboard display test will appear. After you
have pressed these keys, your screen will appear
Figure 3-12 EPROM Error Test
blank except for the "Keyboard Test" legend. As you
press each key, you will notice it appearing on your
By pressing the [SPECIAL], [1], [0] and [ENTER],
display screen. When all the keys are pressed, you
you will have reached the EPROM Error Test mode.
will notice that your display should look like the
The EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only
display in Figure 3-14. Also notice that the key will
Memory) for your RA500 can be checked with this
display the number or letter only. It won't register
test. You will notice that in the display above, the
punctuation.
EPROMs contained no error. This is simply a
functional check and should rarely, if ever, be used.
Your EPROM is also checked when your RA500 is
3-13 SPECIAL 13 - Enter/Store Multiple
powered up (the funny characters which appear on the
Baselines
screen for one second before the title screen is the
initial EPROM check). When you are finished with
this screen, press [ENTER] to go back to the main 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:32:27
test display screen.
Enter/Store Mult Baselines
3-11 SPECIAL 11 - RAM Error Test
Enter Patient ID
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 18:14:43
Figure 3-15 Enter/Store Multiple Baselines
RAM Error Test Passed
Special 13 will permit you to enter and store a
Press ENTER to exit number of baseline audiograms at one time. Having
this feature saves time by letting you enter and store
baselines when it is convenient for you. You do not
Figure 3-13 RAM Error Test have to enter and store them during your testing
sessions, which saves you and your program valuable
Like the previous special, the RAM (Random Access time. Special 13 is written in a step by step manner
Memory) test is designed to perform its own self with screen prompting, taking you through the entire
diagnostics. The screen above shows that the RAM is process.
good and no further action be performed. To leave
the display, press [ENTER] to return to the main test To reach Special 13, be sure you are in the special
screen display. mode (press the [SPECIAL] key to get there, and then
press [1], [3] and [ENTER]. You should see the
display in Figure 3-15. The screen asks you to type

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in your patient ID. Type it in from the keyboard and
press the [ENTER] key. 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 13:29

Enter Baseline Audiogram

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 13:29
Left Ear Right Ear
Enter Baseline Audiogram 500 15 500 AA
1K AA 1K AA
Left Ear Right Ear 2K AA 2K AA
500 AA 500 AA 3K AA 3K AA
1K AA 1K AA 4K AA 4K AA
2K AA 2K AA 6K AA 6K AA
3K AA 3K AA 8K AA 8K AA
4K AA 4K AA
6K AA 6K AA Enter Date
8K AA 8K AA
Figure 3-17 Special 13 Enter Date
Enter Date
The display tells you to enter the date of your
Figure 3-16 Special 13 Enter Baseline Display baseline test. Type it in with month, day, and year
(MM/DD/YY). The slash bar is displayed auto-
The display screen asks you to enter the baseline matically to separate month, day, and year. After you
audiogram. To do this, press your number keys with have entered this information, press the [ENTER] key
the appropriate hearing thresholds and then press and you will see this display:
[ENTER]. For example, to enter the left ear at 500
Hz, at 15 dB, press the [1] and [5] key, and then the
[ENTER] key. You will see a 15 registered after the 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 13:29
500Hz and the arrow now pointing to 1K (See Figure
3-17). To enter negative numbers, press the [H] or Enter Baseline Audiogram
[YES] key to register a (-). Then press the actual
threshold. The highest level that can be entered is 99 Left Ear Right Ear
dB. Press the [9] keys to display this level. When you 500 15 500 AA
are finished, 100 dB will be displayed and printed 1K AA 1K AA
when you recall the test. The 100dB level could also 2K AA 2K AA
be used as a "no response". There is no specific "no 3K AA 3K AA
response" code in this special. Use the 99dB reading 4K AA 4K AA
as previously indicated.The left ear is entered first 6K AA 6K AA
and after 8K left ear is finished, the arrow 8K AA 8K AA
automatically moves to the right ear at 500Hz.
Continue to enter your hearing thresholds as you did Enter Date 03/03/98
in the left ear. (NOTE: If you make a mistake, keep
entering your hearing threshold levels. You will be Information Correct Y/N?
able to correct it before storing.) After the 8KHz
right ear threshold has been registered, you will see
the following display screen:
Figure 3-18 Special 13 Information Correct Y/ N

Review your information. If it is correct, press the

[YES] key. When you do this, here is what the next
display looks like:

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 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:33:00 04/05/98 BARNARD INC. 06:41:28

Enter/Store Mult Baselines PATIENT ID TT DATE TIME

123456789 0 03/28/98 09:05
Press Store Test Key to Store Baseline 526762267 1 02/03/66 11:42 T
Press F1 to Continue or F2 to Exit 2 0 03/30/98 16:38
526762267 0 03/30/98 17:11
44 0 04/03/98 15:46 T
554 0 04/03/98 15:46 T
Figure 3-19 Special 13 Store or Continue 771 1 04/03/98 15:47 T
498607645 1 04/03/98 15:48 T
If you have reviewed your information, and know it is 490607645 0 04/03/98 15:50 T
right, and now want to store the baseline, press the 99 1 03/03/69 13:34
[STORE TEST] key. Your display will then look like
this. 2/8=UP/DOWN&F1/F2=PAGE-DOWN/ PAGE-UP
T=TAG & U=UNTAG PRESS ESC TO EXIT
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 13:37:35

Enter/Store Mult Baseline Figure 3-21 Tag Records for Transfer

Press Store Test Key to Store Baseline By using Special 14, you can tag (mark) or untag
Press F1 to Continue or F2 to Exit your stored audiograms for transfer to a personal
computer. Special 14 gives you the ability to make
* * * Test Stored * * * changes in the audiogram's status (Tagged or
Untagged).

Figure 3-20 Special 13 Test Stored You may want to have audiograms stored in the
internal memory storage but not want them to be
The message at the bottom of the page says "Test transferred to PC. (Remember you must have a
Stored". Your baseline has now been stored in the software program like TREMETRICS FOSHM to
RA500's internal memory storage. If you want to transfer your audiograms.) By tagging them they will
continue to enter and store baselines, press the [F1] be marked for transfer. Any audiograms not tagged
key and keep repeating the process. will not be transferred.

But what happens if after you have reviewed your To reach Special 14, press [SPECIAL] [1], [4] and
entries, you found you made a mistake. Refer back to [ENTER]. You will see the display screen similar to
Figure 3-18 and the message "Information Correct Figure 3-21. Scroll down to the desired audiogram
Y/N". Press the [NO] key if your entered data is not using the up and down arrow keys [ ] [ ]. If you wish
correct. When you do this, you will be back in the to untag an audiogram that has been previously
screen so corrections can be done. The letter "A" is tagged, press the "U" key. You will notice that as
displayed if a number other than 5 or 0 is entered as soon as you do that, the "T" disappears. If you want
the 2nd digit. to tag an audiogram, just scroll up or down, press the
"T" key and you will see it displayed in the far right
Special 13 can be a great time saver for you in hand column. To exit the Special, press [SHIFT] and
entering multiple baseline audiograms at your con- [ENTER] at the same time. This takes you back to the
venience. If you have them, you can enter your main test display screen.
audiograms before your testing begins, and at your
convenience. +++ Audiogram records can be tagged or untagged
by the categories "All Records", "All Baseline
3-14 SPECIAL 14 - Tag Records For Transfer Records" or "All Non-Baseline Records". In addition
NOTE: Set-Up number 31 (Tagged Data to the above-listed categories, the search can be
Transfer) must be enabled. See page 2-14, Option narrowed down by date range. Thus records are
31 for explanation. tagged or untagged by category and/or a selected date
range, depending on the request.

