Real ear measurement methods for open fit hearing aids: modified pressure concurrent equalization (MPCE) versus modified pressure stored equalization (MPSE).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess differences between real ear insertion gains (REIG) measured with the modified pressure concurrent equalization (MPCE) and modified pressure stored equalization (MPSE) methods for open fittings in a typical audiology patient population.


METHODS
REIGs were compared for the two methods using a warble tone sweep at 65 dB SPL. The differences between the two methods at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz were recorded.


METHODS
Eighty-three ears of a consecutive sample of 48 candidates for open-fit hearing aids were included.


RESULTS
The mean difference between MPSE and MPCE REIGs was less than 1 dB at all frequencies. Analysis of variance showed that the main effect of method was not significant, and there was no significant interaction between method and frequency.


CONCLUSIONS
The results for the MPSE and MPCE methods did not differ significantly for the patients with mild-to-moderate hearing losses tested here, for whom REIGs were generally less than 20 dB. Further research is needed to identify the REIG values at which the differences between MPCE and MPSE methods become clinically significant.
Audiology Department, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK. hashir.aazh@nhs.net
Hashir
H
Aazh
Brian C J
BC
Moore
Deepak
D
Prasher
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D002138:Calibration; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000592:standards; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011312:Pressure; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012984:Software