[Binaural summation of the ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic stapedius reflex (author's transl)]

The binaural summation of the simultaneous contra- and ipsilateral acoustic stapedius reflexes was examined in 20 normal-hearing patients. In these patients, the effect of summation was most pronounced with subthreshold intensities. A contralateral reflex was increased by ipsilateral intensities 8 db below threshold. A reflex could also be elicited by binaural intensities which were contra- and ipsilaterally 4 db below threshold. As a result of our studies, we recommend a revision of the definition of a positive Metz-recruitment. Because of possible binaural summation effects, the absolute value of the contralateral stapedius reflex threshold should not exceed 105 db HL in spite of possible sensorineural hearing loss.