Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in schoolchildren
W Wiktor Jedrzejczak1, Krzysztof Kochanek1, Edyta Pilka1
1Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, ul. M. Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland; World Hearing Center, ul. Mokra 17, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|September 14, 2016
Summary
Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) are present in 37% of children and are linked to higher transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) levels, indicating their importance in cochlear function assessment.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Cochlear Physiology
Background:
- Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) are understudied OAEs.
- Understanding SOAE prevalence and relation to TEOAEs is crucial for audiological diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine SOAE prevalence in schoolchildren.
- Investigate the relationship between SOAE presence/absence and TEOAE levels.
Main Methods:
- Measured SOAEs and TEOAEs in 7-13-year-old children with normal hearing.
- Utilized synchronized SOAE detection (SSOAEs) with click-evoked responses.
- Employed matching pursuit for SSOAE detection and standard nonlinear protocol for TEOAEs.
Main Results:
- SOAE prevalence was 37%, higher in females and right ears.
- An average of 2.3 SOAEs were detected per ear.
- TEOAE levels were significantly higher in ears with SOAEs.
Conclusions:
- SOAEs, though not universal, reflect key cochlear function aspects.
- SOAE presence correlates strongly with elevated TEOAE levels.
- Findings support the clinical relevance of SOAEs in audiological assessments.
