Real-Ear Measurements
79
Figure 5.1.2.3B – Unaided response with correct insertion of the probe tube
5.1.2.4 To level the sound field
Leveling is a process that takes into consideration all the inconsistencies in the sound field. In order
to get accurate measurements, it is critical that the sound field is leveled for every patient and every
ear. The leveling process only uses the reference microphone placed above the client’s ear. It does
not use the probe microphone, so it doesn’t matter whether you insert the probe tube before or
after you level the sound field speaker.
If you have the Composite Option, leveling is done with a flat-weighted composite signal and takes
just a few seconds. If you don’t have the Composite Option, leveling is done with a pure-tone
sweep, taking slightly longer than composite leveling.
1. Position the client in front of the sound field speaker as described in Section 5.1.2.1.
2. Position the earhook and reference microphone as described in Section 5.1.2.2.
3. Enter the real-ear measurement screen by pressing F5 from the Coupler Screen.
4. Press LEVEL and START/STOP. This will attempt to level the sound field speaker.
If leveling is achieved, the word LEVELED will appear in the Status box. See Figure 5.1.2.4. If level-
ing is not achieved, the word UNLEVELED will appear in the Status box. There is an intermediate
stage where neither LEVELED or UNLEVELED appears. Pushing the LEVEL and START button again
will often produce the desired leveling.
The client must be in the same position for leveling and real-ear testing.
