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Evoked otoacoustic emissions in normal-hearing infants and children: emerging data and issues
1Department of Hearing and Speech, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
Insights
Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) are a valuable tool for assessing hearing in children. Data show EOAE amplitude decreases with age, even in healthy individuals, prompting further research into its causes.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric audiology
- Otoacoustic emissions
Background:
- Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) are a non-invasive method for assessing cochlear function.
- EOAEs are particularly useful for evaluating hearing in pediatric populations.
- Understanding age-related changes in EOAEs is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present preliminary data on EOAEs in normal-hearing subjects across a wide age range (birth to 29.9 years).
- To investigate the relationship between age and EOAE amplitude.
- To discuss the implications of these findings for pediatric audiological assessments.
Main Methods:
- Screening of normal-hearing subjects.
- Measurement of evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) at a fixed stimulus level.
- Statistical analysis of EOAE amplitude in relation to age.
Main Results:
- EOAEs were found to be present and robust in infants.
- A statistically significant decrease in EOAE amplitude was observed with increasing age.
- This age-related decline occurred even in a carefully screened sample of normal-hearing individuals.
Conclusions:
- Age-related changes in EOAE amplitude are evident in normal-hearing individuals.
- The underlying causes for this decline (e.g., developmental changes, cochlear wear) require further investigation.
- Further research is needed to optimize the application of EOAEs in pediatric audiology.
Abstract:
Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) are a promising tool for evaluating cochlear status in children. Preliminary data from normal-hearing subjects ranging from birth to 29.9 years old are discussed. EOAEs are present and robust in infant ears. However, there is a statistically significant decrease in EOAE amplitude for a fixed stimulus level with increasing age even in a carefully screened sample. At the present time it is unclear if these age-associated changes are due to normal developmental changes in the external and/or middle ear acoustics, normal developmental changes in cochlear mechanics and/or everyday cochlear wear and tear. Issues related to further application of evoked emissions to pediatric populations are discussed.