Prediction of hearing sensitivity from acoustic reflexes in mentally retarded persons

The ability of the sensitivity prediction from acoustic reflex (SPAR) technique to estimate hearing loss in mentally retarded subjects was investigated by comparing measured pure-tone thresholds determined through tangible-reinforcement operant-conditioning audiometry with predicted sensitivity from the SPAR procedure. Measurements were completed on a total of 32 retarded individuals having hearing levels ranging from normal to profound hearing loss. With minor exception, absences of the acoustic reflex were always accompanied by clearly abnormal tympanometry findings in the probe ear; therefore, the problem of unexplained absences of the reflex appeared to be minimal. Hearing loss never was present in those subjects for which SPAR predicted normal hearing, and the SPAR procedure never failed to detect an existing sensorineural hearing loss. On the other hand, there was some tendency for hearing loss to be predicted in normal-hearing subjects and for extent of hearing loss to be overestimated in subjects having a hearing loss.