Real-Life Communication
You're an audiometric technician assisting an audiologist with an
infancy hearing test. This type of test is called an ABR, or auditory brain
stem response. By analyzing an infant's brainwave patterns, the audiologist
will be able to determine if the child has normal hearing.
Working
with new moms requires special care and attention. They need to be told about
the test procedures and reassured that it won't harm the infant.
"You
work with the public and so communication skills are important," says Toni
Saxton. She is an audiometric technician. The procedure needs to be explained
in a coherent manner.
Saxton says that working with newborns requires
extra communication skills. "I work with a lot of moms and you have to be
patient with them," she says. "You may be with a mom who is having a teary
moment, and you need to be able to listen and offer support while you do your
work."
This is how you explain to a new mother about preparations for
the ABR (auditory brain stem response) test.
"First, the
baby's scalp will be cleaned with an alcohol solution and rubbed gently to
remove oils and dead skin that may have accumulated on the scalp. Next, four
small electrodes will be placed on the infant's scalp using gauze pads, tape
and a glue-like substance that is easily removed. One electrode will be attached
on the forehead, two on the top of the scalp and one at the base of the neck.
"All
of the electrodes can be attached and removed without any discomfort to the
child. In addition, the flow of current can only go in one direction, so the
electrodes cannot harm the infant. Small earphones will be inserted in the
baby's ears. Sounds will be presented through these earphones. The sounds
are soft enough that they cannot damage the infant's hearing or cause discomfort.
"The
child must be asleep while the brainwaves are recorded. To aid in this, mother
and baby can relax in a comfortable chair in a soundproof booth. The study
will take between 40 minutes and an hour to complete. Do you have any questions
or concerns?"
The mother nods her head nervously. "I
have just a few," she says. This is what she asks you:
- Where will the electrodes be attached to the scalp?
- Could the sounds presented cause my baby discomfort?
- How long will the test take to complete?
- Can my baby be nursing during the test or does he need to be asleep?
How do you answer her questions?