The effect of coupling force on bone conduction audiometry.

The present research is devoted to the study of the effect of coupling force on bone conduction threshold determination. The following characteristics of this investigation are listed: A systematic range of coupling forces from 250 to 750 grams (in 100-gram intervals) is used by means of some adopted mechanical devices; A Brüel & Kjaer mechanical impedance head type 8000 (with a mini-shaker) is employed for testing; Test-retest variabilities of bone conduction thresholds are analysed under different coupling forces; Variation of hearing levels under the effect of coupling force is studied.