An evaluation of the CARL manikin for use in “patient-free” real ear measurement: consistency and comparison to normative data

Abstract

Objective

Simulation-based learning experiences provide low-risk opportunities for procedural training and practice in audiology. A series of real ear measurements (REM) were completed using Clinical Assistant for Research and Learning (CARL) manikins to determine expected responses and to compare to normative data.

Design

(1) Real-ear Unaided Response (REUR) curves were measured with one CARL and each of three ear styles. (2) Test/retest reliability was evaluated by repeating each REUR. (3) Real ear to coupler difference (RECD) values for foam-tip and custom earmolds were calculated. (4) The reliability across copies of the CARL heads was evaluated by comparing REUR measurement from one set of ears on 4 heads.

Study Sample

Four adult CARL manikins and thirty ears (5 sets of large, small, and bent).

Results

Within each ear category, the average difference across frequencies from one ear to the next was less than 2.5 dB with no significant individual difference more than 5.8 dB. Test/retest reliability was excellent. Typical REUR and RECD curves were created for each ear style and compared to published data on human ears.

Conclusions

REM using the adult CARL head are predictable and repeatable making this simulator a good tool for audiological training.

Keywords:

• Manikin
• probe microphone measurement
• simulation
• clinical training
• task-trainer

Disclosure statement

Robert Koch is President and Founder of AHead Simulations.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was provided through a grant from the Ontario Centres of Excellence. The authors take responsibility for the content and writing of this paper.