Publication Date

1973

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Zachman, Thomas A.||Lankford, James E.||Shearer, William M.

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Speech

LCSH

Hearing--Experiments

Abstract

This study was designed to compare interaural attenuation values obtained using an ear canal insert device with the values obtained using a standard earphone. Twelve subjects with complete unilateral hearing losses tracked their thresholds in response to fixed frequency pulsed tones from a Bekesy audiometer at the frequencies of 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. The difference in decibels between the average tracings for the good ear and the average tracings for the poor ear for all conditions and at all frequencies was considered to be the interaural attenuation for the insert device or the standard earphone. The results of the analysis of variance revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the insert device and the standard earphone. There were also statistically significant differences for the three conditions and for the frequencies. Further statistical analysis was employed to determine if there were statistically significant differences between two means of any condition at a specific frequency. These differences were discussed in detail. Due to the variability in interaural attenuation values obtained with the ear canal insert device, it could not be recommended for routine clinical use. The minimum interaural attenuation values obtained with the ear canal insert device also indicated that the use of this device for routine clinical audiology could not be recommended. Analysis of the data indicated that interaural attenuation values might be increased by uncovering the non-test ear during air conduction threshold procedures.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

x, 111 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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