Article
Practical Considerations of Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference Measures in Infants
American Journal of Audiology
(2001)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the practical issues surrounding the use of the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measure in infants in clinical settings. Twenty-two newborns were seen once a month during their first year of life for the purpose of obtaining RECD measurements. Two methods for obtaining the RECD were examined: the commonly used constant insertion depth method and the acoustic method. Differences between the results of the two methods were examined as well as test-retest reliability for each. Findings suggest that no compelling evidence exists to support the use of one of these methods over the other. Use of either method resulted in good test-retest reliability in the midfrequency range of the RECD, with poorer reliability on both ends of the frequency spectrum. Test-retest reliability decreased with increasing age for both methods. In addition, reliability of between-ear RECD values was examined. Between-ear measurements were most reliable in the midfrequency range, and reliability decreased slightly with increasing age.
Keywords
- Infant hearing,
- Real-ear-to-coupler difference,
- Hearing aid fitting
Disciplines
Publication Date
June 1, 2001
DOI
10.1044/1059-0889(2000/006)
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2001 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Citation Information
Tharpe, A. M., Sladen, D., Huta, H., & Rothpletz, A. M. (2001). “Practical Considerations of Real Ear to Coupler Difference Measures in Infants”. American Journal of Audiology, 10(1): 41-49.