An update on the external ear resonance in infants and young children

The diffuse field to ear canal sound pressure transformations determined for 26 children (34 ears) from birth to 3 years old, confirm the earlier findings [Kruger B. Ruben RJ. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1987; 103:578-85] that the external ear fundamental resonance frequency is significantly higher at birth (about 6 kHz), and decreases with age to adult values (2.7 kHz) by the second year. The transformations were measured with either single or double probe tubes (coupled to miniature microphones) that were placed in the ear canal of sleeping infants. The accuracy of the magnitude of the transformations is discussed. Previously reported implications for hearing aid selection are supported.