What is an acoustic leak? Why is reflectance low at low frequencies?
Print
Created by: Judi Lapsley Miller
Modified on: Wed, Apr 24, 2019 at 10:17 PM
Reflectance measurements can be affected by an acoustic leak. This occurs when there is an incomplete seal between the eartip and the ear canal, which lets stimulus sound out and noise in. This shows up at low frequencies as low reflectance and also as a high equivalent volume. In a normal ear, reflectance is high at low frequencies and equivalent volume is usually much less than 2cc. For certain pathologies such as TM perforation, reflectance will be low at low frequencies. We recommend that when you see this pattern, to reinsert the probe tip, possibly with a wider tip, and repeat the measurement. The results will be very repeatable if it is a true pathology, but first you need to ensure there is no leak.
Judi is the author of this solution article.
Did you find it helpful?
Yes
No
Send feedback Sorry we couldn't be helpful. Help us improve this article with your feedback.