What is the minimal interaural attenuation for supra-aural headphones during air conduction testing?

The minimal interaural attenuation for supra-aural headphones during air conduction testing is 40 dB. Interaural attenuation is critical in audiology, as it refers to the reduction in sound intensity that occurs when sound crosses from one ear to the other. With supra-aural headphones, the typical interaural attenuation is around 40 dB, which means that if one ear receives a sound signal through the headphones, it is assumed that the sound will not be perceived by the opposite ear unless the sound intensity is at least 40 dB greater in the test ear.

In practice, this means when testing with supra-aural headphones, if the intensity level presented to the test ear exceeds this threshold, there is a risk that the sound may be heard by the non-test ear, potentially leading to inaccuracies in hearing threshold assessment. Therefore, the established standard of 40 dB is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of air conduction testing results.