Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

A Method Paper For The External Auditory Canal Anthropometrics Study, Clara Marchini, Antony Joseph

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

The anthropometrics of the external auditory canal (EAC) is clinically pertinent to producing effective custom hearing protection devices (HPD). If custom HPDs are incorrectly fit, they will not attenuate an appropriate level of sound, increasing the likelihood that the user might be exposed to hazardous intensity levels. Researchers have attempted to measure the EAC using a multitude of approaches. Research technology, called ear scanning, appears to provide the ability to measure the EAC effectively. This study was designed to identify a procedure to accomplish the following: (1) characterize the anthropometric differences between male and female external ears. (2) identify differences …

A Method Paper For Earplug-Fitting Augmentative Procedures Tested In Groups Of More Experienced And Less Experienced Users Of Hearing Protection, Natalie Dixon, Antony Joseph

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Although a long history of research has led to extensive knowledge about hearing protection devices (HPDs), there has been limited research about procedures that provide aid and verification during HPD insertion, although several studies have reported about HPD training. No standard methods have been established for training of earplug use (Takahashi, 2011).

A review of the literature revealed a need for tools that might be used to improve user ability to properly insert HPDs consistently, even in the absence of training, because training is rarely provided in the workplace. The prevailing research question was "Does the use of simple fitting …