Reliability of computer-automated hearing thresholds in cochlear-impaired listeners using ER-4B canal phone™ earphones

James A. Henry, Christopher L. Flick, Alison Gilbert, Roger M. Ellingson, Stephen A. Fausti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes the second phase of a study to determine test-retest reliability of hearing thresholds using a computer-automated technique with ER-4B Canal Phone™ insert earphones. The first phase documented reliable hearing thresholds in 20 normal-hearing individuals. For this second phase, 20 individuals with cochlear hearing loss completed the same testing protocol as for phase one. During each of two sessions, hearing thresholds were obtained in one-third octave steps at 500 Hz to 16,000 Hz. The octave frequencies were immediately retested, followed by ear-tip reinsertion and further retesting at octave frequencies. Both groups showed over all good threshold reliability, with observable differences between groups. First, repeated testing resulted in improved hearing thresholds for the normal-hearing group, but not for the cochlear-loss group. Second, the normal-hearing group showed overall better response reliability, both within and between sessions, than the cochlear-loss group. These differences were small but consistent.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)253-264
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
Volume40
Issue number3
StatePublished - May 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Auditory threshold
  • Hearing
  • Reliability of results

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation

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