Objective evaluation of aided thresholds using auditory steady-state responses

Auditory steady-state responses to amplitude-modulated tones with modulation frequencies between 80 and 105 Hz can be recorded when multiple stimuli are presented simultaneously through a soundfield speaker and amplified using a hearing aid. Responses were recorded at carrier frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz in a group of 35 hearing-impaired children using hearing aids. The physiologic responses were recorded at intensities close to the behavioral thresholds for sounds in the aided condition, with average differences between the physiologic and behavioral thresholds of 17, 13, 13, and 16 dB for carrier frequencies 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. The technique shows great promise as a way to assess aided thresholds objectively in subjects who cannot reliably respond on behavioral testing.