Objective hearing screening for infants, children, and adults

The Welch Allyn 39500 OAE Hearing Screener is a handheld, automated screening instrument that measures distortion-product otoacoustic emissions to help assess cochlear outer-hair-cell function.

It is designed for objective hearing screening in pediatric practices, hospitals, physician offices, primary-care facilities, occupational-health programs, school-health settings, and other professional healthcare environments. The system can be used with infants, children, and adults and does not require a behavioral response from the patient.

Fast automated OAE testing

The screener automatically generates test tones through the probe, measures the resulting otoacoustic emissions, and displays a Pass or Refer result.

The standard 39500 model performs DPOAE screening across approximately 2–5 kHz. Under the manufacturer’s stated DPOAE screening conditions, testing may be completed in approximately 8–16 seconds per ear.

In-the-ear calibration and AutoStart

The device checks probe fit and in-the-ear calibration before beginning the screening.

Its AutoStart function helps verify that testing conditions are acceptable, while screen prompts guide the operator through probe placement, test initiation, result review, printing, and data management.

Pass and Refer screening results

After testing, the screener displays the result on its integrated screen and stores it in internal memory.

A Pass result indicates that otoacoustic emissions were detected according to the selected screening protocol. It does not confirm that the entire auditory system is normal. A Refer result should be followed by appropriate professional evaluation and diagnostic hearing testing.

Stores up to 250 test results

The system can store up to 250 completed tests in non-volatile internal memory.

Results remain stored if the device is switched off or the battery becomes discharged. Stored results can be printed using the included thermal printer or transferred to a compatible computer for review and documentation.

Wireless and USB connectivity

The 39500 supports wireless communication with the included thermal printer and compatible computers.

USB connectivity allows the screener or charging cradle to connect to a computer running compatible Welch Allyn Data Manager software. The software supports patient-list transfer, result review, archiving, and export.

Rechargeable handheld operation

The hearing screener contains an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to approximately 15 hours of operating time between full charges.

The included charging cradle provides a convenient storage and charging location and can also support USB communication with a compatible computer.

Complete system with thermal printer

The 39500 configuration includes the handheld OAE screener, probe, charging cradle, thermal printer, disposable ear-tip starter kit, calibration certificate, connectivity cables, power supply, and Welch Allyn Data Manager software.

The wireless printer allows test results to be documented immediately at the point of care.

Single-use ear tips

The included starter kit contains color-coded disposable ear tips in multiple sizes to support different ear-canal dimensions.

Each ear tip is intended for single-patient use and must be discarded after use. The probe must never be placed into an ear canal without a properly installed probe tube and compatible ear tip.

Annual calibration and professional servicing

Annual calibration is recommended to maintain measurement performance and electrical-safety compliance.

The integrated battery is not user-replaceable. Calibration, repair, and battery replacement must be performed by Baxter or an authorized service provider.

Key Features

• Handheld automated OAE hearing screener
• Distortion-product otoacoustic-emission testing
• Suitable for infants, children, and adults
• No behavioral patient response required
• Screening frequency range of approximately 2–5 kHz
• In-the-ear calibration
• Automatic probe-fit and test-condition checks
• AutoStart test initiation
• Guided screen prompts
• Pass or Refer screening results
• OLED information display
• Four-button control interface
• Three test-status indicator lights
• Stores up to 250 tests
• Wireless result printing
• USB result transfer
• Compatible Welch Allyn Data Manager software
• Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Up to approximately 15 hours of operation
• Charging cradle included
• Thermal printer included
• Ear-tip starter kit included
• Calibration certificate included
• Annual calibration recommended
• One-year manufacturer limited warranty

Common Applications

• Newborn and infant hearing screening
• Pediatric hearing screening
• Adult objective hearing screening
• Primary-care hearing assessment
• Pediatric physician offices
• ENT practices
• Hospital screening programs
• School-health programs
• Occupational-health screening
• Community hearing-screening events
• Patients unable to complete behavioral audiometry
• Screening before referral for diagnostic audiologic evaluation

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Welch Allyn

Product Family: 39500 Series OAE Hearing Screener

Model: 39500

Product Type: Handheld otoacoustic-emissions hearing screener

Measurement Method: Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions

DPOAE Frequency Range: Approximately 2.0–5.0 kHz

DPOAE Stimulus Intensity: Approximately 50–65 dB SPL

Probe Microphone Noise:

• Approximately -20 dB SPL at 2 kHz with 1 Hz bandwidth
• Approximately -13 dB SPL at 1 kHz with 1 Hz bandwidth

Result Format: Pass or Refer

Internal Storage: Up to 250 test results

Display: OLED information display

Controls: Four-button keypad

Status Indicators: Three LED test-status indicators

Data Connections:

