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Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions from normal human ears. Preliminary report
Scandinavian Audiology. Supplementum
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) were detected in 26% of normal ears. These emissions, primarily occurring between 1-2 kHz, showed stable frequencies but variable amplitudes, consistent with existing literature.
Area of Science:
- Otoacoustic Emissions Research
- Auditory Physiology
- Human Hearing Science
Background:
- Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) are low-level sounds generated by the cochlea.
- Understanding SOAE characteristics is crucial for assessing cochlear function.
- Variability in SOAE occurrence and properties requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the occurrence rate of SOAEs in a cohort of normal hearing ears.
- To analyze the frequency spectrum and amplitude of detected SOAEs.
- To evaluate intra- and intersubjective variability of SOAEs in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) in 104 normal ears from 52 subjects.
- Analysis of SOAEs' rate of occurrence, frequency spectrum, and amplitude.
- Assessment of intra- and intersubjective variability in SOAE characteristics.
Main Results:
- SOAEs were detected in 26.0% of ears and 30.8% of subjects.
- Bilateral SOAEs were observed in 68.8% of subjects with detectable emissions.
- Strongest emissions occurred between 1-2 kHz (96.3%), with amplitudes of 3-20 dB SPL above background noise; spectra were frequency-stable but amplitude-variable.
Conclusions:
- SOAEs are present in a significant portion of individuals with normal hearing.
- The frequency range and spectral stability of SOAEs are consistent findings.
- Observed variability in SOAEs aligns with existing literature, supporting their use as a diagnostic tool.