What action should a hearing healthcare professional avoid when calibrating an instrument for a stapedectomy patient?

In the context of calibrating an instrument for a stapedectomy patient, the action of setting the OSPL-90 too loud should be avoided because it can result in excessive output levels that could be harmful or uncomfortable for the patient. The OSPL-90 represents the maximum sound pressure level that a hearing aid can produce, and it is crucial to set it at a safe and appropriate level for the patient's specific hearing needs and sensitivity.

Overly loud sound levels can cause discomfort or even physical harm, especially for individuals who may have undergone a stapedectomy, as their hearing mechanism has been surgically altered. After such a procedure, patients may have different tolerances for sound, and careful calibration ensures that the hearing aid not only amplifies sound effectively but does so within a safe range.

Calibrating the hearing aid with common practices, such as adjusting frequency response, increasing gain levels judiciously, and ensuring that calibrated equipment is used, is standard. The key is to maintain appropriate loudness levels to facilitate effective communication without causing discomfort or risk to the patient.