Speech reception via bone conduction

• Main Author: Morris, Sherry G.
• Format: Others
• Published: PDXScholar 1989
• Subjects: Speech perception; Bone conduction; Speech audiometry; Speech and Hearing Science
• Online Access: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3908; https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4917&context=open_access_etds

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the performance-intensity function for spondees delivered via bone conduction (using the Radioear E-72 and Pracitronic KH-70) differed from the performance-intensity function for air conduction (using TDH-39 earphones). A secondary consideration addressed in this study was the comparison of the discrimination scores using the three transducers. Performance-intensity functions for spondee thresholds were calculated on 12 normal hearing subjects using two bone conduction vibrators, the Radioear B-72 and Pracitronic KH-70, and TDH-39 earphones. Results indicated that there was no significant difference between the performance-intensity function of speech via bone conduction as compared to speech via air conduction. Also, there was no difference between the Radioear b-72 and Pracitronic KH-70 bone conduction vibrators. Discrimination scores also gave similar results between transducers. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the use of speech tests, such as the speech reception threshold and discrimination tests, which were originally designed for use via air conduction can safely be used for bone conduction.