Bone-Vibrator Measurements: Physical Characteristics and Behavioral Thresholds

Abstract

Both the International Electrotechnical Commission and the American National Standards Institute have issued documents recommending mechanical impedance characteristics for an artificial mastoid. These specifications were intended for use with bone-conduction vibrators that have a circular contact tip area of 1.75 cm 2 and are coupled to the skull with a static force of 5.4 Newtons. Two new vibrators and headband arrangements that conform to these requirements have become available for clinical testing. The investigations herein describe the comparative physical characteristics of these new vibrators on two artificial mastoids and report the results of behavioral studies in which bone-conduction thresholds were obtained and referenced to physical calibration measurements made on the artificial mastoids.