[Measurement of evoked otoacoustic emissions in normal-hearing adults]

A system for recording evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE) was developed based on the signal processor normally used in auditory evoked potential measurements. With this system, click-evoked otoacoustic emissions with latencies between 5-10 ms were recorded from all the 59 normal-hearing ears tested. Although EOAE thresholds ranged from -5 to 25 dB SL, 3/4 of them was with 0-10 dB SL. Ten measurements at intervals of 1 week in 4 ears showed that EOAE was quite stable. Thus, the measurement of EOAE was considered of clinical significance as an objective, sensitive and quick hearing-screening test. Its prospect in clinical applications was also discussed.