title: Effect of static force on bone conduction hearing thresholds and comfort.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effect of the static force of a bone vibrator on the results of bone conduction (BC) threshold measurements and comfort.
  
  
  METHODS
  BC thresholds were determined for 40 participants using the standardized P-3333 headband and a leather adjustable headstrap with variable static forces (2.4, 3.4, 4.4, 5.4 N). Comfort ratings were examined using a five-point Likert scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean BC thresholds were within ± 2 dB across all conditions; differences may be considered small enough to be clinically insignificant. Participants experienced significantly greater discomfort with the P-3333 versus the adjustable headstrap. The mean static force of the P-3333 varied considerably and was higher in situ than the calibration standard of 5.4 N.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that future revisions of relevant international and national standards should address the use of an adjustable headstrap and a static force less than 5.4 N.
authors.affiliation: Chesapeake Ear Nose & Throat, P.A., Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, USA. lauratollaud@gmail.com
authors.forename: Laura E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Toll
authors.forename: Diana C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Emanuel
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Letowski
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D001844:Bone Conduction / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014732:Vibration; D055815:Young Adult