Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
[Automated hearing threshold estimation in newborns using extrapolated DPOAE input/output functions]
1Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik, Technischen Universität München, Klinik rechts der Isar, Munich. t.janssen@lrz.tum.de
Background And Aim:
A new method for automatically assessing hearing loss by means of extrapolated DPOAE I/O-functions was applied for the first time in newborns.
Methods:
DPOAE I/O-functions were recorded in 118 ears of 93 newborns (mean age 3 days) at 12 frequencies between 1 and 8 kHz. L(2) was varied between 20 and 65 dB SPL with L(1)=0.4L(2)+39 and f(2)/f(1)=1.2. Auditory thresholds were constructed using the estimated DPOAE threshold level from extrapolated DPOAE I/O-functions. Follow-up measurements were conducted in 15 ears 4 weeks later.
Results:
The first measurement revealed a high-frequency hearing loss. The second measurement showed normal hearing function. This fact and the decrease of DPOAE level in the frequency range of the hearing loss, while keeping the compressive shape of the DPOAE I/O-functions, indicate that transitory sound conduction disturbance may be due to amniotic fluid.
Conclusions:
The method fulfils the essential criteria for screening newborn hearing. It is fast and easy to handle, and measurement and data analysis are performed automatically. Preliminary results suggest that the new method is able to differentiate between transitory middle-ear dysfunction and persisting cochlear disorders. Due to its better diagnostic capabilities in comparison to TEOAE, DPOAE, and FAEP, this method may provide a new instrument with which to make a fast evaluation of hearing function in children.
