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Visual reinforcement audiometry. Comparison of loudspeaker arrangements
L Magnusson1, E Börjesson, A C Axelsson
1Department of Audiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. Lennart.Magnusson@orlss.gu.se
Scandinavian Audiology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
For Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), close loudspeaker placement (15 cm) offers better monaural stimulation but is sensitive to head movement. Distant placement (50-70 cm) is generally more appropriate for VRA assessments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric audiology
- Acoustics
Background:
- Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) utilizes two common loudspeaker setups.
- One involves loudspeakers 15 cm from each ear on movable arms.
- The other uses loudspeakers 50-70 cm from the child, near picture monitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the acoustic and practical aspects of two VRA loudspeaker arrangements.
- To evaluate real-ear sound pressure levels and sound field conditions for each setup.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of real-ear sound pressure levels.
- Assessment of actual sound field conditions.
- Comparison of close (15 cm) versus distant (50-70 cm) loudspeaker placements.
Main Results:
- The 15 cm loudspeaker position achieved predominantly monaural stimulation.
- Measurements using the 15 cm position were highly susceptible to minor head movements.
- The 50-70 cm loudspeaker position demonstrated greater stability regarding head movements.
Conclusions:
- While the 15 cm setup provides better monaural input, its sensitivity to head movement poses a challenge.
- Loudspeakers positioned 50-70 cm from the child, adjacent to visual stimuli, are a practical and acoustically suitable arrangement for VRA.
- This distant arrangement balances acoustic performance with practical considerations for pediatric audiological testing.