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Basic characteristics of distortion product otoacoustic emissions in infants and children
B A Prieve1, T S Fitzgerald, L E Schulte
1Syracuse University, New York 13244-2280, USA.
Insights
Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are higher in infants and toddlers compared to older individuals. These findings are crucial for understanding DPOAEs in pediatric audiology and hearing loss identification.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Pediatric Hearing
Background:
- Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are a promising non-invasive tool for diagnosing peripheral auditory pathology.
- DPOAEs may be valuable for identifying hearing loss in infants and children, but their characteristics in pediatric populations are not well-defined.
- Previous research has not sufficiently detailed how DPOAE responses in children differ from adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the basic characteristics of DPOAEs across different age groups: infants, toddlers, children, and young adults.
- To identify and define age-related differences in DPOAE measurements.
- To investigate the influence of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) on DPOAE characteristics in pediatric and adult subjects.
Main Methods:
- Measured DPOAE input/output (I/O) functions across seven f2 frequencies in 196 subjects.
- Recorded spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) in the same subjects.
- Analyzed DPOAE levels and their relationship with age, f2 level, and SOAE status.
Main Results:
- Infants (<1 year) exhibited significantly higher mean DPOAE levels than older children and adults.
- Toddlers (1-3 years) showed higher mean DPOAE levels compared to teenagers and adults.
- Higher mean DPOAE levels were observed in individuals with SOAEs across all tested f2 frequencies, independent of age or f2 level.
Conclusions:
- Age-dependent differences in DPOAE levels exist, with younger children demonstrating higher emissions.
- These findings highlight the need to consider age when interpreting DPOAEs for clinical audiological assessment in children.
- The presence of SOAEs is associated with elevated DPOAE levels, suggesting a potential interaction that warrants further investigation.
Abstract:
Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions at the 2 f1-f2 frequency (DPOAEs) are being advocated as a clinical tool for diagnosis of peripheral auditory pathology. Because they can be measured quickly and noninvasively, they may be an excellent method for identifying hearing loss in infants and children. However, few studies have examined the characteristics of DPOAEs in infants and children or detailed if, and how, their responses differ from those of adults. The purpose of the current study was to determine basic characteristics of DPOAEs in infants, toddlers, children, and young adults and to define any differences among age groups. An additional goal was to ensure that the presence of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) did not confound any developmental effect. DPOAE input/output (I/O) functions at seven f2 frequencies and SOAEs were measured from one ear of 196 subjects. Children aged less than 1 yr had significantly higher mean DPOAE levels than older children and adults, and children aged 1-3 yr had higher mean DPOAE levels than teens and adults. These differences were dependent on frequency but were independent of f2 level and SOAE status. At every f2 frequency, groups of individuals having SOAEs had higher mean DPOAE levels than those not having SOAEs.
