A METHOD OF PERFORMING REAL EAR MEASUREMENTS BY PLACING A PROBE ELEMENT AT AN INTENDED POSITION FROM A TYMPANIC MEMBRANE OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S EAR CANAL AND A MEASURING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO CARRY OUT SUCH METHOD.

摘要

This invention relates to a method of performing real ear measurements by a measuring system (100). The measuring system (100) comprises a probe element (1) adapted to be inserted in the ear canal (10) of an individual; a loudspeaker (2, 2') configured to deliver a sample sound signal to the ear canal (10); at least one microphone (3, 3') configured to detect a response to the sample sound signal, wherein the probe element (1) is in acoustic communication with the loudspeaker (2, 2') and cooperates with the at least one microphone (3, 3');and a signal processing unit (4) for performing an acoustic measurement of a response to the sample sound signal, based on an electrical input signal from the microphone (3, 3'). The method comprises the steps of a) placing the probe element (1) at a trial distance (dreal) from the tympanic membrane (15); b) emitting, by the loudspeaker (2, 2'), at least a sample sound signal in the ear canal (10), detecting a response to the sample sound signal by the probe element (1) and measuring, by the signal processing unit (4), the spectrum of the sample sound signal;c) estimating, based on the spectrum measurement, a prediction distance (d_pred) of the probe element (1) from the tympanic membrane (15); d) only if the prediction distance (d_pred) is less than a first measuring distance threshold value, providing the information that the probe element (1) is at a target position (p_target) suitable for performing real ear measurements and performing a real ear measurement. If not, the method comprises the steps of e) determining a correction distance (d_corr) as a function of the prediction distance (d_pred); f) instructing the adjustment, by an operator, of the position of the probe element (1) according to the indication of said correction distance (d_corr), thus reaching a residual distance (d_res) of said probe element from the tympanic membrane (15); g) reiterating steps from b) to f).