A discussion of current sound field calibration procedures

Calibration of sound fields is an area which has caused much confusion and about which there is some uncertainty. Appropriate calibration is essential if hearing results are to accurately represent the hearing status of a patient, and such results significantly affect the management of many patients. This paper outlines the basis of calibration procedures with respect to sound fields, reviews the recent work in this area, and puts forward the options open to audiologists. The issue of using the dB(A) scale rather than attempting to calibrate in dB HL is discussed and recommendations are made.