Anthropometric estimates of Real-Ear-To-Coupler Difference in children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can anthropometric measurements be used to estimate real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) in children's hearing aid fitting?
IRAS ID
206870
Contact name
Timothy Wilding
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 28 days
Research summary
In NHS audiology clinics, a measurement called the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) is used routinely when fitting hearing aids to children. The RECD involves placing a small tube into the ear canal, to measure sound pressure level (SPL) across frequency. The difference in sound pressure level between the child’s ear canal and a test device known as the 2-cc coupler is calculated. In this way, a hearing aid can be matched accurately to target in the test device, whilst taking the individual’s ear canal properties into account.
If the patient is unable to sit still and quiet enough for a real-ear measurement of RECD to be made, or if wax or discharge in the ear canal prevents safe insertion of the probe tube, it may not be possible to obtain an RECD. In children for whom an RECD cannot be measured, average values based on the child's age are currently used to estimate RECD.
There is evidence to support that anthropometric measurements (particularly head circumference) can be used to estimate RECD more accurately than age does at present.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0460
Date of REC Opinion
18 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion