Evaluation of a probe-tube insertion technique for measuring the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) in young infants

Authors

Marlene P. Bagatto, National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. bagatto@nca.uwo.caFollow
Richard C. Seewald
Susan D. ScollieFollow
Anne Marie Tharpe

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-27-2006

Journal

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology

Volume

17

Issue

8

First Page

573

Last Page

81

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.3766/jaaa.17.8.4

Abstract

A common strategy for measuring the real-ear response of the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) in the pediatric population is to insert a probe-tube separately from the eartip. This strategy is at times difficult to implement while attempting to obtain the measurement from a young infant. An RECD probe-tube insertion technique that involves connecting the probe-tube to an eartip with plastic film for simultaneous insertion was examined on 30 infants. Repeated measurements were completed on each infant to obtain within-session test-retest reliability data. Probe-tube insertion depth was also examined across participants to provide a guideline for the infant population. Findings indicate that reliable RECD values can be obtained in infants when the probe-tube is extended approximately two to four millimeters (mm) beyond the eartip or 11 mm from the entrance to the ear canal. Clinical implications of this work are discussed.