What is combined in the "bridge-and-brace" technique?

The "bridge-and-brace" technique refers to the method of combining hands and instruments during a hearing aid fitting or assessment process. This approach emphasizes the importance of both the clinician's manual dexterity and the effective use of diagnostic and fitting tools to ensure accurate results and patient satisfaction. By utilizing both hands for precise adjustments and manipulating instrumentation, the specialist can achieve better outcomes in hearing aid fitting and adjustments, addressing the nuances of an individual's needs effectively.

In the context of hearing aid fittings, having both hands available allows for tasks such as adjusting the hearing aid physically while also working with the software or tools necessary to configure settings accurately. This synergy enhances the overall fitting experience and allows for real-time adjustments that can be made based on patient feedback.

The other options do not represent the correct interpretation of the "bridge-and-brace" technique. For instance, while probe microphone measurements and fitting targets are critical in hearing aid fitting processes, they do not encapsulate the combined effort of hands-on manipulation with instruments. Similarly, items like a speculum and otoscope or a camera and video otoscope serve specific purposes in examination and visual assessments but do not align with the concept of integrating hands for a tactile-based hearing aid fitting approach.