Finding the right occupational health audiometer is an important task. With so many options to choose from, you have to do a lot of research to ensure you’re purchasing a device that will meet all your needs. The biggest barrier to this is the fact that all the information you need is dispersed across the web. That’s why we’ve decided to compare the two of the leading occupational audiometers.

Read on to learn more about how the Tremetrics RA660 matches up to SHOEBOX Audiometry.

Transducer Types

Tremetrics RA660

Comes with TDH-39 transducers, which provide little to no passive noise attenuation. TDH-39s set the industry standard and are approved by OSHA. HB-7 headbands are easily adjustable for optimal patient comfort. Optional Type II SLM is available as an add on to ensure compliance with OSHA noise standards when testing outside of a booth. This also helps obtain more accurate results by minimizing interruption from other patients in a multi-station or mobile environment.

SHOEBOX

Comes with DD450 transducers, which claim to provide a higher level of passive noise attenuation, allowing users to test in more environments. They are adjustable and can perfectly fit any person’s head, making them a comfortable option for the patient. However, they are not approved by OSHA. Also, they are hardwired in, so they can’t be swapped out in the field by a technician.

Calibration

Tremetrics RA660

New devices are shipped calibrated and include annual calibration for free. Additionally, it comes equipped with an integrated bio-acoustic simulator that performs daily calibration checks to ensure consistent, valid results. Daily calibration checks are conducted in under 30 seconds and results are stored and easily accessed afterwards. ID chips in cables ensure headset stays aligned with calibrated audiometer to ensuring electrical compliance.

SHOEBOX

Included in the cost of calibration with all systems. Exceeds the OSHA calibration requirements. Needs exhaustive calibrations on all equipment (including the external Class II microphone that comes standard with all systems) each year. Daily checks must be performed on human subject because it does not come with a bio-acoustic simulator. Also, the electrical integrity is not checked against the device. Requires user to mail transducers to manufacture for in-house calibration. 

Storage of Audiograms

Tremetrics RA660

Operated by HearCon Software, which allows for unlimited storage on PC or network server. Storage limits depend on PC used to operate. Multi-company/database standard for organization and ability to import/export historical data in CSV. or XML files. HearCon LITE mode allows for integration with many common OHS software programs allowing more flexibility across businesses.

SHOEBOX

No storage limit on iPad or in data management portal. However, there is a pay-per-storage fee built into the subscription price. Considering all historical information for the life of a company and their employees must be kept, pay-per-use test and storage fees become fairly high in a short amount of time.

Output Format

Tremetrics RA660

System provides ability to print from audiometer to paper. Compatible HearCon software allows to print to PDF for storage anywhere or upload of paperless binders to client portals.

SHOEBOX

Paperless reporting, with ability to print if desired. Audiograms, as well as full STS, R-STS, and summary reports, available directly on iPad.

Languages

Tremetrics RA660

Provides Instructions to the patient in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Cambodian and Vietnamese. This also re-instructs the patient in the event of an error, such as not releasing the hand switch. Play end of test message options allow flexibility in multi-station environments. – Test is conducted in OSHA-mandated Hughson Westlake Method.

SHOEBOX

Patient-facing screens available in the following languages: Afrikaans, Arabic, Belarusian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, Georgian, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian. Instructions aren't played via audio, the patient must read them as they self-administer their own exam.

Exam Confirmation

Tremetrics RA660

Touch Screen allows for patient to confirm their name and answer necessary questionnaires. e-Signature addition in HearCon software currently pending.

SHOEBOX

Patient/Administrator sign-off directly on iPad, so that exam can be confirmed in real-time.

Health Survey and Questionnaire

Tremetrics RA660

13 Questions in HearCon that patient can answer via touch screen. Unable to be modified.

SHOEBOX

Every SHOEBOX system includes a standardized health survey/hearing conservation questionnaire.

Regulatory Compliance

Tremetrics RA660

ANSI S3.6-1969-2010,MSHA, FRA, DOD, CSA, and OSHA. RA660 meets all requirements for any sort of occupational testing in the U.S. or Canada.

SHOEBOX

Type 3 Screening Audiometer per ANSI/ASA S3.6-2010 and IEC 60645-1-2017. Algorithms comply with ISO 8253 Part 1.Compliant with OSHA, MSHA, FRA, CSA, and other local regulations. Compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, PIPEDA and other privacy regulations. Listed as a Class II medical device with US FDA. Licensed as a Class II medical device with Health Canada. Listed as a Class IIa medical device with Australian TGA and New Zealand WAND. Marked Class IIa in Europe under the Medical Device Directive(98/42/EEC).

Size and Weight

Tremetrics RA660

7.5” W x 7” D x 4.5” H; Weight 2 lbs

SHOEBOX

11" W x 8" D x 6" H; Weight 3 lbs

Warranty

Tremetrics RA660

Valid for 1 year only. Additional service maintenance packages available for the device you purchase.

SHOEBOX

Lifetime warranty on all SHOEBOX systems.

Training

Tremetrics RA660

YouTube training available. Depending on user and needs, in-person training is available in hourly, half-day increments. 30+ locations and reps to support nearly anywhere in the United States.

SHOEBOX

Every SHOEBOX system includes a standardized 90-minute web training as well as access to online training materials.

Operation

Tremetrics RA660

Needs to be plugged into an outlet. Unlimited testing time as long as power is available. Test conducted by microprocessor in automatic and manual configurations.

SHOEBOX

Test is self-administered by patient. Is portable and has a long battery life.

Which is Better for You?

As you can see, both options have their advantages. In the end, it comes down to which device does a better job of meeting your needs. To learn more about the RA660 and how it compares to SHOEBOX, get in touch with your local e3 office today!

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