Coupler Based Verification: An Overview of Proposed Solution to Solve the Problem of Mismatch between RECDs Using Same Coupling Method

Using the real ear measurement, in addition to accurately fitting of the hearing aids, can reduce the frequent referral of patients to hearing-related clinics. Therefore, audiologists can save time and energy. Currently, real ear assessments are conducted at two general forms in clinics: 1. Real ear based verification, and 2. Coupler based verification. In the present review article, the focus is on coupler based verifications. Because the test of the RECD is one of the main components of the coupler based verifications, we made an attempt to outline the role of this test, based on the new standard of ANSI S3.46-2013, at fitting of hearing aids. Then, using the suggested coupling method, we tried to solve the challenge of mismatch between different RECDs.
We searched the subject of hearing aids verification based on coupler in databases of GoogleScholar, Proquest, Pubmed, and Sciencedirect among the publication between 1980-2017. In this search, we used the following keywords: Hearing Aid Verification, Real Ear to Coupler Difference,RITE hearing aids, and coupling of hearing aids. A total of 45 papers were found and 35 were selected. The present paper is based on these original articles and three related text books.
Using foam instead of silicone domes in receiver of RITE hearing aids, in addition to maintaining the benefits of RITE hearing aids, can result in more gain at low and middle frequencies for patients. Also, in accordance with ANSI S3.46 2013standard, we can use the same coupling method for both coupler based and real ear based verifications.