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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Comparing metrics of cochlear and auditory brainstem function in early-aged ears
Courtney Coburn Glavin1, Kailyn A McFarlane1, Sumitrajit Dhar1,2
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
International Journal of Audiology
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Early aging impacts cochlear and auditory brainstem function, showing declines in distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave I amplitude. These non-invasive measures may help differentiate cochlear from neural hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Auditory Evoked Potentials
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss is a growing concern.
- Understanding subclinical changes in auditory function is crucial for early detection.
- Differentiating cochlear from neural pathology is clinically significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the effects of early aging on cochlear and auditory brainstem function.
- To explore non-invasive measures for distinguishing cochlear from neural pathology.
- To investigate age-related changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave I amplitude.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Measurement of DPOAE level growth in adults aged 18-49 years.
- Assessment of ABR wave I amplitude in the same cohort.
Main Results:
- Both DPOAEs and ABR wave I amplitude showed a decline with age, even with normal audiometric thresholds.
- Age-related decline in ABR wave I amplitude was more pronounced than in DPOAEs for some individuals.
- DPOAE level growth did not predict ABR wave I amplitude.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical cochlear and neural decline occurs in early aging.
- Individual patterns suggest cochlear deafferentation in some participants.
- DPOAEs and ABR wave I amplitude show potential for differential diagnosis of age-related hearing loss.
