Introduction
This Quick Guide is intended to provide guidelines on how to use the Interacoustics SKS10 Skull Simulator for bone anchored hearing devices.
Background Info
How do bone anchored systems work?
Bone anchored hearing systems transfer sound to the cochlea via direct bone conduction, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This is similar to the way that sound is transmitted to the inner ear when conducting bone conduction audiometry. With bone-anchored hearing devices, however, it is direct bone conduction; that is, the vibrations do not have to pass through the skin. They are sent directly to the cochlea via the bones of the skull. Therefore, the way that sound is conducted to the inner ear is completely different compared to traditional air conduction hearing aids. With air conduction hearing aids, the output of the hearing aid is measured in dB SPL (sound pressure level). With bone anchored devices, the output needs to be measured as output force level, in dB μN (micro Newton).
What is a skull simulator?
Similar to a 2cc coupler used with traditional air conduction hearing aids, the skull simulator is a coupler on which bone anchored hearing devices can be attached. It will convert the force output of the bone-anchored device to an electrical signal. With this new device, end users will be able to perform measurements on bone anchored hearing devices and evaluate if they are functioning as expected or not.
How does it work?
Setup and Test Instructions
Installing the Skull Simulator License in the HIT440 Software:
Activating the new HIT license:
The Skull protocol might be hidden in the software. To activate it:
Setting up the bone anchored devices Using the SKS10 with the Affinity
Note: The Affinity 2.0 has a default Skull Simulator protocol, which takes element from the ANSI standard for Hearing Instruments. This protocol can easily be edited or modified in the setup menu of the HIT module. It is also possible to create your own protocol.
Skull Simulator Setup Guide in the Affinity 2.0
For further information on the SKS10 and creating or customising protocols, please refer to the Interacoustics Additional Information document.
For further information on how to setup the bone anchored device, please refer to the respective bone anchored hearing device manufacturers’ product information documents.