Author Archives: AU Bankaitis

About AU Bankaitis

A.U. Bankaitis, PhD is a clinical Audiologist with extensive clinical, research, and business experience within the hearing industry. She is Vice President of Oaktree Products, a multi-line distributor of audiology supplies and screening/diagnostic test equipment. Dr. Bankaitis created this blog to educate her colleagues and providers in the hearing health care industry on viable product solutions for their patients and/or clinical practice.

Cool Tool for Audiologists to Have Handy

Posted on November 4, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

A mirror is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about tools needed in the audiology clinic but we all have them and we all use them with our patients. There is a new mirror available that is … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools & Accessories | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Stand Alone Amplified Answering Machines Making a Comeback!

Posted on November 2, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

While there are several corded and cordless amplified telephones currently available with built-in answering machines, the stand-alone answering machine is making a comeback!  Two new products have been recently introduced, offering a unique feature beneficial not only for those patients with … Continue reading →

Posted in Hearing Assistance Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Stand Alone Amplified Answering Machines Making a Comeback!

Sizing Up Ear Gear

Posted on October 28, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

The Ear Gear Retainer and Protection System  is a spandex sleeve that fits snugly over  a variety of BTE hearing instruments,  BAHA, and cochlear implant processors and designed to protect these devices from moisture and dirt. Available in both cordless and corded versions, the corded … Continue reading →

Posted in Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers & Moisture Protection | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Rechargeable Otoscope Batteries…there is a difference!

Posted on October 26, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

There are three general types of rechargeable batteries available for otoscopes including Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium Ion (LI-ON). Appreciating how these battery technologies differ from one another should help in making an informed otoscope purchase decision in the future. Of the three … Continue reading →

Posted in Otoscopes, Headlamps & Earlights | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

IR versus RF TV Listening Devices

Posted on October 14, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

TV listening devices allow individuals to adjust the volume of the TV according to their needs without making it too loud for others. The main components of a TV listening device include a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter interfaces with the TV (or other audio … Continue reading →

Posted in Hearing Assistance Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Get a handle on recharging your full-size Welch Allyn NiCad otoscope

Posted on October 12, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

Recharging the NiCad battery of a standard full-size Welch Allyn otoscope handle (Model 71000-A) requires accessing the portion of the handle that plugs into a standard wall outlet.  To do so, unscrew the otoscope handle at midpoint to reveal the hidden prongs. While … Continue reading →

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Suction Pump that really sucks….in a good way

Posted on October 7, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

Considering a suction pump for your practice? Check out the Pro-Power Vacuum/Aspirator. There are a couple of things that makes this product a favorite. First, it is a relatively inexpensive suction pump designed not only for removing cerumen and debris from hearing instruments, but may … Continue reading →

Posted in Cerumen Management | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Is a written infection control plan necessary?

Posted on October 5, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

One common questioned I am asked when presenting on the topic of infection control is whether a written infection control plan is really necessary. The short answer to this question is “YES”!.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires … Continue reading →

Posted in Infection Control | Tagged , , | 9 Comments