Three studies comparing performance of the ER-3A tubephone with the TDH-50P earphone

Three studies compared the performance of the ER-3A Tubephone insert earphone and the TDH-50P-MX41/AR supra-aural earphone. The three factors addressed were: threshold differences in children 7 to 10 yr old compared to adults, differences in real ear attenuation, and threshold differences in the presence of high background noise levels. The influence of insertion depth of the ER-3A Tubephone was also investigated. Findings showed no significant threshold differences between children and adults, significantly better real ear attenuation for the ER-3A Tubephone, and significantly better thresholds for the ER-3A in the presence of high background noise levels. Most critically, there was a significant change in attenuation characteristics of the ER-3A Tubephone, which was dependent on the insertion depth of the ear-tip.