NASA - Acoustical Testing Laboratory

MACSUG (Manual Audiometer Computer Simulator User Gizmo) is a simulated audiometer interface that provides hearing conservation and audiology educators with an educational resource for simulating and illustrating techniques and principles of manual audiometry and audiogram review.

MACSUG visually displays the process of manual pure-tone, air-conduction audiometric testing, when used in a teaching environment where the user (individual or instructor with students) enters input that simulates the response of the patient. A computer using MACSUG software (when used with a computer projector system or at least the computer's monitor) can display to large groups concepts that demonstrate basic manual audiometry techniques in a format consistent with microprocessor audiometers used in industrial hearing conservation. MACSUG may also be used to teach audiogram review and OSHA recordability determination for industrial hearing conservation programs, including calculation of shifts, STS metrics (with and without age corrections) and average hearing level. MACSUG is intended to be an educational tool for classroom use by an instructor, but it may also be used by individuals who wish to practice or review their understanding of pure-tone audiometric testing and audiogram review principles.

MACSUG simulates screen displays of a typical microprocessor audiometer, including key functions used to determine hearing thresholds in manual air conduction audiometry. This tool is not intended for teaching techniques used in clinical audiological testing (e.g., bone conduction or speech audiometry).

MACSUG is intended to be a generic teaching tool and is not intended to mimic or endorse any commercial product. MACSUG is not intended for clinical use.

MACSUG is available as a downloadable software application for PC. It is recommended that MACSUG be run on a PC running Windows® 95, Windows® 98, Windows ME®, Windows® 2000, or Windows XP®. The minimum recommended display resolution for MACSUG is 1024 x 768.

Special offer for instructors of CAOHC-approved OHC courses and university audiology courses in the U.S.

"Try MACSUG on your coffee break, and we'll give you a mug!" Evaluate MACSUG for us, and (while supplies last) we'll send you an Acoustical Testing Laboratory coffee mug if you report errors or provide us with other helpful feedback using the MACSUG Evaluation Form. (Limited to U.S. mailing addresses.)

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* I am a (Check all that apply)

	Instructor in a university-level audiology or hearing conservation course
	CAOHC-certified Course Director
	Instructor (but not the Course Director) in a CAOHC-approved course
	Instructor in a CAOHC (or similar) Professional Supervisor course
	Audiologist in a clinic or occupational setting
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* I intend to use MACSUG to (Check all that apply)

	Teach principles of manual audiometry in a classroom environment
	Teach or supervise audiology practicum sessions
	Teach principles of audiogram review in a classroom setting
	Counsel patients in a clinic environment
	Study or do homework for a course where MACSUG is required by the instructor
	Study independently for a course where the instructor does not use or require MACSUG
	Other

* I understand that one downloaded copy of MACSUG may be installed on multiple computers owned by the same organization (e.g., multiple machines used for a practicum or owned by a university audiology program). All other uses require separate user registrations for each copy of MACSUG.

* I will not incorporate MACSUG software in whole or part into any product, website, or other media that is redistributed or resold.

* I understand that I am solely responsible for the careful and informed application and use of MACSUG, including the review and interpretation of all output quantities, and for appropriately limiting its use to instructional purposes. I have sufficient experience in and knowledge of manual audiometry and audiogram review principles (or I am a student in a course taught by an instructor with the requisite background).