Evaluation of a Probe-Tube Insertion Technique for Measuring the Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference (RECD) in Young Infants

Author： Bagatto Marlene P. Seewald Richard C. Scollie Susan D. Tharpe Anne Marie

Publisher： American Academy of Audiology

ISSN： 1050-0545

Source： Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Vol.17, Iss.8, 2006-09, pp. : 573-581

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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.