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3-7
What Are the Functions of the Keys on My change it. Just follow the screen instructions to get
RA500 Keyboard … and What Do They Do out of this field.
Section IV DISPLAY ADJUST
By pressing [DISPLAY ADJUST], you can adjust the
We have discussed the various ways you can
intensity of the screen display. There are 50
customize your RA500 for your specific require-
gradations of intensity varying from 0 (totally a blank
ments. You probably have a feel for the layout of the
screen) to 50 (sharpest intensity). The screen display
keys already. Before we review running an audio-
will be stored in internal memory until you change it.
metric test, you should have a good understanding of
Display adjust will always be at position #25 when
the keys on your keyboard. To do this, we will
you press this key.
"group" the keys in our discussion. This should make
it easier for you to follow, and show you the logic in
TRANSMIT
the key placement.
The [TRANSMIT] key is used to transfer audiograms
via telephone modem from your RA500 to personal
The keys on your RA500 are shown in a diagram on
computer or mainframe.
the page 4-3, Figure 4-1.
When you have pressed the [TRANSMIT] key you
4-1 Group 1 - Supplemental Keys will see the following screen:
Let us take a look at Group 1 first. These are called
"Supplemental" keys. 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 13:34:46

The keys in Group 1 are as follows: Transmit Menu

Shift Set Up Examiner Id 01 Dial Phone Number

Display Adjust Transmit Data Entry 02 Direct Connect Mode
Special Paper Feed Store Test 03 Set/Clear Auto Answer Mode
04 Set Auto Dial Mode
SHIFT 05 Clear Auto Dial Mode
You will use the [SHIFT] key when you want to 06 Serial Dump All Audiograms
access characters from Group 5, (those are the
question mark, comma, period, colon, slash bar). Enter Selection -
Shift also allows you to move the cursor to the right
(by pressing [SHIFT] and holding it down while
pressing the right arrow key) or to the left, (by
pressing [SHIFT] and holding it down while pressing Figure 4-2 Transmit Menu Screen
the left arrow key) and not overwrite or erase your
existing display. There are six selections you can make in the Transmit
menu. Let's take each one separately.
SET UP
The [SET-UP] key takes you to the set up mode. As 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 13:59:36
discussed in Section II, the set-up mode allows you to
customize your RA500 with your own unique Enter Serial Port To Use (1 or 2):
operation functions. Once you are in the set-up field,
remember to push [ENTER] after you have made
your numerical selection in the set-up menu. You
4-3 Screen Display for Dial Phone
must press a [0] and the number for the option
Number (01)
number 1 through 9.
When you press the [0], [1] keys, you will see the
EXAMINER ID
above screen on the display. You press [1] or [2]
By pressing the [EXAMINER ID] key, you are able
depending upon which port your modem is
to enter the test examiner's ID, either with letters and
connected. After you have pressed the port number,
numbers. Remember, once your examiner ID has
the phone number will be dialed automatically.
been entered, it will be stored in memory until you
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 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 13:59:58 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 14:00:50

Enter Serial Port To Use (1 or 2): The Auto-Dial Mode Is Disabled

Press Any Key To Continue.

Figure 4-4 Screen Display for Direct Connect Figure 4-7 Screen Display of Clear Auto-Dial
Mode Mode
When you press the [0] and [2] key, you will see the When you press the [0] and [5] keys you will have
display in Figure 4-4. Again, you are asked to cleared or disabled the auto-dial function. If you
designate to which serial port you're connected. After want to go back later to reset your auto-dial function,
you have entered the appropriate number, your data is press [0] and [4] to reestablish it.
automatically transferred to the computer into your
data management software program.
NOTE: Computer communications, telephone
modem communication and combinations of the two
can be very complex. It is strongly recommended
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 14:00:13 you contact your authorized TREMETRICS
representative or TREMETRICS Customer Service
Enter Serial Port To Use (1 or 2): 2 before setting up your program, especially where
modem communications and communicating with
mainframe computers are involved.
Figure 4-5 Screen Display for Set/Clear Auto
Answer Mode
DATA ENTRY
Transmit menu Option # 03 permits your RA500 to When you press [DATA ENTRY], you can begin
designate how many rings of your telephone it will entering the answers to your customized questions.
allow before it will answer a download call. As you This can be done before, during or after the
can see from the screen, you first designate which audiometric test. Follow the screen instructions once
serial port you're using. Then enter the number of in the data entry screen. Use both your alpha (letter)
rings your telephone will receive before it answers a or numeric keys as required.
download call.
SPECIAL
By pressing the [SPECIAL] key, you are able to
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 14:00:33 access the "Special" functions as listed in Section III
-- Explanation of Custom Specials For Your RA500.
Enter Serial Port To Use (1 or 2): Follow the display screen to exit from this menu.

Figure 4-6 Screen Display of Set Auto PAPER FEED

Dial Mode When you push the [PAPER FEED] key, your printer
paper is advanced. It will continue to advance until
Pressing keys [0] and [4] will set the auto-dial mode. you release the key.
This will allow your RA500 to automatically dial the
telephone number. You first select the appropriate Transmit menu Option 06 Serial Dump All
serial port by pressing [1] or [2]. After doing this, Audiograms is a way for the RA500 to transfer all
your RA500 will automatically dial the telephone saved audiograms out of the selected serial port. The
number you entered in Option 24 (see page 2-10). RA500 starts with the first saved audiogram and
continues until the last audiogram in memory has
been sent. There is no handshaking.

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4-2
 U NE M

4-3
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Figure 4-1 RA500 Keyboard
STORE TEST
Pressing the [STORE TEST] key allows your F1
audiogram to be stored in the internal storage mem-
ory of your RA500. After your audiogram is
complete, push the [STORE TEST] key to save it. By pressing the [F1] key, you can display the
You must do this before you begin your next threshold shifts in the baseline vs. current audiogram.
audiogram. If you do not store your test and you A left and right STS average is listed at the
begin to do your next patient by pressing the [NEW conclusion of the audiogram. Follow the screen
TEST] key, the following display will appear on your instructions to exit the menu.
screen:

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 09:19:39

F2
Proceed to New Test Y/N
By pressing the [F2] key, the baseline audiogram will
* * * * * * * * WARNING * * * * * * * * be displayed on the screen. To exit this display, press
Previous Audiogram is Not Stored [F2] again and you will be taken back to the main test
or Audiogram is Not Transferred screen.

