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Portable stimulus generator for obtaining high-frequency (8-14 kHz) auditory brainstem responses
S A Fausti1, R H Frey, J A Henry
1U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97207.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
A new portable device enables high-frequency auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing for difficult-to-test patients. This innovation facilitates objective, frequency-specific hearing evaluations in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- High-frequency (≥8 kHz) auditory evaluation is crucial for monitoring patients on ototoxic medications.
- Behavioral hearing tests are challenging for some individuals, necessitating objective methods like auditory brainstem response (ABR).
- Existing laboratory ABR systems can evoke high-frequency (8–14 kHz) ABRs but lack portability.
Observation:
- A portable, lightweight (under 5 lbs) device has been developed to generate high-frequency (8–14 kHz) tone-burst stimuli.
- This device is compatible with standard ABR signal averagers.
- The portable system aims to replicate the capabilities of laboratory-based high-frequency ABR testing.
Findings:
- The portable device successfully evokes high-frequency-specific ABRs.
- Case studies demonstrate reliable, frequency-specific responses using the new tone-burst stimuli.
- Intrasubject latencies were found to be reliable over time.
Implications:
- This portable ABR system enhances the ability to conduct objective, high-frequency hearing assessments in diverse clinical environments.
- It offers a valuable tool for serial monitoring of hearing in patients at risk of ototoxicity.
- The technology expands the accessibility of specialized audiological evaluations for patients unable to participate in behavioral tests.