Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
AMBAND Bone-Conduction Headband
Robert H Margolis1, Janet C Margolis1
1Audiology Incorporated, Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Purpose:
As bone-conduction thresholds vary with the coupling force between the vibrator and the head, it is important that the coupling force be within the range specified by audiometer standards. The development and validation of AMBAND, an elastic headband for coupling an audiometric bone vibrator to the head, in either the mastoid or forehead position, is described.
Methods:
The headband was constructed from woven, fold-over elastic with Velcro attachment points to produce the proper force on the head for various head sizes. Force measurements were made with a digital force gauge on five artificial heads, representing adult females, adult males, children (age 6 years), infants (age 6 months), and newborns with the bone vibrator in the mastoid and forehead positions. Additional measurements were made with the Radioear P-3333 spring band that is in common use.
Results:
Force measurements were highly repeatable within a given headband and across headbands. Force measurements for AMBAND were within the range specified by the ANSI S3.6-2018. The Radioear P-3333 spring band produced force levels that exceeded the specified range and had higher variability compared with AMBAND.
Conclusion:
AMBAND can be used to couple audiometric bone vibrators to the head in the forehead and mastoid positions during bone-conduction testing to provide accurate threshold measurements.
