Test-Retest Variability in Audiometric Threshold with Supraaural and Insert Earphones among Children and Adults

Abstract

The effect of age and earphone condition on test-retest intrasubject variability in audiometric threshold was investigated. Ten subjects in each of the following age groups were investigated: 6–9 years, 10–13 years and young adults. Test-retest audiometric thresholds were collected at six frequencies (250, 500, 1 000, 2 000, 4 000 and 8 000 Hz) under three earphone conditions (Telephonics TDH-50P supraaural and Etymotic Research ER-3A insert earphone coupled to an immittance probe cuff or a foam insert). No statistically significant differences were found in variability of test-retest differences as a function of age, earphone condition or test frequency (p > 0.05). The clinical application of the insert earphone is recommended with children and adults as it affords no greater test-retest variability and at the same time provides a solution to a number of limitations incurred with the use of the supraaural earphone.

Key Words:

• Test-retest variability
• Audiometric threshold
• Insert earphones