What is the term for the sound pressure level as a function of frequency measured in the ear canal when unoccluded?

The term that describes the sound pressure level as a function of frequency measured in the ear canal when unoccluded is known as the Real Ear Unaided Response (REUR). This measurement provides valuable information about an individual’s ear canal acoustics and how sound interacts with the structure of the ear without any hearing aids in place.

Real Ear Unaided Response is crucial for understanding the natural hearing capabilities of a person, which serves as a baseline for future comparisons when a hearing aid is used. By measuring the sound level in the ear canal without the influence of a hearing aid, audiologists can better assess how the hearing aid will enhance sound perception in the context of that individual's unique ear shape and acoustics.

The other options relate to different contexts or measurements. Real Ear Aided Response refers to measurements taken in the ear canal when a hearing aid is in place. Real Ear Measurement is a broader term that encompasses both unaided and aided responses but is not specific to just the unaided condition. Real Time Monitoring refers to ongoing evaluations during hearing aid fittings or adjustments but does not specifically address the characteristics of the unaided ear. Each term has its place in audiology, but the Real Ear Unaided Response is specifically focused on unoccluded conditions for assessing