A calibration procedure for the assessment of thresholds above 8000 Hz

A technique is described to estimate the sound pressure level developed by a broad frequency response transducer at the tympanic membrane. Real-ear probe tube measurements near the tympanic membranes of 10 subjects were used to obtain frequency-dependent correction values for a custom-designed flat-plate coupler. These latter measures can be used for routine calibration of the transducer. Audiometric thresholds from 250 to 16000 Hz were obtained on 14 children (5-18 years). Threshold estimates were found to be comparable to previously reported values. Potential application and limitations of this technique are discussed.