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Real ear to 6-cm3 coupler differences in young children
1Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Real-ear sound pressure levels measured in children and adults show similar differences by age two. Individual real-ear measurements are crucial for audibility across the speech spectrum.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric audiology
- Acoustics
Background:
- Supra-aural earphones are commonly used for hearing assessments.
- Understanding ear canal acoustics in children is vital for accurate hearing evaluations.
- Differences between real-ear measurements and 6-cm3 coupler measurements can impact hearing aid fitting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare real-ear sound pressure levels (SPLs) between children and adults using supra-aural earphones.
- To determine when ear canal acoustics in children become similar to adults.
- To assess the need for individualized real-ear measurements in audiological assessments.
Main Methods:
- Measured real-ear SPLs in children (9 months to 7 years) and adults.
- Presented pure-tone signals at nine frequencies (250–6000 Hz).
- Calculated real ear to 6-cm3 coupler differences (RECDs) for each frequency.
Main Results:
- Average RECDs were similar for children and adults by 2 years of age.
- Significant intersubject variability was observed across all age groups.
- Findings highlight potential discrepancies in supra-aural earphone measurements.
Conclusions:
- Children's ear canal acoustics approach adult norms around age two.
- Individualized real-ear threshold measurements are essential for ensuring audibility.
- Accurate hearing aid amplification requires consideration of real-ear differences.