• USB communication
• Wireless Class 2 + EDR communication
• HDMI probe connector

Wireless Range: Up to approximately 30 m line of sight under the stated operating conditions

Battery Type: Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Battery Operating Time: Up to approximately 15 hours

Instrument Dimensions: Approximately 7 × 2.75 × 1.25 in

Instrument Weight: Approximately 6.4 oz / 180 g

Probe Cable Length: Approximately 40 in / 1 m

Probe Weight: Approximately 1 oz / 28 g

Power-Supply Input: 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz

Power-Supply Output: 5 VDC, 1.6 A

Operating Temperature: 59°F–95°F / 15°C–35°C

Operating Humidity: 30%–90%, non-condensing

Maximum Operating Altitude: Approximately 6,000 ft / 2,000 m

Transport and Storage Temperature: 41°F–104°F / 5°C–40°C

Calibration: Annual calibration recommended

Warranty: One-year manufacturer limited warranty

What Is Included

• Welch Allyn 39500 OAE Hearing Screener
• OAE screening probe
• Charging cradle
• Wireless thermal printer
• Printer power equipment
• Single-use ear-tip starter kit, approximately 3–15 mm sizes
• USB-A to Micro-USB communications cable
• USB-A to USB-B cradle communications cable
• Charging cable and approved power supply
• Calibration certificate
• Welch Allyn Data Manager software
• Quick Start Guide
• Directions for Use
• Product documentation

Compatible Accessories and Replacement Items

OAE Hearing Screener Probe Assembly
Part Number: 39402

OAE Hearing Screener Power Supply
Part Number: 39405

OAE Charging Cradle
Part Number: 39513

HM-e200 Wireless Printer Set
Part Number: 39510

Printer Paper
Part Number: 39412

HM-e200 Printer Battery Pack
Part Number: 39516

Printer USB Cable
Part Number: 39503

Replacement USB Cable
Part Number: 39414

OAE Carrying Case
Part Number: 39415

Replacement Micro-USB Cable
Part Number: 39424

Single-Use Ear-Tip Starter Kit
Part Number: 39420

Replacement Probe Tubes, 100/Package
Part Number: 39421

Important Use Information

• Use only by or on the order of a licensed medical professional.
• Use only approved single-use ear tips.
• Do not clean or reuse disposable ear tips.
• Never insert the probe tube into the ear canal without a compatible ear tip.
• Select the correct ear-tip size and confirm an appropriate ear-canal seal.
• Replace dirty, blocked, worn, or damaged probe tubes.
• A Pass result does not confirm that the complete auditory system is normal.
• A Refer result requires appropriate follow-up and diagnostic assessment.
• Do not use the device in oxygen-enriched or potentially explosive environments.
• Annual calibration and authorized service are recommended.
• The integrated battery is not user-replaceable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Welch Allyn 39500 measure?

It measures distortion-product otoacoustic emissions generated by the cochlea in response to test tones.

What ages can be screened?

The system is designed for objective OAE screening of infants, children, and adults.

Does the patient need to respond?

No behavioral response is required, making the screener suitable for newborns, young children, non-verbal patients, and patients unable to complete conventional behavioral hearing tests.

What frequencies are tested?

The standard 39500 DPOAE model tests approximately 2–5 kHz.

How long does a screening take?

Under the manufacturer’s stated DPOAE conditions, screening may take approximately 8–16 seconds per ear.

What results does it provide?

It provides a Pass or Refer screening result.

Does a Pass result confirm normal hearing?

No. A Pass result indicates that otoacoustic emissions were detected according to the selected protocol but does not confirm that the entire auditory system is normal.

What should happen after a Refer result?

A Refer result should be followed by appropriate professional evaluation and diagnostic audiologic testing.

How many tests can be stored?

The device can store up to 250 completed tests.

Is a printer included?

Yes. The 39500 configuration includes a wireless thermal printer.

Can test results be transferred to a computer?

Yes. Results can be transferred through USB or a compatible wireless connection using Welch Allyn Data Manager software.

Is the battery rechargeable?

Yes. The device contains an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

How long does the battery operate?

The manufacturer specifies up to approximately 15 hours of operating time between full charges.

Are ear tips reusable?

No. Ear tips are single-use products and must be discarded after each patient.

Does the system require calibration?

Annual calibration is recommended.

What warranty is provided?

The manufacturer provides a one-year limited warranty, subject to the applicable warranty terms.

Documents and Downloads

Welch Allyn 39500 OAE Hearing Screener Instructions for Use — PDF

https://www.hillrom.com/content/dam/hillrom-aem/us/en/sap-documents/LIT/80022/80022349LITPDF.pdf