F3
Figure 4-8 Warning Message
When you press the [F3] key, you will see the
See the warning message at the bottom? This lets you following calculations applicable to your audiogram:
know that you have an audiogram that has not been
stored in the internal memory storage. If you want to STS - Calculates the STS significant threshold
store it, press the [STORE TEST] key. You will be shift for 2, 3 and 4 KHz
taken back to the main test display screen. If you do STS - Average for both ears.
not want to store the test, then press the [YES] key. Corrected for Presbycusis - Lists the
You will continue your testing without your previous Presbycusis correction factor for the audiogram
audiogram. PBI Calculation - Lists the PBI (Percent
Binaural Impairment) calculations for the
The warning message acts as a reminder to store your audiogram
test if you have not previously done so. It prevents Press the F3 key to exit this menu.
you from losing an audiogram if you have forgotten
to store it.

4-2 GROUP 2 - Function Keys

F4
Your Group 2 keys contain several helpful keys When you press the [F4] key, it lists the error codes
which display information on your RA500's screen. used on the test screen and in the audiogram printout.
The "F" keys will give you the following: To exit this menu, press [F4] to return to the main test
screen.
F1 = Shift Table
F2 = Display of Baseline Audiogram
F3 = STS, STS Corrected for Presbycusis
and PBI Calculation
F5
F4 = List of Error Codes
F5 = Raw Data When you press the [F5] key, the patient's raw data
F6 = Future Use (the actual responses which lead to establishing a
threshold level) can be displayed. A test must be
displayed on the main test screen for this key to work.
You will note that raw data is displayed to correspond

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4-4
where the cursor points on the main test screen. Press 4-5 02 - Print Test IDs For All Records
the [F5] key again to exit this menu. By pressing the [0] and [2] keys and [ENTER] key, a
test ID number for all audiograms that have been
saved will be displayed. Each test ID is unique and
F6 cannot be duplicated. It contains 16 numbers and the
format of the test ID numbers is listed on the
following page:
The [F6] key is used in the delete program (SPECIAL
5, submenu no. 5 - Select Record to Delete). The [F6]
key does not have any other purpose in the current TEST ID# FOR AUDIOGRAMS
RA500 program. 32 7231 98 50 98 0006

4-3 Group 3 - Print Keys

HUNDREDTHS TIME OF DATE MONTH YEAR LAST 4 DIGITS
SECONDS TEST IN 24 OF OF OF OF RA500
The keys in Group 3 are as follows: HOUR FORMAT TEST TEST MFG SERIAL NUMBER

PRINT TEST
PRINT MENU Notice that test ID number data reads backwards.
PRINT SCREEN The time, date and individual audiometer make
each test ID a unique and different test number
PRINT TEST from any other. To exit this screen, press the
By pressing the [PRINT TEST] key, a current [ENTER] key.
audiogram will be printed. If there is no current
audiogram entered, the printout will contain no test 4-6 03 - Print Patient IDs For All BL Records
results. You must be in the main test screen to print By pressing the [0] and [3] and [ENTER] keys,
your test. patient ID numbers for all baseline audiograms are
printed. To exit this screen, press the [ENTER] key.
PRINT MENU
When you press the [PRINT MENU] key, the 4-7 04 - Print Patient IDs For All Non
following options are displayed: BLRecords
By pressing the [0] and [4] and [ENTER] keys, the
patient ID numbers for all audiograms not coded as
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 09:20:04
baselines are entered. To exit this screen press the
[ENTER] key.
PRINT MENU
01 Print Patient ID's for all Records
02 Print Test ID for all Records 4-8 05 - Print All Test IDs for a Patient ID
03 Print Patient ID's for BL Records Print menu #05 allows you to print out all test ID
04 Print Patient ID's for Non-BL Records numbers stored for a particular patient. In this
05 Print All Test ID's for a Patient ID manner, you can print out all test ID numbers for any
06 Print Bar Graph of Current Audiogram patient and recall the test by using Special #08.
07 Print Raw Data for Current Audiogram
08 Print Unit Configuration To begin, press the [0], [5] and [ENTER] keys. Your
screen display will show the following:
Enter Selection
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 14:38:50

Enter ID to Print
Figure 4-9 Print Menu
Figure 4-10 Screen Display for ID Print
4-4 01 - Print Patient IDs For All Records
By pressing the [0] and [1] and [ENTER] keys, all When this display appears, type the patient ID
saved audiograms will be displayed by the ID # that number or name. Then press the [ENTER] key. Your
was used in the storage. To exit this screen, press the printer will print out all test ID numbers stored for
[ENTER] key. your particular patient ID number. If there are no test
ID numbers stored, the printer will say "No records
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4-5
found". Press the [ENTER] key to return to the main To return to the main test display screen, press the
test display screen. [ENTER] key.

