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Evoked otoacoustic emissions: normative data and presbycusis
P Bonfils1, Y Bertrand, A Uziel
1INSERM U-254 et Service d'ORL, Universités de Montpellier I et II, Hôpital Saint-Charles, France.
Summary
Evoked acoustic emissions (EAEs) are reliable in young adults but decline significantly after age 60. EAE threshold remains stable until 40, then increases, offering insights into age-related hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Evoked acoustic emissions (EAEs) offer a non-invasive method to assess cochlear outer hair cell (OHC) function.
- Understanding age-related variations in EAEs is crucial for accurate audiological interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in EAE properties, including incidence, threshold, and spectrum.
- To establish normative data for EAEs across a wide age range.
Main Methods:
- Studied EAE properties in 151 ears from individuals aged 2 to 88 years.
- Analyzed EAE incidence, threshold, and spectral characteristics in relation to age.
Main Results:
- EAEs were present in 100% of subjects up to 60 years old.
- EAE incidence dropped to 35% in subjects over 60.
- EAE threshold remained stable until age 40, then showed a linear increase.
Conclusions:
- Age significantly impacts EAE incidence and threshold, with notable changes after 40 and 60 years.
- EAE measurements can provide valuable complementary data on OHC degeneration in presbycusis.
- These findings aid in interpreting EAE responses in aging populations.