#3 Real Ear Coupler Difference (RECD)

Audiology in Brief #3 - Real Ear Coupler Difference (RECD)

With Covid-19 affecting the way most of us practice in our clinic, we need to look at other ways to fit and validate hearing aids while reducing the amount of clinic visits.

What is involved in RECD measures?

RE- Real Ear - takes the patients ear canal into account (acoustics and anatomy of their ear) and calculates how it is different to the coupler: CD - coupler difference. This RECD measure is used to fit the hearing aid in the test box.

Procedure of RECD

1. Run a measure in the test box with a REM headset, RECD tube attached to a 2cc coupler

2. Run a measure in the ear with the REM headset with either their own mould (if available) or SPL tube

The above 2 measures can be done at the test appointment. (A hearing aid is not needed for this measurement)

3. Step 2 minus step 1 gives you a RECD measure which can then be taken into account when fitting the hearing aid in the coupler. The hearing aid can be adjusted in the coupler without the patient present and then sent to them.

How does it help reduce the amount of clinic visits?

For previous hearing aid users, the “fitting” appointment can be done without the patient present as all the information is available to obtain a best fit and the patient would already be familiar with how to use a hearing aid. Any follow-up appointments can be done via a video appointment if needed, especially now that the latest hearing aids also allow for remote adjusting. 

What other applications can RECD measure be used for?

• Home visits
• Young paediatrics who are unable to sit through a whole fitting procedure
• Profound losses where REM is difficult for very tight-fitting moulds
• Adults with special needs who are unable to be present for the fitting procedure
• To verify multiple features of the hearing aid.

The RECD procedure allows for a quick measure on the patient and then all the adjustments can be performed in the coupler.

Different styles of hearing aids can be fitted in the coupler using different adaptors, most of which you would be familiar with. There is now a new adaptor for couplers for thin tube and custom fittings. These are called Aidaptors™. 

These adaptors replace the old acoustic putty (“Blutak”) that audiology clinicians have traditionally used for coupler measurements. What’s even better is that the Aidaptors were designed right here in Australia, by Matthew Callaway and Doug Lloyd.
The Aidapter™ from Interacoustics is a unique silicone piece that clicks onto the HA-1 adapter. Compared to putty, the Aidapter™ provides a good acoustic seal and standardizes the coupling, ensuring repeatable coupler measurements. The Aidapter™ also eliminates the hassle and hygienic issues of using acoustic putty.
 
The Aidapter™ is compatible with all hearing aid fitting devices from Interacoustics including the Callisto TBS10, TBS25, Affinity 2 and new Affinity Compact.

To place your order please purchase through Sanibel Supply
Item number: 8525568 (Set of 3) – $70 ex GST RRP

For more information, please click here to watch this 4-minute video on Performing Coupler Fittings using the Affinity Compact (RECD).

Also, contact our Audiology/Product Consultants if you have any further questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.