Otoacoustic emissions measured with a physically open recording system

Area of Science:

• Otoacoustic Emissions
• Auditory Physiology
• Bioacoustics

Background:

• Traditional otoacoustic emissions measurement systems use hermetically sealed probes, limiting stimulus bandwidth.
• Physically open systems offer potential for broader stimulus bandwidth but may alter acoustical load.
• Understanding the impact of acoustical load is crucial for validating new measurement techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a physically open recording system for measuring otoacoustic emissions in guinea pigs.
• To compare the magnitude of otoacoustic emissions obtained with open versus sealed recording systems.
• To assess the feasibility of using open systems for a greater stimulus bandwidth.

Main Methods:

• Measured transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) up to 20 kHz and cubic distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) using a physically open system in guinea pigs.
• Compared the amplitude of electrically evoked otoacoustic emissions (EEOAEs) between physically open and hermetically sealed recording setups.
• Analyzed the effect of acoustical load variations introduced by the different recording systems.

Main Results:

• TEOAEs were successfully measured up to 20 kHz, and DPOAEs were recorded at specified frequencies using the open system.
• The amplitude of EEOAEs showed no substantial difference between the open and sealed recording configurations.
• The change in acoustical load did not significantly impact the measured otoacoustic emission magnitudes.

Conclusions:

• A physically open recording system is a viable alternative for laboratory measurements of otoacoustic emissions.
• This system permits a greater stimulus bandwidth compared to traditional sealed probe assemblies.
• The acoustical load variations between open and sealed systems do not significantly affect otoacoustic emission measurements.