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.
Key Words
Hearing aid - infant - probe-tube technique - real-ear-to-coupler difference - RECD
