Ear-canal impedance and reflection coefficient in human infants and adults. Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • The ear-canal impedance and reflection coefficient were measured in an adult group and in groups of infants of age 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months over frequency range 125-10,700 Hz. The development of the external ear canal and middle ear strongly affect input impedance and reflection coefficient responses, and this development is not yet complete at age 24 months. Contributing factors include growth of the area and length of the ear canal, a resonance in the ear-canal walls of younger infants, and a probable influence of growth of the middle-ear cavities. The middle-ear compliance is lower in infants than adults, and the middle-ear resistance is higher. The power transfer into the middle ear of the infant is much less than into that of the adult. Such differences in power transfer directly influence both behavioral and physiological measurements of hearing. The difficulties of interpretation of neonatal tympanograms are shown to be a consequence of ear-canal wall vibration. Impedance and reflectance measurements in the 2-4-kHz range are recommended as a potentially useful clinical tool for circumventing these difficulties.

publication date

  • November 1, 1993

has subject area

has restriction

  • closed

Date in CU Experts

  • September 6, 2013 9:24 AM

Full Author List

  • Keefe DH; Bulen JC; Arehart KH; Burns EM

author count

  • 4

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0001-4966

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 2617

end page

  • 2638

volume

  • 94

issue

  • 5