Publication: Determination of acoustic radiation using radioear B81 bone conductor among Malaysian healthy adults
Loading...
Date
2025-07
Authors
Hashim, Nurnadanadhira
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Bone conduction (BC) audiometry is an important clinical hearing test in determining the type of hearing loss. However, the presence of acoustic radiation (AR) produced by the bone conductor, especially at high frequencies, may compromise the validity of the hearing threshold results. This study aimed to determine the presence and influence of acoustic radiation when using the Radioear B81 bone conductor among Malaysian healthy adults. 35 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years with normal hearing and normal middle ear function were recruited. Bone conduction thresholds were recorded in two conditions: unoccluded (open ear canal) and occluded (closed ear canal) at high frequencies: 2kHz, 3kHz, 4kHz, 6kHz, and 8kHz. The results revealed differences in BC thresholds that were statistically significant between occluded and unoccluded conditions at 3kHz, 6kHz, and 8kHz (p < 0.05), with no significant differences at 2kHz and 4kHz. Similarly, the air-bone gap (ABG) values exhibited significant reductions at 3kHz, 6kHz, and 8kHz when the ear canal was occluded, indicating the presence of acoustic radiation on the BC measures in the unoccluded condition. These findings support the hypothesis where acoustic radiation can lead to artificial BC thresholds and false ABGs, particularly at high frequencies. This study highlights the necessity of considering acoustic radiation in BC testing using the B81 transducer and suggests that clinicians should consider occlusion procedures in high-frequency BC testing for more valid audiological tests.
Description
Keywords
Acoustic radiation , Radioear B81