Influence of acoustic reflex on pure-tone thresholds in sensorineural patients

Discrete-frequency Bekesy HTLs (.25, .5, 1, and 2 kc/s) of 12 sensorineural impaired Ss (8 bilateral, 4 unilateral) were compared under 3 conditions to determine the influence of the acoustic reflex (AR). The conditions were (1) tones in quiet, (2) tones with contralateral noise 20 db below the AR threshold for noise, and (3) tones with contralateral noise 10 db above AR threshold. The results revealed statistically and clinically significant threshold shifts due to the AR. Clinical implications were discussed.