4-9 06 - Print Bar Graph of Current +++ Print menu 01, 02, 03 and 04 allows the operator
Audiograms to set a date range, if desired, and only the records
By pressing the [0] and [6] and [ENTER] keys, the within the date range will be printed.
bar graph of the current audiogram will be printed.
This allows you to print a bar graph without printing PRINT SCREEN
the entire audiogram. To leave this screen press the The [PRINT SCREEN] key allows you to print
[ENTER] key. anything you see on the screen. The printout will be
generated lengthwise for your printer. That's done so
4-10 07 - Print Raw Data For Current you can have all the information displayed on your
Audiograms screen transferred to your printed copy. The only
By pressing the [0] and [7] and [ENTER] keys, the screen displays you will not to be able to print are the
patient response data at each frequency will be ones in the print menu and the keyboard test display.
printed. This allows you to print the raw data without In some of the menus, you will need to press the
printing the entire audiogram. To leave this screen [SHIFT] key and [PRINT SCREEN] key to generate
press the [ENTER] key. your hard copy. The speed of the print out is slower
than in the regular print mode. That is normal, so
4-11 08 - Print Unit Configuration don't worry about it. Your RA500 has many features
Print Unit Configuration is an easy way to find out found only on a personal computer. This is one of
how your RA500 is configured. While in the print them. Use it anytime you need to generate a printed
menu, press the [0] and [8] key. You will see the copy of what you see on the screen.
following printout:
4-12 Group 4 - Command Keys
Audiometer Configuration The keys in Group 4 are as follows:
Top Test Level 100
Bottom Test Level -10 NEW TEST AUTO/MANUAL YES
Security N RUN TEST CHANGE EAR NO
Bar Graph Print N PAUSE TEST TALK OVER TONE
Raw Data Dump Print N
Print At Test Complete N NEW TEST
Beep At Test Complete N To start your testing you must press the [NEW TEST]
Beep Response N key. The screen will ask you - "Proceed to new test,
Right Ear First N Y/N". Pressing the [YES] key will take you through
Quick Screen N the menu (follow the directions on the screen) and
Max-Failed Freq 07 back to the main test screen display.
Auto Tag on Store Test Y
Tagged Data Transfer Y RUN TEST
Auto Dial Mode N By pushing the [RUN TEST] key your RA500 will
Test Mode = Pulsed begin testing the patient. The test will begin in the
Baud Rate A 9600 Baud automatic mode, but can be paused and used when
Baud RAte B 9600 Baud the machine is placed in the manual mode. When this
PBI Calculation happens, the test is run in the semi-automatic mode.
AAO (1979) In this particular situation the test is done
STS/Categorization automatically only at the selected frequency. (See
OSHA STS Section V for explanation of testing in the semi-
automatic mode).
Figure 4-11 Print Unit Configuration PAUSE TEST
Your test can be paused by pressing the [PAUSE
Items are either listed as Yes (Y) or No (N) or a TEST] key. It will remain in the paused mode until
numerical value (as in the case of Top Test Level, for the [RUN TEST] key is pressed.
example). Use of this menu will save you time in
finding out how your RA500 is currently configured.
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4-6
AUTO/ MANUAL TONE
Your RA500 can be used as a fully manual Press the [TONE] key while in the manual test mode
audiometer by simply pressing this key. Each time and you will notice that the word "TONE" is
you press it, it will switch between automatic to displayed on the main test screen. The test tone will
manual mode. be presented, either in pulsed or continuous mode, for
as long as you press down the key.
CHANGE EAR
By pressing the [CHANGE EAR] key either ear can 4-13 Group 5 - The Number Keys
be selected. The RA500 will start the test in the left
ear, but can be easily changed at any time. Just press The last group of keys on your RA500 are the number
the [CHANGE EAR] key at any time (even while keys (Figure 4-1). Actually, several of the keys have
testing) to change the ear you are testing. multiple uses as you will see. The primary uses for
this key group are doing manual entries of baseline
TALK OVER audiograms and selecting frequencies during the
When you press the [TALK OVER] key your voice is manual test mode. Let's go over how each of these
transmitted to the patient by means of an internal keys work.
RA500 microphone. If the button is pressed while
the test is being conducted the test is stopped and the NUMERIC KEYS
operator's voice is heard through the patient's The numeric keys are also called multi-function keys.
earphones. When you release the key, the test That means one key can do more than one function,
continues and the microphone circuit is turned off. depending upon the operation routine or whether the
You can adjust the output level of the talk-over [SHIFT] key is pressed.
microphone by going to the set-up options and using
Option #20. These multifunction keys are controlled by the
internal microprocessor in the audiometer and will
YES select the proper function depending on the type of
-10 dB data that is being entered.
The [YES] key has two functions. The first use of the
[YES] key is in answering questions from the display All of the number keys work as follows:
screen. When directed by the screen to answer
questions in the affirmative, push the [YES] key. A. When entering data such as street addresses,
Your "Yes" response will be recorded. dates, etc., the number indicated in center of
the key will be displayed.
The [YES] key can also be used during the manual B. When entering test data or doing manual
test mode. You will notice that there is a small (-10 tests, the frequency level as indicated in the
dB) in the lower right corner. This is used to lower right hand corner of the key will be
LOWER the threshold by 10 dB at the frequency displayed.
indicated on the display. This function works only C. Using the shift key in conjunction with the
when the manual test mode is selected. number key will perform the function
indicated in the upper left hand corner of the
NO key.
5 dB
As with the [YES] key above, the [NO] key has In addition, the following keys are used for these
corresponding functions. If you are in a display purposes:
sequence where a NO answer is required, press the
[NO] key. Your "No" response will be entered on the CLEAR
display screen. The [CLEAR] key works as a backspace function. In
the data entry mode, you will erase a character each
When in the manual test mode the [NO] key can be time the [CLEAR] key is pressed. This is helpful
used to raise the threshold by 5 dB at the frequency when you want to rapidly clear a line you have
indicated on the display screen. previously entered.

This function works only when the manual test mode

is selected.

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SPACE 0
The [0/SPACE] key is one that you will use quite
frequently if you are using the custom entered
question menu. To use the [SPACE] key you must
first push the [SHIFT] key (in the supplemental keys -
upper left-hand corner), then press the space key.
You will notice your cursor moving toward the right.
If you do not do this, then this key will revert back to
a number entry with a "0" being displayed when the
key is pressed.

ENTER
The [ENTER] key is one of the most used keys on
your RA500. Many of your data entry functions,
special menus and set-up customizing routines will
require you to press the [ENTER] key to lock in you
selection. By pressing the [SHIFT] and then
[ENTER] key, you will be allowed to escape from
any data, set-up, or special mode back to the main test
display screen. (See Figure 4-1). There is one
routine where there is no screen display prompt to tell
you to press [ENTER]. It is the print menu key. Use
this menu as follows:

Print Menu - After selecting one of six desired

selections, you must press the [ENTER] key to leave
the print menu and return to the main test screen.

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4-8
How to Conduct an Automatic Audiometric If you have not done so already, you will need to
Test with your RA500 custom configure your RA500. Review Section II on
how to set your instrument up to your own testing
Section V requirements.

By now you have reviewed your RA500's set-up To start a test, you must first press the [NEW TEST]
routine, specials and keyboard layout. As mentioned key. Your display will now read as follows:
earlier, there is no substitute for using your new
instrument. By practicing set-up, doing specials and
trying various custom configurations, you will
amazed at how proficient you will become in a short 06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:15:04
period of time.

Let's do a test. The first thing you do is to reach the Figure 5-3 Proceed to New Test Y/N
main test screen. When you turn the RA500 on, you
will see the title format on your display screen, it will If you press the [NO] key, your main test screen will
look like this: appear again.

If you press the [YES] key the RA500 display screen

06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 16:12:36 will present the following:
Tremetrics RA500
Copyright Tremetrics Austin TX
© 1988, 89, 90, 91, 97, 98, 99 All rights reserved
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:15:04
Serial Number 00890009
Software Rev 2.21-990105 0 = Not Baseline
1 = Baseline
Calibration Date 08/19/98
Calibration Tech Jones Enter Type of Test
Calibration Company TREMETRICS

Press any key to continue Figure 5-4 Baseline/Not Baseline

Your RA500 is asking you - "will this audiogram be

Figure 5-1 Main Display Screen classified as a baseline?" - If it will, press the [1] key
and the [ENTER] key. Your display will then read as
To access the main test screen, press any key on your
follows:
keyboard. You will now see a display that looks like
this:
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:15:04
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 10:54:06
0 = Not Baseline
LEFT EAR RIGHT EAR 1 = Baseline
1KT AA 1KT AA
500 AA 500 AA Enter Type of Test 1
1K AA 1K AA
2K AA 2K AA Enter Patient ID
3K AA 3K AA
4K AA 4K AA
6K AA 6K AA Figure 5-5 Patient ID
8K AA 8K AA
Your RA500 asked you to enter the patient ID. It is
highly recommended that you use the patient's social
Figure 5-2 RA500 Main Test Screen
security number. This makes it easy to transfer from

