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An artificial mastoid is a device used to test the performance and calibration of the bone conduction transducer (vibrator) found on some hearing aids and most audiometers. The device itself consists of an accelerometer embedded in a mass approximating to that of the human skull, and is connected to a sound level meter or similar equipment used for the calibration of audiometers.
The transducer is held in contact with the accelerometer by a force of typically 540 grams and the face of the accelerometer has layers of rubber to simulate the compliance of the skin- covered mastoid bone (behind the ear) on which most bone conduction transducers are placed.
Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown. See Title Page for more details