Question
The measurement of Acceptable Noise Levels looks interesting to me and I would like to start using it clinically. I noticed on the instructions for the test that there seems to be a special adjustment box that is used by the patient. Is that really needed? How did the subjects adjust the loudness level of the stimulus.
Answer
We use a stimulus button, a mouse, which signals the examiner to move the stimulus up or down. For example, the person in the booth is holding the mouse. One button on the mouse says up and one says down. We have the mouse connected to an indicator box. So when the listener pushes up, a green button on the indicator box flashes, and when the listener pushes down a red light flashes. The person giving the test can then turn the stimulus up and down as needed. All of that said, you do not need to use any sort of special equipment. We have had people give thumbs- up and thumbs-down when we measure ANL clinically. If you would like additional information on the ANL measurement, please visit our lab's website at web.utk.edu/~aspweb/faculty/nabelek/anl.shtml.
Melinda C. Freyaldenhoven, Ph.D., CCC-A (Assistant Professor): Mindy earned the Ph.D. degree in Speech and Hearing Science from The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) in 2006. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Louisiana Tech University (Ruston).
Patrick N. Plyler, Ph.D., CCC-A (Assistant Professor): Patrick earned the Ph.D. degree in Speech and Hearing Science from The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) in 1998. He then moved to Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge), where he was an Assistant Professor for 5 years. In 2004, Patrick returned to The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) as an Assistant Professor.
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