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5-1
your RA500 to a PC using TREMETRICS' FOSHM sharply at one of those frequencies, under the normal
Occupational Data Management software. routine, the next frequency would be presented at 10
dB higher than the previous one. This could present
After you have entered your patient's ID number, an uncomfortable situation for the patient if the
press the [ENTER] key. You will notice that you are hearing returns to normal.
now back at your main test screen. Instruct your
subject to press the handswitch and release it as soon If this situation occurs, the RA500 will compensate
as the tone is heard. Your subject does not have to by returning the next frequency starting tone level to
wait until after the tone presentation is completed to 30 dB. This adjustment provides a more accurate test
press the handswitch. To begin your test, simply by limiting the tone to a level closer to the patient's
press the [RUN TEST] key. You will notice that as true hearing threshold level.
soon as the key is pressed, the word "TESTING"
appears at the bottom of the display screen. The You may notice that at some point in your testing,
word "tone" is flashed on the screen as the tones are your RA500 main test display screen may display the
presented to the earphone. When your patient presses message "ADAPTIVE MODE". This indicates that
the handswitch, the word "response" will appear in your patient is responding to tones slowly. The
the window. It will stay there until the handswitch is adaptive mode will automatically lengthen the time
released. allowed between the tone presentation and patient
response. The adaptive mode will allow your patient
You are now in the automatic test mode. The test will to continue taking the test without time consuming
begin at 1KHz and proceed through 8 KHz as operator intervention.
pictured on your main test screen. Notice that you are
able to observe the patient's threshold levels on the There will be times when a patient will not hear the
main test screen while testing is in progress. tone presentation at the highest level for which your
RA500 is currently configured. Whatever that level
The test paradigm uses the Hughson-Westlake may be, an EE will be registered beside that
methodology. A 1 KHz validity check compares the frequency on the test display screen. In order to
first 1 KHz test to the 1 KHz retest. The two calculate the STS, the EE will be recorded as 5 dB
thresholds must compare +/- 5 dB. If the frequencies higher than the highest level currently set. As an
differ by more than +/- 5 dB, the 1 KHz retest example, let's say that your RA500's highest tone
threshold is moved to the 1 KHz test. Then "AA" presentation level has been set for 90 dB. A test is
(frequency not tested) code is moved to the 500 Hz given to a patient and no response (EE) is registered
and 1 KHz retest. The test restarts at 500 Hz and at 3 or 4 KHz, both ears. The patient previously has a
continues. After completion of the 1 KHz retest the baseline reading of 70 dB. To calculate the shift, the
validity check is performed again. If the +/- 5 dB RA500 records the no response (EE) as 95 dB (5 dB
differential continues, then the test stops to wait for higher than the highest tone presentation level).
the operator. Subtracting 70 dB (the baseline) from 95 dB (the
current test with the "no response") calculates as a 25
As you proceed throught the test, your RA500 does dB shift. In this manner, an STS can now be
something else to provide a fast and accurate test. As calculated because there are numerical values at 3 and
soon as a patient registers a valid threshold, the tone 4 KHz. Remember, your RA500 does all this
for the next frequency is presented at a level 10 dB automatically. You, the operator, need to be aware
higher than the proceeding one. By using this that the calculations are done even when "no
method, your patient should finish the test faster, response" readings are registered.
especially, if the patient has very good or very poor
hearing. NOTE: The STS calculations in the above
situations are estimates only, since it cannot be
There is one exception to this routine. Your RA500's determined what the actual "no response" reading
Notch Adjuster™ test paradigm contains instructions is. The RA500 calculates the "no response" so
to lower the test tones in certain situations. This will that some value may be registered. If the actual
happen at 3, 4 and 6 KHz in either ear. value is required, the patient should be referred
for further testing.
Some of the more common high frequency losses are
those at 3 to 6 KHz. When the patients hearing drops If you have selected questions for data entry, you will
need to go into the data entry screen to enter your
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5-2
data. To do this, press the key marked [DATA When we started doing the test, remember that we
ENTRY]. You will be asked to enter a baseline were asked if we wanted the audiogram to be marked
audiogram, if you have one. Press the [NO] key if as a baseline? By pressing the [1] key, the audiogram
you do not want to enter one and the screen will will be marked as one. When your test is finished,
display your questions you have entered and selected. your main test display screen will look like this:
If you want to put your baseline in, press the [YES]
key and use the numeric and YES/NO keys [these act To store your test, just press the [STORE TEST] key.
as your attenuator) to register your baseline audio. Your screen will now appear with the following
When through, enter the date your baseline was done message:
and press [ENTER] to contine through the Data Entry
field.
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 10:54:06
NOTE: Entering a baseline audiogram in the
Data Entry mode does not store in memory. Using
LEFT EAR AUTO RIGHT EAR
the [STORE TEST] key will not store it in
1KT 10 1KT 10
memory. The only ways to store baseline
500 15 500 10
audiograms are through the "New Test" and the
1K 10 1K 10
multiple baseline entry (SPECIAL 13) procedures.
2K 10 2K 15
For test validity and calculations, the only questions 3K 10 3K 10
that need to be answered are: 4K 10 4K 15
6K 10 6K 10
1. Patient's Name, (last) 8K 15 8K 10
2. Patient's Name, (first and middle initial) *** Test Stored ***
3. Patient's Date of Birth Examiner ID: 2213
4. Patient's Sex Patient ID: 66321

Questions three and four are used for calculations of

presbycusis corrections. No other questions need be Figure 5-7 Test Stored
entered for valid test calculation results. Your
RA500 uses a multi-tasking microprocessor system. But what happens if your patient brings you a
You can enter your data before, after or even during baseline audiogram from another source and you have
the test! If you enter the data and an error condition to enter it manually? You will need to enter this
occurs, your RA500 will immediately return to the baseline into your RA500. To do this, you will need
main test display screen and the test will stop. The to do the following:
error condition will be displayed in plain English
allowing you the chance to take corrective action. 1. Make sure you are in the Main Test screen. If
you are in another menu, you can get there
quickly by pressing the [SHIFT] key, holding it
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 10:54:06
down and pressing the [ENTER] key. This will
LEFT EAR AUTO RIGHT EAR quickly return you to the Main Test screen.
1KT 10 1KT 10 2. Press the [NEW TEST] key.
500 15 500 10 3. The screen will ask you - "Proceed to new test"?
1K 10 1K 10 press the Yes of [Y] key.
2K 10 2K 15
4. Press the [1] key to indicate the test is a baseline.
3K 10 3K 10
After the "1" is displayed on the screen, press the
4K 10 4K 15
[ENTER] key.
6K 10 6K 10
8K 15 8K 10 5. Enter the patients ID number or code when it is
Test Complete displayed on the screen, press the [ENTER] key.
Examiner ID: 2213 6. You are now in the Main Test screen display. To
manually enter your baseline audiogram, make
sure you are in the manual mode. To do this,
Figure 5-6 Test Complete press the [AUTO/MANUAL] key in the

