External Ear Resonance Characteristics in Children

Abstract

External ear resonance characteristics were determined for 78 children ages 3–13 using an ear canal probe tube microphone system. The average peak resonant frequency was 2848 Hz (range: 1774–4039), and the average measured gain at the eardrum was 18.9 dB (range: 11.5–26.7). Correlations of average peak resonant frequency and peak resonant amplitudes with age, height, weight, head circumference, and/or canal opening area were poor. These values are very similar to the adult data reported by Shaw (1974). Slight deviations can be attributed, in part, to the different sound field calibration methods used.