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The acoustic reflex at low sensation levels
Audiology : Official Organ of the International Society of Audiology
|November 1, 1976
Summary
Preactivation techniques enable the detection of the acoustic stapedial reflex at lower hearing levels (30-50 dB HL). This method aims to determine hearing thresholds even in patients with non-horizontal hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Hearing Science
Background:
- The acoustic stapedial reflex is a key indicator of auditory function.
- Typically elicited at 80 dB HL, its detection is limited in cases of hearing impairment.
- Assessing hearing thresholds in patients with non-horizontal hearing loss presents diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce novel techniques for detecting the acoustic stapedial reflex at reduced sound intensity levels.
- To enable the determination of hearing thresholds using stapedius reflex thresholds in challenging patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of two preactivation techniques for acoustic stapedial reflex measurement.
- Testing the efficacy of these methods at hearing levels ranging from 30 to 50 dB HL.
Main Results:
- Successful detection of acoustic stapedial reflex activity at significantly lower hearing levels (30-50 dB HL) using preactivation.
- Demonstration of the feasibility of using these techniques to assess hearing thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Preactivation significantly lowers the detection threshold for the acoustic stapedial reflex.
- These techniques offer a valuable tool for audiological assessment, particularly in patients with non-horizontal hearing loss.