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5-3
 command key grouping. Pushing it once will 1. Make sure you are in the Main Test screen (See
display "MANUAL", pushing it again will Figure 5-2. RA500 Main Test Screen on page
display "AUTO". 5-1).
7. To begin entry of your baseline, press the 2. Press the [AUTO/MANUAL] key until you
frequency keys in the numeric keypad grouping notice the word "MANUAL". It will be at the
(remember, the frequencies are in the lower right top of the screen between the left ear and the
hand corner of the 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 and 9 keys). right ear.
When the arrow cursor points to each frequency, 3. To select your frequency, press the key with the
press the [-10 dB] or [+5 dB] keys. They are the appropriate frequency. some of the numeric keys
ones in the command key group. You will see have the frequencies in their lower right hand
the -10 dB and +5 dB in the loser right hand corner. For example, let's say you want to start
corner of the [YES] and [NO] keys. Press these out testing 2,000 Hz in the left ear. Press the
keys to register the correct baseline audiogram number [2] key (notice that it has 2,000 in the
threshold. Pressing the [-10 dB] key will lower right hand corner). The arrow cursor
decrease the level by 10 dB and the [+5 dB] key moved beside the "2 K" under the left ear.
will increase it by 5 dB.
4. To set the attenuator, press the [-10 dB] key or
8. After you have arrived at the correct baseline the [+5 dB] key. Again you will notice that, as
threshold for each frequency, press the [ENTER] with all dual function keys, there are several
key. You will notice an "M" displayed after the items on the same key. In the manual mode, this
threshold level. Do this for each frequency until key serves as an attenuator key only. When a
all frequencies have thresholds entered and have particular frequency is pressed, the attenuator
"M"'s after each threshold. will start at 30 dB. When the [-10 dB] key (the
9. When you have entered your baseline audiogram "H" or "YES" key) is pressed, the attenuator is
results, press the [STORE TEST] key located in reduced by 10 dB, to show 20 dB at that
the supplemental keys. You will see the frequency. Conversely, pressing the [+5 dB] key
following: (the "Q" or "NO" key) raises the attenuator in 5
dB steps. By pressing this key, you will notice
that the threshold level is raised 5 dB each time
06/12/98 BARNARD INC. 12:15:04
this key is pressed.
Enter Baseline Date 5. Conduct your manual test by pressing the
[TONE] key. You will see the word "TONE"
appearing about halfway down in the middle of
Figure 5-8 Enter Baseline Date
the Main Test screen. When your patient
You can enter the baseline test date you want by responds by pressing the handswitch, you will
pressing the appropriate keys on the numeric key pad. see the word "RESPONSE" flash on the screen
Also notice that you do not have to enter the slash bar just below the word "TONE". When the patient
- the operating system does this for you. responds, press the [YES] or [-10 dB] key
("YES" indicating the patient responded). Press
If you want to leave the date the same (the screen will the [NO] or [+5 dB] keys when there is no
always display the current date), simply press the response indication on the Main Test screen.
[ENTER] key. Your baseline is now stored and you 6. After you have established the desired threshold
are taken back to the Main Test display screen to do and want to register it as part of the test, press the
your next test. [ENTER] key. You will notice that an "M"
appears beside the threshold. This indicates that
5-1 How to Do a Manual Test With Your the threshold has been established while in the
RA500 manual mode.
7. If you want to record the fact that your subject
Manual testing can be done quickly and easily with did not respond to the loudest tone generated by
your RA500. You can test in the manual mode the RA500, press the number 7 key on your
before, during or after you conduct your automatic keyboard. You will notice that an EE is
test. generated inside the appropriate frequency and
ear. Do Not press the [ENTER] key to enter a
To do a test in the manual mode, follow these steps: "no response". Simply go to the next desired
78460
5-4
 frequency and repeat the test, or go back to the When you are at the desired frequency and ear, just
automatic mode. When "EE" is entered as a test press the [RUN TEST] key. Your test will start at 30
reading, it will assume a value of 5 dB higher dB and continue in the automatic mode until the test
than the highest attenuator level for calculation is complete. When the test is finished, you will notice
purposes (ie. when the audiogram is retrieved the "TEST COMPLETE" message displayed toward
and compared with another test). NOTE: THIS the bottom of the screen. You will also notice that
PROCEDURE WORKS ONLY IN THE the test will not continue any further. In this mode,
MANUAL MODE AND DOES NOT WORK only one frequency will be tested and when it is
WITH THE SPECIAL 13 MULTIPLE complete, the test will stop. You are free to continue
BASELINE ENTRY PROGRAM. the test in either automatic, manual, or if you wish to
continue, the semi-automatic mode. You can also
Select each frequency until you have tested all the print the test even if it is not complete by pressing the
frequencies you desire to test. You can print a copy [PRINT TEST] key. Your audiometric test strip will
of the audiogram any time you want -- you do not show only frequencies tested at that point.
have to be done with your test to print it!

You can go to the manual mode at any time during

the automatic test. Just press the [PAUSE] key (you
will see the word "PAUSED" at the lower bottom of
the screen). Press the [AUTO/MANUAL] key until
your screen display says "Manual". Select your
frequency on the numberic key pad, adjust your
attenuator up or down from the [YES] or [NO] keys,
press the [TONE] key and record your threshold
levels. To go back to the automatic mode, press the
[AUTO/MANUAL] key to where it reads "AUTO",
press the [RUN TEST] key, and the test will start
back in the automatic mode.

5-2 How to Do an Automatic Test in the Semi-

Automatic Mode

In addition to the automatic and manual modes, you

can also test in the semi-automatic mode. Semi-
automatic is a combination of full automatic and
manual testing. Semi-automatic testing allows you to
pick any frequency in either ear and do a full
automatic test for that frequency and that frequency
only. The test will stop after the threshold has been
established at the test frequency you have selected.

To perform a semi-automatic test you must be at the

Main Test screen display. First, press the [PAUSE]
key, this will pause your test and you will notice the
pause message on the screen. You must also be in the
manual mode. To do this, press the
[AUTO/MANUAL] key until you see the word
"MANUAL" displayed at the top of the screen. Next,
select the frequency you wish, by pressing the
numeric keys with the appropriate frequency listed in
the bottom right-hand corner. You will notice the
arrow cursor pointing to the frequency you have
selected. You can also select which ear you are
testing by ressing the [CHANGE EAR] key.

