[The sensitization of acoustic stapedius reflex]

The acoustic stapedius reflex, which normally occurs at a hearing level of about 85 dB, can be detected at lower levels by means of sensitization. The technique is to apply reflex-eliciting tone and the facilitating tone stimulation. The high-frequency acoustic stapedius reflex can then be detected in this procedure under low-frequency facilitating. When hearing is normal, significant difference can be demonstrated between conventional and facilitated reflex threshold. There is a great amount of reflex threshold improvement with sensitization. Sensorineural hearing loss allowed small or no reflex threshold change with sensitization.