An evaluation of the CARL manikin for use in "patient-free" real ear measurement: consistency and comparison to normative data.

Authors

Paula Folkeard, Western UniversityFollow
Muneeb Alam
Robert Koch
Parvaneh Abbasalipour
Susan Scollie, Western UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2023

Journal

International Journal of Audiology

Volume

62

Issue

4

First Page

376

Last Page

382

URL with Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2022.2048104

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Simulation-based learning experiences provide low-risk opportunities for procedural training and practice in audiology. A series of real ear measurements (REM) were completed using Clinical Assistant for Research and Learning (CARL) manikins to determine expected responses and to compare to normative data.

DESIGN: (1) Real-ear Unaided Response (REUR) curves were measured with one CARL and each of three ear styles. (2) Test/retest reliability was evaluated by repeating each REUR. (3) Real ear to coupler difference (RECD) values for foam-tip and custom earmolds were calculated. (4) The reliability across copies of the CARL heads was evaluated by comparing REUR measurement from one set of ears on 4 heads.

STUDY SAMPLE: Four adult CARL manikins and thirty ears (5 sets of large, small, and bent).

RESULTS: Within each ear category, the average difference across frequencies from one ear to the next was less than 2.5 dB with no significant individual difference more than 5.8dB. Test/retest reliability was excellent. Typical REUR and RECD curves were created for each ear style and compared to published data on human ears.

CONCLUSIONS: REM using the adult CARL head are predictable and repeatable making this simulator a good tool for audiological training.