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5-5
Company Name can
be Customized at the GRAPH OF LEFT EAR
Keyboard TREMETRICS INC. 00 20 40 60 80 99
Date and Time Printed DATE: 12/19/97 1KT
Automatically TIME: 16:09:35 500
1K
Subject ID# PATIENT: 306783606 2K
3K
4K
CURRENT AUDIOGRAM 6K
8K
FREQ L/DB R/DB
Current Test Results 1000 HZ 00 05 Bar Graph Mode
with 1000 kHz
Validity Check
500
V1000
2000
HZ
HZ
HZ
05
05
00
05
05
00
(rapid screening of
test results)
GRAPH OF RIGHT EAR
3000 HZ 15 05 00 20 40 60 80 99
4000 HZ 20 10
6000 HZ 25 45
8000 HZ 15 05 1KT
500
Average HL Level 1K
AVG 2.3.4 011.7 005.0 2K
2000, 3000, 4000 Hz
AAO (1979) CALCULATION 3K
MON LOSS LEFT = 00.00 4K
PBI Calculation 6K
MON LOSS RIGHT = 00.00 8K
BILATERAL LOSS = 00.00
Unique Test ID# TEST ID=5390619121090399
Elapsed Time Indicator ELAPSED TIME = 03:54 QUESTION ANSWERS
Test Mode (continous TEST TYPE = NOT BASELINE LAST NAME:
or pulsed) TEST MODE = PULSED DOE
M = MANUALLY TESTED FREQ FIRST NAME:
JOHN P.
DOB:
10/31/57
SEX:
FREQ L/DB R/DB Custom Questions
and Subject Answers M
1000 HZ 00M 00M (entered from keyboard) JOB TYPE:
500 HZ 05M 05M SHOP
Baseline Audiogram V1000 HZ 00M 05M LOCATION:
2000 HZ 05M 05M
and Date 3000 HZ 00M 00M AUSTIN
4000 HZ 05M 05M PROTECTION:
6000 HZ 10M 10M PLUGS
8000 HZ 05M 05M
EXPOWSURE:
95 DB
AVG 2.3.4 003.3 003.3
BASELINE DATE 01/21/82
RAW DATA DUMP
THRESHOLD SHIFTS LEFT EAR 1KT
R 30 R 20 R 10 R 00
FREQ L/DB R/DB R 00 R 00
1000 HZ 00 05
500 HZ 00 05 LEFT EAR 500
V1000 HZ 05 05 R 10 N 00 R 05 N 00
2000 HZ -05 -05 R 05
Calculated Threshold 3000 HZ 15 05
4000 HZ 15 10
Shifts (corrected for 6000 HZ 15 45 LEFT EAR 1K
8000 HZ 10 05 R 15 R 05 N 00 R 05
presbycusis)
N 00 N 05 R 10 N 00
AVG 2.3.4 000.3 001.7 R 05
STS LEFT EAR = 000.3 LEFT EAR 2K
STS RIGHT EAR = 001.7 R 15 R 05 R 00 R 00
R 00
PRESBYCUSIS CORRECTED LEFT EAR 3K
STS LEFT EAR = 003.3 Raw data printout N 10 R 20 N 10 R 15
STS RIGHT EAR = 000.0 N 05 R 10 N 00 N 05
(legal record of
subject's responses) N 10 R 15
TREMETRICS RA500
Serial Number, SERIAL NUMBER...12900399 RIGHT EAR 3K
Software and SOFTWARE REV. 1.21-00906 R 10 R 00 N 00 N 05
Hardware Version HARDWARE REV. H-970915 R 10 N 00 R 05 N 00
and Calibration Data CALIBRATION: 11/01/97 R 05
CAL. ANSI S3.6 1989
RIGHT EAR 4K
PATIENT: 306783606 R 15 N 05 R 10 N 00
Subject ID# and N 05 R 10
Signature X RIGHT
N 20
EAR 6K
N 30 N 40 R 50
N 40 N 45 R 50 N 40
Examiner ID# and EXAMINER: 306762267 R 45 N 35 N 40 R 45
Signature
X RIGHT
R 55
EAR 8K
N 45 R 50 R 40
R 30 R 20 R 10 N 00
R 05 N 00 R 05

77004-0008
981209

Figure 5-9 Sample Audiogram Printout

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5-6
 Tremetrics RA500
Advanced Microprocessor Audiometer
Paper Handling/Storage Instructions
Addendum 119147

Storage Instructions: Thermal paper should be stored in the dark at an average ambient temperature of less than
77oF and a relative humidity of less than 65%. Under these conditions, the paper remains printable for at least 5
years. Also, printed paper, when stored under these conditions, will retain its printed image legibility for a minimum
of 7 years or longer.

Thermal paper begins to develop color at about 158oF. However, under humid conditions it might begin to develop
at an accelerated rate. If stored for 24 hours at 140oF, the paper shows some signs of development. It also shows
signs of development if stored for 24 hours at 113oF and a relative humidity of 90%. As a result of this phenomenon,
Seiko Instruments recommends taking precautions and monitoring ambient temperature and humidity if paper is used
continuously at temperature above 104oF for more than 24 hours.

Exposure to Sunlight: Thermal paper will yellow if exposed to direct sunlight. Tremetrics recommends keeping
unused rolls in their original package. Printed paper should not be left next to a window, rather it should be filed as
soon as possible.

Tremetrics does not recommend the use of blue color thermal paper, because the printed image tends to fade in direct
sunlight and fluorescent lighting.

Solvent-Based Adhesive: Adhesives containing alcohol or organic solvents and chemicals tend to cause color
formation on thermal paper. Rubber-type adhesives should not be used. Starch or PVA-type adhesives are
recommended.

Plasticizers: Printed images fade and the image formation ability of unprinted paper is reduced if paper is stored for
a long period in files containing PVC film. For storage, files and cases made of polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyester, etc., are recommended. Double-sided, self-adhesive tape is recommended for pasting, because most
adhesive cellophane tapes contain plasticizers.

Storage With Blueprints: Tremetrics recommends that thermal paper not come in direct contact with freshly
developed diazo copying paper. This can cause color formation on the surface of thermal paper.

Surface Handling: Frictional heat on thermal paper causes images to develop. Scratching with any hard metal
object, or even a fingernail, can damage the surface and cause image development. A printed image may fade if the
image is touched with a wet or dirty finger. It is recommended that the thermal paper be handled in a non-image
area.

Handling Summary: A document printed on thermal paper should be placed in a file folder and stapled if desired.
The folder should be kept in a file cabinet or desk at office ambient temperature (approximately 72oF). Under these
conditions, the image will last for a minimum of 7 years and longer with proper storage and handling procedures.

78460
6-add
 NOTE

Tremetrics recommends the use of specific thermal paper in order to insure suitable print
quality and long print head life.

This paper may be ordered from TREMETRICS by requesting TREMETRICS part number
76498-9008.

USE OF ANY OTHER THERMAL PAPER MAY RESULT IN MARGINAL PRINT

QUALITY AND REDUCED PRINT HEAD LIFE. IT MAY ALSO VOID THE WARRANTY.

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6-i
 Loading Paper in Your RA500
Section VI

Your RA500 uses a high quality, archival quality

paper designed specifically for the unit. One roll of
paper should last for several hundred tests. A stripe
will appear at the end of the roll when it is almost
done. To replace the roll (use TREMETRICS P/N
76498-9008), do the following:

1. Check to make sure there is no paper left in

the printer cavity or a partial piece in the
roller section.
2. Pull the paper lever towards you, this
releases the pinch roller and allows the paper
to be slipped in against the roller.
3. Place a new roll on the black spindle. Place
your new roll in the paper supply cavity.
Make sure the spindle fits securely in the
paper roll holder and that the paper comes
off of the bottom of the roll and feeds
toward the front.
4. Feed the end of the paper as shown in Figure
6-1, into the paper receiver cavity. The
paper should slide under the roller and not
the front side. When you see the paper
advance out the front of the unit, pull it so
that at least two inches are above the test
bar.
5. Push the paper lever back away from you.
Press the paper feed to insure that your
paper advances.
6. You can also place the paper at the start of
the paper roller. When the paper contacts
the roller, press the [PAPER FEED] key.
The paper will then be fed up over the paper
cutter.

