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A clinical comparison of DPOAE fine structure reduction methods
Steven C Marcrum1, Eva Höfle1, Erin M Picou2
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
International Journal of Audiology
|September 28, 2020
Summary
Frequency modulation effectively reduces distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) fine structure depth without impacting DPOAE amplitude. This method offers a promising approach for clinical applications in audiology.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are crucial for assessing cochlear function.
- DPOAEs can exhibit fine structure, which may complicate amplitude interpretation.
- Real-time methods are needed to refine DPOAE measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate two real-time methods for reducing DPOAE fine structure.
- To compare DPOAE amplitude and fine structure depth across different stimulation methods.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, repeated-measures design was employed.
- Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured using conventional stimulation, a suppressor tone method, and frequency modulation of the f2 primary tone.
- Eighty-three young adults with normal hearing participated.
Main Results:
- The conventional and frequency modulation methods yielded higher DPOAE levels compared to the suppressor tone method.
- Fine structure depth increased with lower stimulus levels (25-45 dB SPL) and lower frequencies (1000-3000 Hz).
- The suppressor tone and frequency modulation methods significantly reduced fine structure depth compared to conventional stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Frequency modulation of the f2 primary tone effectively reduces DPOAE fine structure depth.
- This reduction is achievable across clinically relevant stimulation levels and frequencies.
- The frequency modulation method preserves DPOAE amplitude, making it a valuable clinical tool.
