Hearingsafety

COVID19 Hearing best practices
As we monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, everyone is concerned with minimizing the spread of infection. Join Audiologists, Renee Lefrancois and Vanessa Gauthier-Davidson as they offer best practices and guidance to stay safe with your hearing testing programs.
Top Votes
Margaret
If I need to continue testing, how should I proceed?
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
@Margare68210417. We recommend that you proceed with caution, as well as with additional precautions. Additional disinfecting practices as well as social distancing is strongly recommended.
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Margaret
What type of disinfecting practices do you recommend?
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
Following the recommendations of your organization, clinic, or hospital is of the utmost importance.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
@Margare68210417. All equipment should be thoroughly disinfected after each use. A non-alcoholic wipe should be used to clean the headphones and padding. A disinfectant wipe can be used to clean the iPad or other audiometer.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
@Margare68210417. Gloves are recommended when handling equipment in between patients. Ensure cleanliness of all surfaces as well (table, chair, iPad stand, etc.)
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
@Margare68210417. For more detailed information, please refer to SHOEBOX’s blog article on infection control on how to minimize contamination. https://www.shoebox.md/coronavirus-safety-tips-for...
https://www.shoebox.md/coronavirus-safety-tips-for-hearing-test-administrators/
Coronavirus: Read Safety Tips for Hearing Test Administrators
Coronavirus: Read Safety Tips for Hearing Test Administrators
Precautions may be warranted for people administering hearing tests. Read these testing tips, including how to disinfect your SHOEBOX Audiometry system.
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Margaret
thanks @SHOEBOX_Aud - I'll check out the article
Alice Smeeth
How do you suggest we keep "social distance" from employees?
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
Thankfully, the messaging from the medical organization are clear here.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
Recommendations: schedule one employee at a time to avoid having a group to test at once. Schedule employees by leaving a “buffer” between them; 15 minutes between patients is recommended. If using SHOEBOX, disinfect the iPad
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
@alice_smeeth. ...and the headphones prior to the employee walking in and getting the test ready for them. Employees can complete a full test with the administrator being at a minimum of 6 feet away.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
Ask the employee to wipe their headphones and iPad down with disinfecting wipes prior to leaving, after which you can clean them more thoroughly. Pre-arrival screening to ensure patients are not exhibiting signs of illness can also be done by phone or email.
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Alice Smeeth
Perfect - thank you for the recommendations!
Gary Leblanc
What about OSHA timelines and potential audit situations?
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
Excellent question.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
Annual testing guidelines are important, but overall health and restricting unnecessary exposure is more important. We can’t speak for OSHA directly, but I would be hard-pressed to think that an OSHA Inspector would prioritize hearing testing over a potentially fatal,
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
@GaryLB61and highly contagious respiratory illness. On March 15th, OSHA provided the following health and safety recommendations.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
@GaryLB61. Should additional confirmation be warranted, we recommend that you contact your local OSHA representative for further clarification.
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Gary Leblanc
Thanks! Very helpful and informative
SHOEBOX Audiometry
For occupational health organizations, OSHA and your professional supervisor can provide additional guidance during these challenging times.
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Krista Wheatley
If you did not get your question answered or have any follow-up questions, please visit our website at SHOEBOX.md. Or reach out to me directly at krista.wheatley@shoebox.md.
http://SHOEBOX.md
SHOEBOX Audiometry | The iPad Audiometer: Think Outside the Booth
SHOEBOX Audiometry | The iPad Audiometer: Think Outside the Booth
SHOEBOX Audiometry, The iPad Audiometer. SHOEBOX is the world's first clinically validated iPad audiometer. Join the Hearing Healthcare Revolution!
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Krista Wheatley
Our time is almost up, thank you to all that have participated, the full transcript is available to you after the event.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
If you have your hearing testing in-house, such as with tablet audiometry, rescheduling is relatively straightforward and can be resumed the moment it is deemed safe to do so.
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Alice Smeeth
Thank you!
SHOEBOX Audiometry
it would be a good idea to take note of the employees who are due for their annual hearing testing over the next three months. Social distancing recommendations should take precedence over preventative testing.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
we recommend that you follow the directives from your health care organization and/or licensing body regarding interactions with patients.
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SHOEBOX Audiometry
Pausing routine hearing testing is likely on many individuals’ minds at the moment. For our Occupational Health organizations
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