Figure 6-1 RA500 Paper Feed Diagram

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6-1
 Error Codes E5 - Frequency Retest Error - As explained earlier,
Section VII the RA500 will retest any failed frequencies after it's
tested both ears the first time. If a threshold can not
Your RA500 displays test error codes both on the be determined on the second time around, your
screen and on the audiometric test strip. They are as RA500 will display the E5 error code. If you press
follows: the [RUN TEST] key, the RA500 will again try to
retest the failed frequency. If this keeps up, you
E1 = 1 KHz error should test your subject in the manual mode.
E2 = 1 KHz retest error
E3 = Response with no tone E6 - Handswitch Error - E6 error means that your
E4 = Rhythmic counting error subject is not releasing the handswitch. Reinstruct
E5 = Frequency retest error your subject and continue the test by pressing the
E6 = Handswitch error [RUN TEST] key.
E7 = Maximum failed frequencies error
E8 = Hardware error E7 - Maximum Failed Frequencies - If there are
E9 = Bad Data more than four failed frequencies in one ear and five
EE = No response at the top level in both ears, the test stops and the E7 code appears on
EF = Test not complete the screen. If you press the [RUN TEST] key, your
RA500 will go back and retest the last failed
Some of these errors will cause your test to pause frequency. If that retest is successful, the others will
while others will skip the errored frequency and retest be retested as well. You can also retest in the manual
later. The errors that do stop the test will sound the mode if the failed frequencies persist. Settable using
error tone, and the error will be displayed on the main Set-Up selection 29.
test screen as an error code and in plain text.
E8 - Hardware Error - If you get this error during
E1 - 1 KHz Error - This error message is displayed your operation, do not use your RA500 any further.
when your RA500 cannot establish a hearing Turn it off and call your TREMETRICS Dealer or
threshold from the response of your patient. You TREMETRICS. The E8 error means you have a
should reinstruct your test subject on how to take the RAM (random access memory) or ROM (read only
test, and this will usually cure the problem. Press the memory) failure. You could damage your instrument
[RUN TEST] key to restart your test. if you do not have the problem corrected.

E2 - 1 KHz Retest Error - This error means that E9 - Bad Data - - Bad data during transmission or
your subject has a +/-5 dB differential between the retrieval, data other than that which should appear in
initial 1 KHz test and the 1 KHz validation test. In the record, did appear. The E9 error acts as a "red
this error condition, the first 1 KHz test is not correct flag" that alerts you that a record may have erroneous
because your subject may not be familiar with the test data. The E9 code will permit "good" records to be
procedures. The test is stopped when this happens, transferred without locking or holding up the transfer
and you should reinstruct your subject and press the process. A record which contains E9 may require
[RUN TEST] key to restart, this usually takes care of deletion and manual re-entry.
the problem.
EE - No Response at the Maximum Level - Error
E3 - Response With No Tone - The E3 error means code EE means that your subject is not responding to
that your subject has responded three times with no the tone at the top level you have set. (Remember,
tone presented. You can either reinstruct or test your you have the power to select what you want your top
subject manually. level to be). You should reinstruct your subject and
continue the test by pressing the [RUN TEST] key.
E4 - Rhythmic Counting Error - The E4 means (Note: See page 5-2, to see how "no response"
your subject is trying to "count down" or guess when readings are used for estimated hearing threshold
the tones are going to be presented. The RA500 can levels.)
determine this and stop the test. You should
reinstruct your subject and continue the test. EF - Test Not Complete - Error code EF means that
your RA500 is having trouble establishing thresholds

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at frequencies other than 1 KHz. There were no
thresholds established after 20 presentations. Again,
reinstruct your subject and press the [RUN TEST]
key to restart your test.

Adaptive Mode - While not an error message, the

phrase "IN ADAPTIVE MODE" will sometimes
appear on the test display screen. This means that
your RA500 is adapting to the response of your
subject. Adaptive mode lengthens the response
window based upon your subject's responses.

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 Factory Default System Configuration
Section VIII
The following is a list of how your RA500 is configured as
it comes from the factory. You can always go back to
these default settings by using the set-up option #18 (set
default system configuration).

1. Baud rate -- 9600 baud (both serial ports)

2. Frequencies -- All frequencies selected
3. PBI calculation -- None enabled
4. "Beep" response for keyboard -- Enabled
5. Pulsed or continuous tone -- Pulsed
6. Top test level -- 100 dB
7. Bottom test level -- 0 dB
8. Select beep at test complete -- Enabled
9. Select bar graph print of audiogram --Disabled
10. Select raw data dump print - Disabled
11. Select audiogram print at completion of test--
Disabled
12. Talk-over output level -- Set at highest level
13. Select the right ear first -- Disabled
14. Display adjust -- Setting # 25 (mid-range)

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 Interfacing to PC modems, PC operating speed, memory resident
Section IX programs and defective cables.

If the PC has a 25-Pin Com Port, use a 25 to 25-Pin

Before data can be transferred to an external PC, Serial Cable (25m to 25f) P/N 76396-0026. If the PC
connect a cable from rear panel connector of RA500 has a 9-Pin Com Port, use a 25 to 9-Pin Serial Cable
to communication port of PC. Use Port 1 connector (25m to 9f) P/N 76396-0030. The Serial Cable, also
(25-Pin) on RA500. known as a modem cable, can be purchased at your
local computer store or from Tremetrics.
Data to the PC must be transferred to a PC based
Hearing Conservation Program such as Tremetrics Refer to operating instructions for the individual
FOSHM Software. software for additional information on audiogram
transfers.
NOTE: Several problems may arise causing non-
transfer of data to PC: baud rates, internal

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 Operation with Tremetrics AR9S the other cable into the audiometer jack marked
Soundroom "Handswitch".
Section X Now take the other end of the cables you have just
installed and plug them into the soundroom jack
You may wish to operate your RA500 Audiometer in
panel. You will notice that the AR9S jack panel has
conjunction with a Tremetrics AR9S Soundroom. To
four receptacles. You can plug the two patch cables
connect your RA500 to the AR9S you will need two
into any of the four. However, in order to be
patch cables. If you purchased your RA500 with your
consistent, it is better to have one standard way so
AR9S, the cables are supplied with the soundroom. If
that it is easier to reconnect if the cables are removed.
you purchased the AR9S by itself, you will need
two(2) 3-wire patch cables. These can be purchased
Connect the headset and handswitch to the
from Tremetrics as part number 24115-0002.
corresponding jacks on the inside jack panel, and you
are ready to begin using your AR9S.
To connect the audiometer to the soundroom, plug
one cable into the jack (receptacle) in the rear panel
of the audiometer marked "Headphones". Then plug

Exterior AR9's Jack Panel

Exterior
(ViewedAR9s
from Jack Panel
outside)
(viewed from outside)
Audiometer TOP

Headset (3-wire patch cable) 1 2

Handswitch (3 -wire patch cable)

3 4

Interior Jack Panel

(viewed from inside)
TOP
Headset
2 1

3-wire cable (headset)

TREMETRICS P/N 24115-0002

4 3

2-wire cable (handswitch)

Handswitch
TREMETRICS P/N 24115 0001

NOTE: Numbers on jack panel sketches shown for refrence only, and do not appear on acutal parts on
soundroom.

Any connection configuration will work as long as the proper cable matches the appropriate
receptacle in which the Headset/Handswitch is connected.

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 What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
Section XI

Your TREMETRICS RA500 Advanced Micro-

processor Audiometer is the result of thousands of
hours in testing, engineering and design. However,
there may be times when you encounter a problem.
The following is a brief summary of problems you
may encounter and what to do to correct the problem.

PROBLEM SOLUTION

1 . Power does not come Unit plugged in?

on.
Unit turned on?
Check fuse (internal).

2 . Skips frequency during Was frequency deleted?

automatic test Check set-up #7.

3 . Power comes on, but no Press display adjust,

display unit will automatically
go to display position
#25 (mid- range).

4 . Left and right tone on Earphone plug may not

same ear be plugged in all the
way.

5 . Response light stays on The earphone has been

plugged into the hand-
switch jack.

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