Audiometric Calibration of Aural Acoustic Immittance Instrument:A Review of Acoustic Immittance Instrument's Calibration

Abstract

Audiometric calibration is a prerequisite for securing the reliability of audiometric test results by checking the internal consistency of the relevant instrument. The purpose of this review is to help instrument operators understand the calibration procedure of aural acoustic immittance instrument which is frequently used for objective assessment. By referring to the latest international standards and the national standards relevant to the aural acoustic immittance instrument, the following parameters will be reviewed: 1) introduction of performance characteristics, 2) detailed procedure of the calibration method. According to the newest international and national standards [IEC 60645-5 (2004), ANSI S3.39-1987 (R2012)], the aural acoustic immittance instrument basically includes six components: 1) calibration cavity, 2) acoustic immittance analysis system, 3) probe assembly/unit and signal, 4) pneumatic air-pressure pump system, 5) acoustic reflex activator system and 6) tympanogram and acoustic reflex plotting system, each of these components should meet set standards. The result of behavioral hearing tests is influenced by various complex factors including the examinee's cooperation, background noise of the examination room, measurement method, skill level of the audiologist and calibration status, but the objective hearing tests is more influenced by the calibration status of the instrument than any other factors. The audiologist should take full responsibility for the reliability of the hearing test result, so he/she should carry out the calibration check and adjustments of aural acoustic immittance instrument periodically and maintain the instrument continuously by referring to the newest standards and the manufacturer's instruction manual.