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The auditory steady-state response: full-term and premature neonates
Barbara Cone-Wesson1, John Parker, Nina Swiderski
1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|July 18, 2002
Summary
Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) shows promise for newborn hearing screening. Higher pass rates were observed with specific amplitude-modulated tones, though further research is needed for optimal adaptation in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neonatal screening
Background:
- Universal newborn hearing screening is crucial for early detection of hearing loss.
- Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) is an objective electrophysiological measure of hearing.
- Current screening methods may benefit from enhanced objective measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of auditory steady-state response (ASSR) for universal newborn hearing screening.
- To determine optimal parameters for ASSR testing in neonates.
- To compare ASSR performance in full-term versus premature infants.
Main Methods:
- Two studies investigated ASSR in neonates who passed existing hearing screening tests.
- ASSR was measured using amplitude-modulated tones varying in frequency and intensity.
- Modulation frequency effects were assessed in full-term and premature infants.
Main Results:
- Pass rates exceeded 90% for amplitude-modulated tones at levels >= 69 dB SPL.
- Full-term infants showed higher pass rates with 2000-Hz tones (74-106 Hz modulation) than 500-Hz tones (58-90 Hz modulation).
- Premature infants exhibited lower pass rates compared to full-term infants for both frequencies.
Conclusions:
- ASSR demonstrates potential as a tool for universal newborn hearing screening.
- Optimizing modulation frequency and intensity is key for improving ASSR screening efficacy.
- Further investigation into ASSR thresholds and modulation effects in neonates is warranted.