Gender differences in bone conduction auditory signal processing: Communication equipment design implications

Abstract

Previous research studies have suggested the possibility of gender differences in auditory processing for air conduction (AC) hearing. This study was designed to determine if the same gender differences are also present for bone conduction (BC) hearing and if the gender differences were dictated by the BC transducer location. Thirty participants (15 females and 15 males) ages 18 to 25 years participated in the hearing threshold study. Six frequencies (250, 500, 1000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz) were tested at four bone vibrator locations (condyle, mastoid, vertex, and temple). Hearing thresholds for all conditions were measured and recorded and the BC hearing thresholds were compared to AC thresholds measured during prequalifying hearing tests. A B-72 bone vibrator was used to conduct the BC tests and Telephonics TDH-39P earphones were used for the AC tests. The results of this study suggest that females have significantly lower AC thresholds for the 8000 Hz signal only. The BC hearing analysis indicated that females had significantly better hearing thresholds at 6000 Hz and 8000 Hz. In addition, the location analysis indicated that the BC transducer location may also impact the threshold differences. For instance, in this study females had significantly better hearing thresholds for the 8000 Hz signal at the mastoid location only. Relevance to industry If organizations intend to utilize BC technology as a part of their communication systems, it is important that characteristics which impact signal perception be identified in order to develop the most effective communication devices for the user population.